Leaving My Cats Behind: The Struggle is Real
I’m thinking about traveling. This time, after a long time – without my cats. (Cue dramatic music.) As much as I love having them around, sometimes I need to escape, explore new places, and experience life beyond the land of cat hair and strategically placed hairballs. But that brings up the ultimate dilemma: who will take care of my cats while I’m away?
In my search for the best cat sitters, I found a few options that work pretty much anywhere in the world. But let’s be real – handing over my precious feline overlords to a stranger is not an easy decision. It takes a mix of trust, research, and possibly a minor background check worthy of the FBI.
Why Finding the Right Cat Sitting Isn’t as Simple as It Sounds
People say, “Oh, just hire a pet sitter!” as if it’s as easy as ordering takeout. But cats are not dogs. They don’t wag their tails when new people arrive. They judge. They observe. They plot revenge. So, finding someone who understands their unique personalities is crucial.
Having lived in Bruges, Belgium – one of the most charming cities in Europe – I figured finding a reliable cat sitter should be easy. Right? Well… kind of. While there are plenty of local and international services available, I still need to overcome my chronic over-caring tendencies before I can relax and trust someone else with my fur babies.
I’ve traveled before, leaving my cats in the care of family members, friends, and professional cat sitters. Each time, it felt like I was abandoning them on a lonely island (even though they were actually lounging in a heated bed with unlimited food and toys).
TrustedHousesitters: A Solution Worth Exploring?
One platform that caught my attention again is TrustedHousesitters. I actually made an account there a few years ago but – classic me – forgot my password.
But let’s focus on what this platform offers.
How TrustedHousesitters Works
TrustedHousesitters is like a matchmaking service, but instead of finding your soulmate, you find someone to watch your cat while you’re away. Here’s how it works:
- You create a listing: Describe your cat’s quirks, routines, and royal demands (e.g., “Pierre must be addressed as ‘His Majesty’ before feeding”).
- Sitters apply: People who love animals (and possibly free accommodation) apply to watch your pet.
- You review profiles: Each sitter has reviews, references, and verification levels.
- You choose a sitter: Hopefully, someone who doesn’t mind getting stared at in judgmental silence by your cat.
- They stay at your place: Your cat gets to stay in its own kingdom while you travel stress-free.
It sounds simple, but I still have questions.
Is It Safe to Let a Stranger Watch My Cat?
That depends. TrustedHousesitters has a review system, identity verification, and background checks to help ensure safety. But at the end of the day, it comes down to trusting your instincts. Reading reviews, interviewing potential sitters, and even setting up a video call can help ease concerns.
What Does It Cost?
Unlike hiring a traditional pet sitter, TrustedHousesitters works on a membership model. Instead of paying per visit, you pay an annual fee for unlimited pet-sitting matches. Here’s the breakdown:
- Basic Membership: €129/year – Unlimited pet sits, but no extra perks.
- Standard Membership: €169/year – Includes insurance and dedicated support.
- Premium Membership: €259/year – Includes sit cancellation protection and premium support.
Considering the cost of traditional pet sitters (which can be €15-€30 per visit), a TrustedHousesitters membership could save money if you travel often.
Will I Use Cat Sitting Services?
I’m still deciding. Handing over my cat-parent duties isn’t easy, but I know that when I do travel, my cats deserve to be cared for by someone trustworthy. TrustedHousesitters offers a great option, but I’ll probably triple-check every sitter’s profile before making a decision.
If you’re planning to travel and need someone to watch your cat, I recommend exploring different cat-sitting options and choosing what makes you feel most comfortable. Because at the end of the day, we all just want to come home to a happy, well-fed, and slightly annoyed cat.
Safe travels, fellow cat lovers!
