Cat Drop-In Visits: What to Check and Report

On a cat drop-in visit, check food, water, the litter box, the cat's body language, and the home itself, then send a short update that says what you saw and what you did. Cats often hide discomfort and prefer to keep their distance, so a good visit relies on careful observation more than on activity. A consistent routine helps you notice small changes that matter to the owner.

This is general guidance for independent sitters, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about a cat's health, follow the owner's instructions and contact the vet or the emergency contact they gave you.

Why are cat visits different from dog visits?

There is usually no walk to structure the time. A cat may be asleep, hidden, or watching from a shelf, and a visit can feel like it has "nothing" in it. In fact, that quiet is the work: you are checking that everything is normal and that the cat feels safe enough to eat, drink, and use the litter box.

Some clients worry about a cat home alone more than they let on. A clear update helps them relax, especially if the cat did not come out to say hello.

What should you check on every visit?

Use the same order each time so nothing slips:

Safety first. Confirm every door, window, and screen is secure before you open anything. Know where the cat is before you leave.
Food. Is the bowl empty, partly eaten, or untouched? Note how much was eaten if the owner wants that.
Water. Refresh it, and rinse the bowl or fountain if the owner asked.
Litter box. Scoop, and take a quick look. Tell the owner about anything unusual, such as a big change in amount or no use at all.
The cat. Where is the cat, how does it move, and how does it respond to you?
The home. Look for spills, knocked items, a pile of vomit, or anything out of place.
Medication or extras, exactly as the owner described.

How do you notice that something is off?

You do not need to diagnose anything. You only need to notice and report. Things worth mentioning include:

Hiding more than the owner said is normal
Not eating, or leaving food the cat usually finishes
Unusual vomiting, or changes in the litter box
Limping, heavy breathing, or any behavior the owner described as a warning sign
Strong changes in mood, such as sudden hissing from a friendly cat

If you see something concerning, contact the owner right away, and follow the plan you agreed on for emergencies. Do not wait for the end-of-day note.

How do you spend the time once the checks are done?

Let the cat set the pace. Some cats want to play or sit in your lap, others prefer to watch you from across the room. Offer, but do not insist.

Sit quietly for a few minutes and let the cat approach.
Play gently with a wand toy if the cat likes it.
Talk softly, which many cats find reassuring.
Respect hiding spots. If the cat stays out of sight, you can still confirm that it ate and used the box.

Stay for the full time you booked. Even a shy cat can benefit from a calm presence.

What should the update say?

Keep it short and specific. A good cat update answers four questions: Did the cat eat and drink? Is the litter box normal? How did the cat seem? Is anything needed?

Hi Alex, Pepper ate most of her dinner and drank well. The litter box looked normal. She came out after about ten minutes and chased the feather toy for a bit before settling on the couch. Everything in the house is fine. See you tomorrow evening.

A photo of the cat, even a sleepy one, goes a long way. If the cat stayed hidden, say so honestly and add what you checked, for example: "She stayed under the bed, but I could see her, and the bowl was empty when I left."

What mistakes should you avoid?

Skipping the safety check because the cat seems calm
Reporting only "all good" with no detail
Forcing contact with a nervous cat
Guessing about health, instead of describing what you saw
Leaving without confirming where the cat is

Where does Pawstcard fit in?

Pawstcard is a pet sitting report card app we are building for independent sitters and dog walkers. Cat visits are a good example of why updates matter: you take your photos, the app drafts a note in your voice, you review it, and your client gets a link with no app or account needed. It is not released yet, and you still decide what is true and what gets sent.

If you would like to hear when early access opens, you can join the early access list.