Cat sitter checklist: what to leave for a cat sitter before you travel

The ultimate cat sitter checklist for stress-free care while you’re away

As someone who cares for multiple cats with different personalities, routines, and preferences, I know how important it is to leave clear instructions for a cat sitter. One cat may eat anything, while another gets stressed if the routine changes even slightly. A written checklist makes things easier for both the sitter and the cat.

Leaving your cat at home while you travel can feel stressful, even if your cat acts like they’ve never needed you a day in their life. Cats love routine, familiar spaces, and predictable care. That means the person looking after them needs more than a bowl of food and a vague “she’s pretty easy” message.

A proper cat sitter checklist helps your sitter follow your cat’s normal routine, spot problems early, and avoid the kind of chaos that starts with “I thought that plant was harmless” and ends with an emergency vet visit.

Want a simpler way to organize everything for your cat sitter? I created a printable cat sitter checklist you can fill in and leave at home before your trip.
[Get the checklist here]

Whether you are hiring a professional pet sitter, asking a friend for help, or using a house sitter, the best thing you can do is leave clear written instructions.

This guide covers exactly what to include.

Why a cat sitter checklist matters

Cats may look independent, but they are often very specific about how they eat, where they drink, which litter box they use, and how much human interaction they tolerate. Even a friendly cat can become withdrawn or stressed when their person is away.

A written checklist helps with three things:

• It keeps your cat’s routine consistent
• It reduces mistakes and misunderstandings
• It gives you peace of mind while you are away

It also makes life easier for the sitter. Instead of sending ten scattered messages from the airport, you leave everything in one place like an organized adult. Rare, but beautiful.

What cat owners often forget to include for a sitter

• hiding spots
• medication notes
• favorite treats
• litter preferences
• emergency vet contact
• where the carrier is
• if the cat bolts through doors

Basic information your cat sitter needs

Start with the essentials. This section should be simple, direct, and easy to scan.

Include:

• Your cat’s name and nickname
• Age and physical description
• Microchip details if relevant
• Whether your cat is indoor-only or allowed outside
• Personality notes such as shy, social, food-obsessed, anxious, territorial, or affectionate
• Favorite hiding spots
• Any triggers or fears, such as loud noises, vacuum cleaners, strangers, or being picked up

This part matters more than people think. A sitter who knows your cat hides under the bed when nervous will not assume the cat escaped through a portal to another dimension.

Feeding instructions for your cat sitter

Do not assume “feed the cat” is enough. To you, it is obvious. To someone else, it is a guessing game with fur.

Leave detailed feeding instructions, including:

• What food your cat eats
• Brand and flavor
• Wet food, dry food, or both
• Portion size for each meal
• Feeding times
• Where food is stored
• Where bowls are kept
• Fresh water instructions
• Treat rules

If your cat has a sensitive stomach, food allergies, or a prescription diet, make that extremely clear.

You can also make feeding easier by preparing:

• labeled containers
• pre-portioned meals
• a simple morning and evening routine sheet

The less room there is for improvisation, the better.

Litter box care instructions

A clean litter box is not optional. Most cats are deeply offended by a dirty box, and some will start peeing somewhere else just to make the point.

Your sitter should know:

• Where each litter box is located
• How often to scoop
• What litter you use
• Where extra litter is stored
• How to dispose of waste
• How often to fully clean or top up the box
• What is normal for your cat’s bathroom habits

You should also mention any warning signs to watch for, such as:

• diarrhea
• constipation
• straining
• blood in urine
• not using the litter box at all

If your cat has more than one box, number them if needed. Make it idiot-proof. Humans keep earning the need for that phrase.

Medication and health notes

If your cat takes medication, this section needs to be crystal clear.

Include:

• Name of each medication
• Exact dose
• Time of day
• How it is given
• What to do if your cat refuses it
• Whether the medication must be taken with food
• Any side effects to watch for

If possible, leave both written steps and a short video. This is especially useful for pills, inhalers, liquid meds, or anything involving a cat burrito technique.

Also include:

• Vet name
• Vet phone number
• Emergency vet clinic
• Your phone number
• A backup emergency contact
• Permission for the sitter to seek emergency treatment if needed

This part matters because problems do not politely wait until you land.

Daily routine and comfort details

Cats thrive on familiar rhythms. The more your sitter can copy your normal routine, the less stressed your cat is likely to be.

Write down:

• Usual wake-up and feeding times
• Playtime habits
• Favorite toys
• Brushing routine
• Whether your cat likes lap time, distance, or respectful emotional coldness
• Where your cat usually sleeps
• Which rooms they should or should not access

If your cat needs companionship, say so. If your cat hates being stared at and prefers to observe from a shelf like a judgmental house spirit, say that too.

