(Updated for 2026)
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended business trip, if you’re a cat owner, one thing’s for sure, your feline family members still need daily care and attention. While cats are more independent than dogs, they still require fresh food and water, a clean litter box, medication if needed, and most importantly, companionship. Hiring a trusted and qualified cat sitting service is the best way to ensure your kitty stays safe, healthy, and happy when you’re away.
Before handing over the keys to your home and the care of your beloved pet, here are 7 essential questions every Northern Virginia cat owner should ask a prospective sitter in 2026.
What Experience Do You Have With Cats Specifically?
Cats have unique social behaviors, medical needs, and sensitivities that differ significantly from dogs. Ask your potential sitter about their specific experience with cats, not just general pet-sitting experience.
Do they know the signs of feline illness or stress? Have they cared for cats with special needs, such as anxiety, arthritis, diabetes, or kidney disease? A sitter with feline-specific knowledge will provide better, safer care.
At Paw Pals, every sitter is PetTech-certified in Pet CPR and First Aid and trained to recognize the subtle cues cats use to communicate discomfort or illness.
What Services Are Included in Your Pricing?
Ensure you receive a detailed breakdown of the sitter’s services. Ask not only what’s included in their basic fee but also what services cost extra. Important daily tasks include:
- Feeding and replenishing water
- Scooping and changing litter
- Administering medications (if needed)
- Petting, brushing, and playtime
- Photo or video updates for peace of mind
It’s important to understand how frequently the sitter will visit, how long each visit will last, and whether extended or overnight services are available.
Paw Pals’ Cat’s Meow service includes everything your feline needs, from interactive play to medication administration, with flexible visit durations and overnight stay options for added comfort.
Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?
Trustworthiness is non-negotiable when you’re allowing someone into your home. A professional pet sitter should be legally licensed, insured against liability, and bonded to cover theft or damages.
In 2026, many pet sitters will also include digital check-in features like GPS tracking and visit logging for transparency.
Paw Pals is fully licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection and peace of mind.
Can You Provide References or Reviews?
Reputation matters. Ask for recent references you can contact, and check online testimonials and reviews. Look for comments on punctuality, professionalism, responsiveness, and feline-friendliness.
Tip: Google Reviews, Nextdoor, Yelp, and neighborhood-specific Facebook groups are great places to gather real, trusted feedback.
Paw Pals offers client testimonials upon request and features verified reviews directly on our website to help you make an informed decision.
Who Will Be Entering My Home?
Clarify who will actually be visiting your home. Will it always be the person you’re speaking with? Do they ever send substitutes or bring along family or children?
You should always be informed (and approve) of anyone else who may enter your home or interact with your cat. If backup veterinarians or alternate sitters are in the plan, make sure you’re provided with their credentials in advance.
Paw Pals assigns a primary sitter but has trained, background-checked backup sitters always on standby in the event of illness or emergencies, so your cat never misses a visit.
How Do You Prepare for Weather or Emergencies?
Northern Virginia weather can be unpredictable, think summer storms, winter ice, or power outages. Your sitter should have a clear contingency plan for inclement weather, travel delays, or natural disasters.
Examples of good questions to ask:
- Do they live nearby?
- How do they communicate during emergencies?
- Do they have a reliable vehicle or transportation backup?
Paw Pals has emergency policies in place, including alternate sitters on call and client notification protocols, to ensure seamless care even in severe weather.
Can You Transport My Cat to the Vet in an Emergency?
If your cat becomes ill or injured, your sitter should be willing and able to take them to the vet immediately, ideally your regular veterinary practice. Be sure your sitter knows your vet’s address, hours of operation, and emergency contacts.
Provide written authorization and payment permissions in advance if needed.
Paw Pals sitters are not only trained for these situations but also have updated records of your pet’s medical history, ensuring swift and accurate action when it counts most.
Book Your Cat Sitting Service Today
We understand that your cats are more than pets, they’re family. That’s why every Paw Pals cat sitting service is designed to feel like you never left. We offer flexible, customized visits and overnight stays, treat your pet and home with respect, and deliver timely updates after every visit.
From feeding routines to their favorite window perch, our team ensures everything stays purr-fect while you’re away. Contact us today to schedule one of our expert sitters.
