Locating the right care for your beloved feline friend while you’re away isn’t always easy. When deciding between an in-home pet sitter and a professional cattery, various factors come into play. In this post, I’ll explore the pros and cons of both options. As a pet owner, I have walked in your shoes, utilizing both sitters and boarding for my own beloved pets. They each have their place but I thought I would share the advice I share when people ask me for my opinion.

Pros of an In-Home Pet Sitter:

  • Familiar Environment: Your kitty gets to stay in the comfort of its own home, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, and smells.
  • Personalized Attention: With an in-home pet sitter, your cat may receive more one-on-one attention, catering to its specific needs and preferences.
  • Reduced Stress: Cats are known for being territorial creatures, and staying in a familiar environment may reduce the stress associated with changing surroundings.

Cons of an In-Home Pet Sitter:

  • Limited Supervision: Unless your pet sitter stays overnight, your cat may be left alone for extended periods, potentially leading to loneliness, anxiety and sometimes undesirable behaviors. Just because they are physically at their home, doesn’t mean they won’t miss you and the routine they are accustomed to.
  • Safety Concerns: Despite the best intentions, accidents can happen at home, and your cat may be exposed to hazards that a cattery would be equipped to avoid. I can’t tell you how many regulars have told me they stopped using a cat sitter when their cat accidently escaped from their home.
  • Limited Expertise: Not all pet sitters are trained in feline behavior and health, which may result in overlooked signs of distress or medical issues.
  • Special Needs Consideration: While a pet sitter may seem like an obvious choice, it may actually be harder if they are unable to locate your cat or provide the specialized care needed because your cat hides or resists.

Pros of a Professional Cattery:

  • Professional Expertise: Professional catteries often have trained staff members who are knowledgeable about feline behavior, health, and when to seek emergency care. I am licensed, bonded and certified in Fear Free Methodologies. I worked for a vet while completing my undergraduate degree also which was an experience that has made me a better pet caretaker. I also have regular refreshers for my Pet CPR certification.
  • 24/7 Supervision: Catteries provide continuous supervision, ensuring that your cat is safe and attended to at all times. You never need to wonder how your kitty is doing because you can look forward to regular updates from me personally. In addition to my regular visits to the lodge, I have round-the-clock surveillance so I can check on kitties when needed remotely. This works really well for a new kitty that I might be monitoring food/water intake for a bit more closely.
  • Socialization Opportunities: In a cattery, your cat has the chance to not only have regular visits from me, but also to participate in enrichment that is meant to provide entertainment and engagement. Simply playing with a cat for 5-10 min and leaving for 18 hours is just not enrichment.

Cons of a Professional Cattery:

  • New Environment: Transitioning to a new environment may cause initial stress for your cat, but reputable catteries take measures to make the adjustment as smooth as possible. I have a very successful protocol for boarding new kitties and can proudly say I’ve never hosted a cat that I felt would be better served with a pet sitter. I’ve also found that after a visit or two, cats become familiar with me and often stroll right out of their carriers.
  • Cost: Professional catteries may SOMETIMES be more expensive than hiring an in-home pet sitter, especially a teenager who is caring for your cat while going about their daily life. The added benefits and peace of mind can outweigh the cost for many pet owners. A lot of pet sitters actually charge more than my nightly rate.

Ultimately, the decision between an in-home pet sitter and a professional cattery depends on your cat’s personality, needs, and your own preferences. While in-home pet sitting offers familiarity, a professional cattery provides specialized care, expertise, and continuous supervision, making it a safer option for many cat owners who don’t compromise their feline friend’s well-being.