So you’re heading out of town and need someone trustworthy to care for your favorite feline? We totally get it—leaving your cat in someone else’s hands can feel a little nerve-wracking. Whether your cat is the shy, peek-from-behind-the-couch type or a bold little adventurer, finding the right sitter makes all the difference.

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🐾 1. What experience do you have with cats specifically?

Cats aren’t just small dogs—they’re a whole different vibe. A sitter should understand cat body language, behavior, and how to respect their space (especially with shy or senior cats). Look for someone who’s not only comfortable with cats but truly gets them and would notice if something was "off."

🐾 2. Are you insured and background-checked?

This one’s a big deal. Just like hiring a roofer, there’s a big difference between choosing a professional and someone doing a side job. Professional pet sitters carry liability insurance and have passed a background check—it’s about protecting you, your home, and your pets.

Many pet parents don’t realize there are professional standards and best practices for pet sitting—like proper insurance and certifications—that help ensure a sitter is truly prepared and reliable.

Hobby sitters aren’t backed by the same protections or accountability as a professional pet care business, which can leave you and your pets vulnerable if something goes wrong. Everyone has the right to choose what feels best for their furry family, but we believe informed decisions lead to the safest outcomes.

After all, we believe your pets are even more important than your roof. 🐾

🐾 3. What kind of updates will I get while I’m away?

You deserve peace of mind! Ask if you’ll get photos, notes, or visit summaries and how often. At Ocala Pet Sitting, we send updates through our app with timestamps & GPS tracking, as well as tons of cute pictures and a full rundown of how your cat is doing every visit—because yes, we know you’ll miss them and want to see they are well!

🐾 4. Do you have any professional certifications or training in pet care and emergency preparedness?

Great sitters don’t just show up—they take safety seriously and stay educated to give your cat the best care possible. At a minimum, we hope they’ve completed pet CPR and first aid training. From there, ask if they’ve earned any professional certifications.

Programs like Pet Sitters International’s Certified Professional Pet Sitter (C.P.P.S.) designation require continuing education and demonstrate strong knowledge in pet care, health, and emergency protocols. Having one or more of these credentials is a good sign that your sitter is committed to providing expert-level care and staying current in the field.

🐾 5. What’s your backup plan if you get sick or have an emergency?

Life happens. Illness, emergencies, car trouble—you name it. So it's important to ask: What’s your backup plan if you can’t make it to a visit? A responsible sitter will have a contingency plan in place to make sure your cat is never left without care. You wouldn't want them to send just anybody (unfortunately this does happen).

Solo sitters should have a trusted colleague or professional connection who can step in if needed, ideally someone who’s familiar with your cat and care routine, especially if you don't have anyone locally on standby.

Team-based businesses, like ours, have trained backup staff built right into the system, so there’s always someone experienced and prepared to jump in to continue your custom care plan. That means no last-minute scrambling and no disruption to your cat’s routine. We also have an extended network of professionals we trust--backup for our backup, you could say.

🐾 6. Do you offer a meet-and-greet before the first visit?

A reputable sitter—whether they’re solo or part of a team—should absolutely meet you and learn about your cat’s routine before caring for them. For solo sitters, this usually means a direct one-on-one visit. For professional teams like ours, a team lead or care coordinator will attend the initial consultation, get to know your cat, and work with you to create a personalized care plan. Every detail matters, from where the food is kept to how your cat prefers to be approached (or not approached at all!).

🐾 7. How long are your visits and what’s included?

Not all cat sitting visits are created equal. Some sitters offer quick 15-minute “feed and run” visits, while others provide 30–60 minutes or longer to allow time beyond the chores for care, love, and meaningful interaction. Be sure to ask what’s actually included in a visit—feeding, litter box scooping, medications, playtime, updates, etc.

At Ocala Pet Sitting, our core values are centered on providing enrichment for the cats in our care. We understand that cats are not as independent as we were all led to believe in the past. They crave human companionship and the best part of our "job" is to the time we get to spend engaged with them, in whatever way they choose.

Cats thrive when they’re mentally stimulated and given time to feel safe and comfortable—not just fed and left alone. That’s why we don’t offer 15-minute visits; they don’t align with our values because we believe cats deserve more thoughtful, attentive care that truly supports their well-being.

🐾 8. Do you specialize in cats? 

Not every sitter does—and that’s okay! But if your cat has special needs, health issues, or quirks, you’ll want someone who truly understands feline behavior and care. Cat-savvy sitters know how to build trust slowly, spot subtle signs of stress, and create an environment where even shy cats feel safe.

Cat-only pet sitters like us prioritize feline visits in our schedule, so your cat isn’t squeezed in between dog visits just because they have a litter box and “can wait”—they get the dedicated breakfast and dinner time windows they truly deserve.

🐾 9. Can you provide references or reviews? 

A great sitter will have happy clients who are willing to vouch for them. Look for Google reviews or ask for recent testimonials. Google reviews are nearly impossible to manipulate, and they show the sitter is a verified business. Unlike social media, bad reviews can’t be deleted or hidden—so you get a more honest, transparent picture.

Bonus points if they can share long-term client feedback—this speaks volumes about the trust and consistency they’ve built over time.

🐾 10. How do you handle medical or behavioral concerns?

If your cat stops eating, hides for days, or seems off, you want a cat sitter who will NOTICE and won’t just shrug it off! This is a critical part of pet sitting. Ask how they monitor your cat’s well-being and what their communication process looks like if something’s not quite right.

 A great pet sitter will document and report changes promptly and openly before any situation has the opportunity to get worse, and experienced professionals will know when it’s time to involve your vet or an emergency contact if you're unavailable.

💬 Final Thoughts from Ocala, Florida's Local Trusted Cat Sitter

Cats are family—and we know how important it is to find someone who treats them that way. Asking the right questions helps you feel confident you’ve found a sitter who will love and care for your cat just like you would.

If you’re in the Ocala area and looking for professional, experienced, and cat-obsessed pet sitters, we’d love to help! Whether it’s daily visits, medication support, or Shannon's premium live-in service, we’re here to make sure your cat stays comfy, content, and loved while you’re away.

👉 Ready to book or have more questions? Let’s chat! You can reach us at info@OcalaPetSitting.com, call/text (352) 354-2602, or visit OcalaPetSitting.com to schedule your consultation today. Let us show your cat some love and put your mind at ease when you're away. 💛