Reasons Why Your Cat Needs a Visit From A Pet Sitter Every Day

I drove up to the house and immediately noticed frozen ice leading from the bottom of the siding out onto the sidewalk.  When I went inside, I was immediately struck by what smelled like sewage.  Upon further inspection, I found there was a water leak which was flooding the basement.  A quick call to the owners and they were able to guide me to the water shutoff valve, saving what could have been a very expensive repair.

Upon entering another client home, I heard what sounded like banging coming from the basement.  It turns out one of the indoor-outdoor cats brought in a bird that was looking for a way out.  The open basement door led upstairs to the rest of the home, meaning the bird could have been trapped in the home for days until being released.

Dogs might seem steal the spotlight when it comes to pet sitting but cats have needs that are just as important. One question I sometimes hear from potential cat clients is, “Can’t my cat be checked on every other day instead of daily?” 

While cats have a reputation for being independent, skipping a day between visits just isn’t a good idea. Let me explain why.

1. Cats Are Masters at Hiding

Cats are experts at masking pain or illness — it’s part of their survival instincts. That means if something is off, like a urinary blockage or a digestive issue, you might not notice until it becomes serious. A lot can happen in 48 hours. Daily visits help us catch those early warning signs that something isn’t quite right — and that can make all the difference.  Some cats are more shy than others but we always like to put our eyes on all the cats in the home, just to make sure one didn’t get trapped behind furniture or in a closet as the client hurried to leave for their trip.

2. Fresh Food and Water Matter More Than You Think

You might be tempted to leave a big bowl of kibble and a water fountain, but what happens if that fountain stops working? Or your cat decides the food is “old” and snubs it? Daily visits make sure your cat always has fresh water, clean dishes, and food.

3. The Litter Box Needs Cleaning Daily

Even the most low-maintenance cat needs a clean place to do their business. Cats are particular about their litter boxes, and if they’re too dirty, they may start going elsewhere. Daily scooping not only keeps your home smelling fresh, but also gives us a chance to monitor for any changes in your cat’s bathroom habits, which can be a sign of health issues.

4. Cats Get Lonely, Too

They may not jump up and down at the door like a dog, but many cats really do enjoy-and even crave-human interaction. A friendly, familiar face every day can help reduce stress, especially while you're away. Whether your cat is shy and needs a gentle presence or a social butterfly who loves playtime, a daily check-in offers comfort and companionship.

5. Peace of Mind for You

Daily visits mean you don’t have to worry about whether your cat is safe, fed, and happy. If something’s wrong — a door accidentally closed, a plant knocked over, or the thermostat acting up — we’ll catch it. You get regular email updates with photos, and the reassurance that your home and your cat are being looked after with love and care.

At The Well-Trained Dog & Pet Care, we take caring for your pets seriously — whether they bark, purr, or both! Daily cat sitting visits aren’t just a luxury — they’re a necessity for the cat’s health and happiness, and for your peace of mind.

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Beverly Amsler is the owner of The Well-Trained Dog & Pet Care. She has been a professional dog trainer, dog walker, and pet sitter since 2014.  Beverly is a Certified Dog Trainer through the Victoria Stilwell Academy and a Certified Professional Pet Sitter through Pet Sitters International.  She is a member of the Texas Pet Sitters Association and the Association For Professional Dog Training.  Before starting her business, Beverly spent more than 30 years as a journalist for newspapers, magazines, and radio and television stations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Indiana, and Utah. Learn more about Beverly.