What should I look for in a cat sitter?

May 20, 2004 2:08 PM

I'm looking for a cat-sitter in DC. Given that it scares me a bit to have someone coming into my home when I'm not there, does anyone have recommendations or things I should be looking at specifically?
posted by occhiblu to Pets & Animals (8 answers total)

I live in Alexandria, so I can't point you to somebody in DC specifically, BUT I've had a VERY BAD dog walker and a sketchy cat sitter (in another city), so can tell you what to look out for:

1. REFERENCES - Check them, and if they seem sketchy or unsure of how much they love the cat sitter, find somebody else.

2. Insured/Bonded/Business License - I'm all for small operations, but make sure they are legit by asking to see proof of this stuff.

3. Ask around for recomendations from friends/neigbors. Still get other references though.

4. Go with your gut feeling - I used a neighborhood guy as a dog walker whose references I had checked, and although his references weren't very enthusiastic, we hired him. We thought he was a little odd, but we were both 'well, he's a dog walker, so it's ok that he's a little weird.' Well, he ended up being very weird (too much too tell here) so we ended up firing him when he thought he wasn't really a good guy.
posted by drobot at 2:16 PM on May 20, 2004

"what drobot said", esp. item #2 since you'll be letting them into your home, plus you might want to check out the professional association Petsitters and maybe ask your vet too.
posted by Stoatfarm at 2:42 PM on May 20, 2004

I know of a good one on Capitol Hill. You don' t have contact info on your user page, so email me if you want a name.
posted by MrMoonPie at 6:59 AM on May 21, 2004

I too am on Capitol Hill, and I will gladly sit your cat if you're Metro-accessible and the schedule fits.

I'm not a professional, though I have a finicky white Persian of my own. If you want a seasoned professional, I can also refer you to a guy on the Hill. In fact, it's entirely possible it's the same guy to whom MrMoonPie is referring.
posted by brownpau at 7:12 AM on May 21, 2004

Ask, and you shall receive.

Indeed.
posted by troutfishing at 7:33 AM on May 21, 2004

Response by poster: MrMoonpie, I just emailed you.

Brownpau, your user page doesn't have contact info either, so: I'm looking for someone for the last three weeks of July, in Logan Circle. If you're available/interested/affordable, let me know at lnosal at explorica.com. Or else send along your Capitol Hill recommendation.

And now you're all fully updated on my feline needs.

Thanks to everyone!
posted by occhiblu at 9:14 AM on May 21, 2004

Got it, occhiblu! One back at you.

Hey brownpau, now I'm curious...is it Paul?
posted by MrMoonPie at 11:02 AM on May 21, 2004

Nope, MoonPie, it was this guy -- that link's for occhiblu too. I recommend him; just make sure to leave written instructions.

Oh, my email is in my profile, but you have to view source. :D My username at gmail.
posted by brownpau at 11:36 AM on May 21, 2004