The Catered Cat
Policy Question & Answers
WHO WILL VISIT MY CAT?
Me! Since 2001, I have personally taken care of each and every Catered Cat cat sitting client. Many pet care services these days rely on a network of employees and contractors, but I feel strongly that cats need stability, not a revolving door. I work hard to earn the trust of each cat on my roster, so that I can be a reassuring presence when their human family is away.
HOW MUCH NOTICE DO YOU NEED?
For first time clients I need at least one week notice before job start date in order to have enough time to schedule the new client introductory meeting. Once you are on board as a Catered Cat client I can usually accommodate last minute requests but would appreciate as much notice as possible.
WHAT TIMES DO YOU DO YOUR VISITS?
When making my schedule I am mindful of the individual cat's needs. Some cats have a stricter schedule due to a smaller allocation of food being put down and others always have food available so there may be more flexibility on those. I always try to even the timing out on my visits so the feeding schedule makes sense for the individual cat's needs.
MY CAT HAS A CAT DOOR WHICH HE COMES AND GOES THROUGH IS THIS OKAY?
No, I'm sorry but all cats need to stay inside while they are under my care. It's the only way I can properly monitor them and I just want them safe and sound upon your arrival home. Secure catios are fine and if your cat is use to walking on leash I might be able to do that once I've established a relationship with them first but no free roaming.
IN THE EVENT OF SNOW OR ICE WILL YOU BE ABLE TO GET TO MY CAT?
Yes! I've keep my route tight so that if there is weather that makes it unsafe to drive, I can walk. I love walking and I have yak trax that make walking in the snow a breeze! My entire service area is very walkable for me so rest assured I will get to your cat!
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL A SERVICE?
If you need to cancel a service, you can do that without incurring any cancellation fees. I am happy to provide a flexible service to accommodate my clients' busy, changing schedules.
WILL YOU MEDICATE MY CATS?
I have lots of experience giving cats medication. I can't, however, guarantee I will be able to medicate all cats but I'm versed in various techniques so I'm quite comfortable doing it. However, although I do medicate, I do not take on first-time clients as medication clients. Cats need to come on board first without medication needs. I am, however, no longer offering a diabetic injection or sub-q fluid administration service. I don't currently charge extra for medication administration.
WILL YOU WATER MY OUTDOOR GARDEN?
For the home check service.... Of course! For my cat sitting service.... During my visits, my first priority is your cat/s: monitoring food intake/litter box use to make sure nothing is awry, and offering play time/affection to keep their spirits up in your absence. I'm happy to look after indoor plants while preforming cat duties, and I can make sure a number of pots and hanging baskets are watered, but if you have more extensive outdoor garden needs, the length of my visits may not accommodate their care without sacrificing time with your cat/s. Feel free to let me know your needs and we can game plan, but it may be necessary to book longer visits.
DO YOU WATCH OTHER PETS IN THE HOUSEHOLD?
I do not sit for households that do not have a cat. As far as other pet companions in the home, I'm happy to provide basic fish care for aquariums. I do not offer pet sitting for dogs, birds, reptiles, rodents or other kinds of pets. My focus of my pet sitting service is on cats.
IS IT OKAY IF MY HOUSE CLEANER/HANDYMAN ETC...ENTER THE HOME WHILE YOU ARE ON DUTY?
My worst nightmare is having a cat escape while you're away and I have realized over the years that not many service providers are as vigilant as I am. I would like to avoid ANY possibility of your cat/s being startled by unusual commotion and dashing out the door. I am also in charge of many clients and I have a responsibility to stay healthy. If another service provider enters you home it exposes me to potential viruses. I respectfully request that no other services be preformed inside your home while your cat/s are under my care. For my 'home check service' this should be okay, but lets discuss.
WILL YOU SHARE A JOB WITH MY NEIGHBOR OR FRIEND?
During the dates I am scheduled to watch your cat, due to liability issues I need to be the only one caring for your cat.
DO YOU WORK HOLIDAYS?
Absolutely! I devote my holidays to the business to try and ensure my clients' needs are met even during busy times. I may not be able to provide some of the longer visits during holiday periods to accommodate everyone, however, this would only occur if necessary and if you normally book longer visits you would be notified ahead of time. With that said, if you normally use friends, neighbors or another pet care service and are just looking for holiday coverage, this isn't something I'm going to be able to accommodate. Being a one-woman shop I need to reserve my holidays slots for clients who use me year-round for their cat sitting needs.
DO YOU EVER TAKE TIME OFF?
I take a 10 day period off each year which starts the last Friday of September through the 10 days that follow. If there are ever any other times I feel I need a quick break, you will be notified by email.
WHAT TAKES PLACE AT THE INTRODUCTORY MEETING?
At the free no-obligation meeting, we all get acquainted, humans and felines, at your residence. I will send you paperwork for you to fill out covering service details including pet and home care via email ahead of our meeting so that we can go over. I will get keys from you so that I can access your home. I do not do zoom meetings. I feel it's important to meet you and your cat/s in person as well as it's reassuring for your cat/s to meet me with you present, before I come in while you are away.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Just email me to go over your needs. If can add a new client to my roster and if it sounds like we may be a good fit we can set up a new client introductory meeting. CONTACT ME