Home and safety rules for the sitter

This is the section people forget, and then act surprised when something avoidable goes wrong.

Your sitter should know:

• Which doors and windows must stay closed
• Whether the cat is allowed on balconies or near open screens
• Which plants are off-limits
• What objects your cat tries to chew or swallow
• Whether guests are allowed
• Alarm or key instructions
• Trash disposal rules
• Any off-limit rooms or storage areas

Also mention anything that looks harmless but is not, such as:

• string
• elastic hair ties
• plastic packaging
• cleaning products
• toxic flowers
• human food left out on counters

A cat does not need much time to make a terrible decision.

What supplies to leave out

Do not make your sitter search every cupboard like they are on a low-budget treasure hunt.

Leave these in an easy-to-find place:

• cat food
• treats
• bowls
• litter
• scoop
• cleaning spray or wipes
• paper towels
• medication
• carrier
• vet details
• spare keys
• favorite toys
• brush if needed

You can even place everything in a “cat care station” so the sitter has one clear setup.

Quick cat sitter checklist

• Feeding instructions
• Water routine
• Litter box care
• Medication notes
• Emergency contacts
• Vet details
• House rules
• Daily routine

Communication expectations while you are away

Some owners want photo updates every visit. Others just want to hear if something is wrong. Be clear about this upfront.

Tell your sitter:

• how often you want updates
• whether you want photos or videos
• the best way to contact you
• your travel dates
• time zone differences if relevant
• who to contact if you cannot be reached

This prevents the classic mismatch where one person sends detailed updates and the other responds six hours later with “ok.”

Before you leave: final cat sitter checklist

Here is a practical before-you-go cat sitter checklist you can follow:

• Refill food, litter, and medication
• Write or print your cat sitter instructions
• Leave emergency contacts
• Confirm your sitter’s schedule
• Test keys, alarms, and door locks
• Put away hazards
• Clean feeding areas and litter box stations
• Leave carrier in an accessible place
• Double-check vet details
• Walk the sitter through the routine if possible

If your cat is shy, ask the sitter to visit before your trip. A short meet-and-greet can make a big difference.

Printable cat sitter checklist

If you want to make this even easier, use a printable cat sitter checklist that keeps everything in one place:

• cat profile
• feeding plan
• medication tracker
• litter box routine
• emergency contacts
• sitter notes
• home rules

A printable version is useful because it is faster to follow during visits, easier to leave on the counter, and much less chaotic than digging through old messages.

That is exactly why many cat owners prefer using a ready-made guide instead of building one from scratch every time they travel.

Common mistakes cat owners make

Even loving cat owners miss obvious things when they are rushing to leave.

Here are some common mistakes:

1. Giving vague instructions

“Feed her a little” means nothing.

2. Forgetting emergency contacts

If you are unreachable, your sitter needs a backup person.

3. Not explaining behavior quirks

If your cat always hides after strangers enter, that is normal. If the sitter does not know that, they panic.

4. Leaving too little food or litter

Always leave extra.

5. Assuming cats are low-maintenance

Cats are often lower-maintenance than dogs, but they are not decorative cushions.

A simple way to make cat sitting easier

A good cat sitter checklist is not about being overly fussy. It is about making sure your cat stays safe, fed, comfortable, and cared for in a way that feels familiar.

The more clearly you explain your cat’s needs, the smoother the experience will be for everyone involved.

If you want a ready-to-use version, I created a cat sitter checklist guide you can print, fill in, and leave for your sitter. It is designed to save time, reduce stress, and help you organize everything your sitter needs in one place.

You can find the printable guide here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4478078371/cat-sitter-checklist-template-pet-care

FAQ

What should I leave for a cat sitter?

You should leave feeding instructions, litter box care notes, medication details, emergency contacts, vet information, house rules, and any behavior notes that help the sitter care for your cat properly.

How detailed should cat sitter instructions be?

More detailed than you think. Your sitter should know exact feeding amounts, timing, cleaning routines, and what is normal or unusual for your cat.

Should I use a printable cat sitter checklist?

Yes. A printable cat sitter checklist keeps all important information in one place and makes it easier for the sitter to follow your cat’s routine.

What if my cat needs medication?

Leave the exact dosage, timing, method, and backup instructions in case the cat refuses. Include vet details and emergency authorization as well.

How often should a cat sitter visit?

That depends on your cat’s age, health, personality, and routine. Some cats do fine with one or two daily visits, while others need more frequent care or overnight support.