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?
Finding reliable cat sitting options has become my latest quest. 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. Cat sitting requires a mix of trust, research, and possibly a minor background check worthy of the FBI.
After diving deep into the world of cat sitting, I realized that not all sitters are created equal. Some come with glowing reviews, while others… well, let’s just say I wouldn’t trust them with a potted plant, let alone my demanding furballs. Whether it’s a professional service, a trusted friend, or an experienced sitter, finding the right cat sitting arrangement is a must for my peace of mind – and, of course, for my cats’ royal standards.
Why Finding the Right Cat Sitting Isn’t as Simple as It Sounds
People say, “Oh, just hire a cat sitting service!” 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 sitting option should be easy. Right? Well… kind of. While there are plenty of local and international cat sitting 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. It connects pet owners with sitters worldwide, making it a potential game-changer for cat sitting. Unlike traditional pet boarding, cat sitting through this platform allows cats to stay in their own environment, reducing stress (for both them and me).
For someone like me, who overthinks every little detail about my cats’ well-being, finding the right cat sitting arrangement is crucial. The idea of having a sitter stay in my home and care for my fur overlords while I travel sounds both convenient and terrifying.
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 to help you find the best fit.
- 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 receiving dedicated cat sitting, so you can 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 cat sitting company, 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 for cat sitting, 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!
Making Cat Sitting Stress-Free
Leaving your cat behind while traveling is never easy, but with the right cat sitting solution, you can have peace of mind knowing your feline overlord is well cared for. Whether you opt for a professional sitter, a trusted friend, or a service like TrustedHousesitters, the key is finding someone who understands your cat’s unique needs. If you’re looking for even more ways to keep your cat happy and healthy – whether you’re home or away – check out The Ultimate Guide to Raising a Cat – 7 Steps to a Healthier, Happier Cat for expert tips on feline care.
Do you have experience with cat sitting? Have a funny story about leaving your cat in someone else’s hands? Share it on Cats Magazine’s Facebook page – I’d love to hear from you and see photos of your whiskered royalty!
