If you’re going away, the cat question lands early: cattery, neighbour, or sitter?

A lot of UK owners now skip the cattery altogether. A sitter who comes to the flat means the same windowsill, the same feeding time, and no carrier battle in the hallway, which matters more if your cat is elderly, on medication, or simply hates the car.

What in-home cat sitting actually looks like

In-home cat sitting means a caregiver looks after your cat in your own home while you’re away. Instead of packing your cat into a carrier and driving to a cattery, a sitter drops in once or twice a day (or stays overnight) to handle food, water, litter trays, and quiet company.

Cats hate change. That’s really the whole argument for keeping them at home.

They keep their own sofa, their own sunny spots, and their own rules. A good sitter steps into their routine rather than forcing them into a new environment with strange scents and unknown animals next door. It also means your flat doesn't look empty while you're travelling: bins get put out, post gets picked up, and lights go on.

That said, it’s not for every single situation. In-home sitting isn’t always cheaper than a good cattery, and you’re trusting someone with your house keys. But for nervous, senior, or strictly indoor cats, avoiding the car ride alone is often worth it.

When a sitter makes the most sense

You don't always need a sitter for a quick overnight trip if your cat is healthy and independent. But for longer trips or specific care needs, having a reliable person drop in makes all the difference:

• Holidays & bank holidays: Especially peak travel times when local catteries fill up months in advance.
• Medication & complex routines: I’d always pay extra for someone who’s handled arthritis meds or insulin before; charm doesn’t help if the tablet routine goes wrong.
• Older cats & shy rescues: Senior cats often deteriorate fast when stressed by travel. A familiar spot on the duvet beats a pen anywhere else.
• Kittens & multi-cat houses: Kittens get bored fast, while three cats in one household usually cost less with a single drop-in sitter than paying per pen at a cattery.

Keeping your cat’s everyday environment predictable is one of the kindest decisions you can make when travelling.

Finding someone you actually trust

Finding a good sitter comes down to clear communication, background checks, and meeting beforehand.

On my first meet-and-greet, the sitter sat on the floor for ten minutes just talking softly while my cat eyed them from under the bed. That patience told me more than any profile bio.

When looking for care:

1. Start local: Look for someone nearby who can easily reach your neighbourhood, especially if you need morning and evening visits.
2. Check verification & reviews: Read sitter bios, check identity verification badges, and review authentic feedback from other local owners.
3. Do a proper meet-and-greet: Have them come over before your trip. Show them the food cupboard, the litter tray setup, and how the front door lock sticks.
4. Clarify emergency contacts: Give them your vet’s details and confirm who to contact if your cat seems off-colour or unwell.

If you’re looking for verified local sitters, you can browse profiles in your area on CatsOnly.

The owner checklist: writing notes that actually help

Don't leave a five-page manual, but don't rely on memory either. Leave clear, informal notes on the kitchen counter:

What to leave on your notes

• Food: What, how much, what time, and whether they only eat if you pretend not to watch.
• Litter tray care: Where spare litter lives, scoop frequency, and disposal bags.
• Quirks & favourite spots: Hiding places, shy behaviour, favourite toys, or their favourite brush.
• Medication & vet contact: Exact dosage timings, administration tricks, vet address, and emergency contact details.
• House basics: Key quirks, alarm codes, plant watering, post collection, and bin schedules.

Sharing these details in advance gives your sitter complete confidence during their first visit.

What does cat sitting cost in the UK?

Cat sitting rates vary across the UK depending on location and whether you need single visits, twice-daily drop-ins, or overnight stays:

• Single drop-in visit (30 mins): Expect roughly £12–£20 outside major cities, or £15–£25 in London.
• Twice-daily visits: Typically £22–£35 a day.
• Overnight stays: Usually £35–£65+ per night, and these book up quickly around bank holidays and summer peaks.

When comparing pricing, look for platforms with transparent per-visit rates without extra owner booking fees added on at checkout.

So, is it right for you?

If your cat gets stressed in carriers, has a strict medication routine, or simply loves their own home, in-home care is usually the calmest choice for everyone involved.

When you're ready to arrange care, you can explore verified local sitters and read owner reviews on CatsOnly.