How can I keep my Cat in a Flat account secure?

It goes without saying that safety is our highest priority for you and your pets. We are constantly enhancing our website to ensure the security of both cat parents and sitters. Additionally, we've highlighted several proactive steps you can take to stay safe online.

Recognise suspicious behaviour
When to contact Cat in a Flat
How to proactively protect your account

Recognise suspicious behaviour

While it rarely happens, people will attempt to take advantage of others online to gain information or money without any intention of using Cat in a Flat's services. Keep an eye out for the following types of suspicious activities:

Phishing

Cat in a Flat Support will never ask you for your username or password. However, phishing messages usually include requests for personal information, such as:

Your full name
Your email address
Your phone number
Your password
Your financial information

Phishing messages may also contain a link or an email that looks like it leads to a trusted website or account, but it may download malicious software to your computer. If you believe you’ve received a message like this on Cat in a Flat, don’t respond or click on any links. Instead contact us right away.

Overpayment

In this situation, you may be asked to accept payment outside the Cat in a Flat website. This person may send you a cheque for more than they owe you, and then ask you to reimburse them. Typically, the cheque they give you will bounce, but they’ll keep the money you sent them. Never accept payment via cash or cheque - always accept payment through Cat in a Flat.

Advance fee

In this situation, you may be asked to accept payment outside the Cat in a Flat website through various payment services. They'll usually offer a reward which never materialises.

Other unusual requests

Keep an eye out for other unusual requests or behaviours, like the following:

Messages that ask you to provide a service unrelated to Cat in a Flat, like being a personal assistant
Messages from an owner asking you to contact their friend outside of Cat in a Flat because they'd like to use your services, such as the owner's "boss"
Messages or phone calls that use odd or complicated language and/or include a sympathetic story that may seem over the top
Personal info that suddenly changes and is different from what they've told you before, like a family member's name or email address
Impatient behaviour, like an owner who wants you to respond or do something that seems questionable right away
Messages that ask you to follow a link

When to contact Cat in a Flat

If you experience any of the above situations, don’t hesitate to contact us as soon as possible. The sooner we know, the sooner we can take action.

How to proactively protect your account

1. Recognise Cat in a Flat official emails.

Official emails from Cat in a Flat will end in @catinaflat.com. If you see any other address in the “From” line of an email you’ve received, it’s likely not from Cat in a Flat. Be careful when responding and never disclose personal information via email.

If you are unsure, contact us separately so we can confirm whether the request was from us or not.

2. Create a strong password.

Your password should be at least 8–10 characters and include a unique combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Be sure to change your password regularly and don’t use the same password for multiple accounts you keep online.

3. Make sure the web page is secure before logging in to your Cat in a Flat account.

A web page is secure if the URL (web address) begins with “https://”. Depending on what web browser you’re using, you might see a padlock icon too:

For extra security we would recommend downloading our app.

4. Use Cat in a Flat's secure payment.

Always pay and communicate on Cat in a Flat website or through the Cat in a Flat app. That way, you’ll have the benefit of our 24/7 support team and your profile will remain in line with our Terms and Conditions. We’ll never ask you to enter payment information anywhere but on the Cat in a Flat site or app while booking a service.

If you are a cat sitter and you need to update your payment details, please only do this through your Settings on Cat in a Flat.

5. Look out for suspicious emails, links or messages on Cat in a Flat.

Don’t follow links or download attachments from unverified sources or people you don’t know. This is a good rule of thumb for your personal email account and your Cat in a Flat inbox.

6. Make sure your web browser is secure.

Always keep your web browser updated to the latest version.

7. Report suspicious conversations.

If you come across a suspicious-looking Cat in a Flat profile or have a strange conversation in your inbox, let us know right away.