Handing over your keys & your cat is a big decision. Whoever you choose, these are the things worth checking. We have also said how we handle each one, so you can compare.
What to look for
- Insurance. A professional sitter should be insured. We are.
- A DBS check. It is reasonable to want this for anyone entering your home. We are DBS checked.
- A meet & greet. You & your cat should meet the sitter before the booking. Ours is free & at your home.
- Consistency. Ask who will visit. At ToeBeans it is PN or David, & we tell you which of us is coming. Many cats know us each by name.
- Cat knowledge. A sitter should be able to read body language & notice early signs of stress or illness. We have our own cats & started ToeBeans in 2022.
- Clear updates. Agree how often you will hear. We send photos & video.
- A plan for problems. Ask what happens if the sitter is ill or your cat is unwell. We agree this with you beforehand.
- Evidence. Look for genuine reviews. We have over 100 five-star Google reviews you can read for yourself.
Questions to ask any sitter
- How many visits a day would you recommend for my cat?
- Can you give medication, & how will we agree it?
- How will you keep my keys safe?
- What happens if you cannot make a visit?
- What do you charge, & are there extra costs for distance or bank holidays?
Red flags
- No meet & greet, or reluctance to meet your cat first.
- No insurance, or vague answers about it.
- No plan if the sitter is unwell.
- Promises that sound too good, such as guarantees about your cat’s behaviour.
Where we cover & what it costs
We are based in Wainscott & cover Rochester, Strood, Chatham, Gillingham, Hoo & surrounding villages. Standard visits cover homes within 3 road miles of our base. Beyond that, mileage is £1.50 per mile (75p each way). Send us your postcode & we will confirm the cost before you book.
What clients tell us they value
Cats stay in their own home, with their own bed, bowls & litter tray, & keep to their normal routine. At the meet & greet we learn your cat’s routine, personality & any health needs, then tailor visits to suit. Clients tell us they value calm, unhurried visits, the same familiar person each time, & clear updates so they are never left wondering. Visits also help your home feel lived-in: we can bring in post, adjust curtains & rotate lights.
To get started, tell us your postcode & dates, share your cat’s routine (feeding, litter, medication if any, & personality), & we will arrange a meet & greet. We recommend booking early for school holidays & peak travel periods.
When you are ready, check availability or see our services & pricing. Wondering what a visit involves? Read What Does a Cat Sitter Do? Not sure whether a sitter or a cattery suits your cat? Read Cat Sitter or Cattery: Which Is Better for Your Cat?