Meet & Greets are free and give cat owners and sitter the opportunity to meet in person. A Meet & Greet takes place in the cat owner's home and is an essential first step to your booking as it allows you to see how you and your kitty get on with your chosen sitter.
Do you have to have a Meet & Greet?
Yes, it is important to meet your cat sitter in person if it’s your first time booking with them. This gives you the opportunity to discuss your kitty’s needs and routine. You can also take them around your home and give clear instructions such as where to find the cat food, where the bins go and how to find Mr Whiskers should he be hiding in his favourite sleeping spot. It is also the opportunity to hand over your keys.
Important: Please arrange your Meet & Greet at least 2-3 days before your booking is due to start, do not leave it until the last minute.
What to discuss during your Meet & Greet
Great communication is key to a successful booking. This is your opportunity to ask your cat sitter questions, give them clear instructions and make sure they will meet you and your cat's expectations.
You can download our useful Meet & Greet template here.
Things to discuss about your cat/s:
Your cat's feeding times and routine. Is it strict or flexible?
Food and water bowls should be cleaned daily. Do you also have a water fountain that needs topping up?
Is your cat outdoor or indoor? What is their daily routine?
Does your cat use a litter box? There are many different types of cat litter so please give your cat sitter clear instructions on how/when to clean it and how to dispose of the daily poop and wee clumps. Do not assume the sitter knows what to do, this will lead to unnecessary misunderstandings.
Is your cat shy, nervous or friendly? Does s/he have a favourite hiding spot? If so, where?
Is your cat on a strict diet or are treats allowed?
Does your cat like to play? Where are the toys kept?
Does your cat need medication? Please give your sitter clear written instructions, even if they have previous experience
Things to discuss about your booking:
Does the sitter have a regular full-time job? What time during the day/evening would they be able to visit your cat and how long would a visit be?
Is your cat sitter staying overnight? From what time to what time can you expect them to be at your home?
Is there a wifi password they can use?
Do you have a CCTV camera?
Where are your cleaning products and bin bags kept?
Does the bin need to go out?
Would you like regular daily updates/photos?
Do you need plants watered, post collected and lights turned on? Within reason most sitters will do these tasks for free.
When would you like the keys returned? Due to unforeseen circumstances, we would suggest the key is only returned once you are home. It’s best not to have the sitter pop it through the post box in case they need to do an extra feed due to a travel delay for example.
Important: Once you are happy with your choice of sitter, please confirm your booking through Cat in a Flat as per our Terms & Conditions. Never pay by cash —this makes your booking ineligible for our Cat in a Flat Guarantee and 24/7 customer support.
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