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Cat sitter checklist: what to leave for your cat sitter

A good cat sitter can only follow the instructions they're given. Leave everything in one place, written down, and agree how they'll tell you each visit went. Use this checklist before you go away.

Feeding

What each cat eats, and how much per meal (in grams, scoops or pouches).
Meal times, and how strict they are.
Where the food, bowls and scoop are kept, and how much spare food there is.
Treats: which ones, how many, and which cat can't have them.
Which cat eats where, if your cats are fed separately.
Fresh water: where bowls or fountains are and how often to refill.

Medication

Medicine name, dose and time, written exactly as your vet prescribed.
How you give it (in food, pill pocket, liquid) and any tricks that work.
What to do if a dose is missed or refused. Ask your vet in advance so the answer is ready.

Health and emergencies

Your vet's name, phone number and address.
The nearest out-of-hours emergency vet.
Your cats' microchip numbers and any pet insurance details.
Normal behaviour for each cat, so the sitter can spot what isn't. A cat that stops eating is worth a call.
Who to contact if they can't reach you.

The house

Keys, alarm code and any door quirks.
Litter tray locations, litter supply and how often to scoop.
Which doors and windows must stay shut, and whether the cats go outside.
Where cats like to hide, so the sitter knows where to look before worrying.

Each visit

Fed, and how much was eaten.
Medication given, with the time.
Litter scooped and water topped up.
Anything unusual.

Keeping track while you're away

Most owners ask for a text or photo each visit. That works, but it's easy to miss a message and hard to see at a glance what's done. With Bowlie you can send a Sitter Pass: a link the sitter opens on their phone, with no app to install and no account. They see each cat's meal plan, your instructions and today's entries, and when they log a meal or medication you see it straight away. The pass ends when you choose, and the sitter never sees your history or account details.

Coming soon to iPhone