I know it’s hard if a cat brings life critters into the house but dead ones is not a big issue esp. when it’s mice or even rats. They are vermin that destroy or contaminate items. Our 3 cats love to bring live mice into the living room and let them go and immensely enjoy watching us trying to catch them…..
Umm, a cat is gonna cat. You’re definitely over reacting, IMO.
And, as you said, they hunt. So, you can safely assume that if they go outside, they’re going to hunt something.
Can’t tell you how many dead/injured/scurrying or flying around birds, mice, and lizards cats have brought in (or tried to) during sits I’ve had. 
When applying for sits for cats who go out, we automatically assume they might potentially bring home their hunting spoils. In fact, come to think of it, we find it odd when HOs point out in listings that their cats do this, as it seems a given. It’s simply what cats do.
If a sitter mentioned in a review that they were alarmed or otherwise surprised or disgusted that the cats had done this, I’d seriously wonder how much they actually knew about the innate characteristics of felines. 
I think it is unrealistic to expect the pets you sit to change their behaviour to accommodate your wishes. Cats and dogs will be, well, cats and dogs. In the absence of Utopia, we have to learn to take the rough with the smooth. But shame about the mouse.
Hi
Cats do hunt, it’s all part of the great circle of life. Therefore it is to be expected that they return with their bounty to present to their owners.
I disagree. If you don’t like the fact that cats are hunters, don’t take a cat sit. Duh. Cats hunt.
You are overreacting. Outdoor cats hunt. Indoor cats hunt bugs and mice and whatever else might be around. That’s why people started domesticating cats. They’re great around places like grain mills that can’t have rats and mice eating people food. When they like you, they bring you their catch and give it to you. It’s a loving gesture from a cat that repulses most humans. But it’s a gift from a cat’s heart. If you don’t like the fact that cats are hunters, don’t take a cat sit.
Attentive cat parents would mention it beforehand. I had cat parents asking me in the video call if im ok with it if the cat brings animals home. Its not just about dead animals, sometimes they are alive and then pet sitter must be able and mentally prepared to catch a rat or a bird. I would just mention it in the review thats enough to make them aware of it. But i wouldnt risk a negative review and mention it now since it wouldnt change the situation. And even if i would let my cat outside, its still a point that they might hunt bird species that we need in our environmet so putting a bell on the cats collar should be a minimum, but most cat parents dont even care about such easy solution.
No idea why this comment is directed at me. Duh. . . . . and don’t honestly care. Muting notifications for this thread. 
Usually owners tell you in advance but it is fairly normal although can be distressing
Just a warning, sometimes even an indoor cat can catch a mouse.
I’m just thinking… does anyone have any cleanup tips for those who are slightly squeamish when it comes to cats bringing home presents?
My old boy Walter is my first cat, so I had to learn how to handle those little gifts after I first got him, and it did take a bit of time, as I am a bit prone to being grossed out! 
After he caught and killed two wild rabbits on my birthday one year, I had to find a dedicated piece of thin board, and an unused plastic bucket, to help move them out of the house! I got used to cats, birds, and lizards from time to time… but rabbits were another thing altogether!
It’s been a good few years now so I’m pretty ok with most stuff, but I did wonder if there were any tips for those learning to deal with the disposal, as cats don’t always finish the job.
Agree with those who say it’s an overreaction.
If you sit for any cat that goes outdoors, you should be OK with this kind of thing. It’s the same as being OK with cleaning up cat vomit, because cats often do vomit both food and also cough up hairballs. If you can’t deal with that kind of thing, don’t sit for cats. (Or dogs, as others said, because they sometimes kill small animals, too, out on walks.)
I find that a lot of people say they love nature but don’t want to see nature in action. As the poet Tennyson wrote, “Nature is red in tooth and claw.” It’s not all pretty and sanitized. It’s kill or be killed. Even domesticated animals still have that wild instinct in them.
I just ask Mr Itchyfeet 
My Mr Cuttlefish makes me do it!! #pinkjob
I’m not sure sitting outdoor cats is a good match for you.
Surely everyone knows cats hunt?
Unfortunately, cats do sometimes bring their prey home; that’s just part of catdom. I frankly would celebrate a cat that was catching mice, because that’s one less to get in the house and the pantry. It is disturbing when they catch birds, but again, they’re hunters. What puzzles me is why you would be surprised. Given the opportunity, every cat will hunt. That’s just who they are. Perhaps, as someone else suggested, you should rethink housesitting for cats that go outdoors.
How could the His know? It could be irregular and then happened twice in quick succession - unfortunately on your watch. Odd things happen with pets.
Sorry- typos. How could the HOs know?
If they bring a bird inside, and there’s feathers everywhere, start cleaning by using a spray bottle first and spray the fearhers 