Hello. We are thinking about signing up to be hosts as well as sitters, however, one of our cats is a bit of a hunter and I’m concerned it is going to put people off.
Yesterday, he caught a bird, brought it in the house, hid it under my sons bed (he has a den under there) and made a terrible mess. He has also left a mouse in the hallway before.
He is also the cutest, most floopiest, loving little cat. You can literally carry him around like a baby!!
I’m worried that if I put this on our profile, that people won’t apply. I’ve looked after hunting cats before and I would sit for those specific cats again, but if it said there’s a chance of having to deal with a dead bird I wouldn’t apply. I am pretty squeamish though.
Just state it honestly on your profile. Some sitters are pretty resilient and may have had such cats as pets previously. What sitters don’t like is surprises.
You must put it in your listing and yes it will put off some sitters - but that’s the point of an accurate listing , to find a suitable sitter that’s a good match for your pet.
As you are already sitters, you know that THS is about mutual exchange so all relevant information upfront in the listing is a must .
We are sitters who regularly house sit where there is a cat who brings us presents daily ( sometimes twice a day ) in the summer months .
There would be no benefit to you not to disclose this information and then end up choosing a sitter who is not comfortable with this and leaves the sit mid way.
Don’t worry! The community is made up (mostly) of animal lovers. This includes understanding the nature of cats and their hunting spirit. I’m sure you’ll find sitters.
In our case, we remember 5 sits so far, where we repeatedly encountered these beautiful offerings or gifts.
Your looks adorable in the photo, and this, as @Alicatorze honestly mentions in the listing, shouldn’t be a problem, and you could provide more details to potential sitters during an initial call.
PS:
One of our experiences was documented with Jasp caught red-handed. You can see how unconcerned he was (and proud of the gift he brought us).
Are you in a rural area @catscatscats24 and your cats are used to being outside? Is it overnight when your cat brings you gifts? If so, do you have a cat flap that can be locked so that once puss is inside, he/she can’t go back outside until the morning?
I enjoy rural sits and understand that cats do hunt and gifts may be brought inside. It doesn’t deter me from applying and I’ve dealt with mice and other rodents, birds (alive and dead) and a live squirrel. Just be upfront in your listing.
We live in Sheffield!! He caught the bird at about 4pm, the kids and I heard what we thought was a lawnmower but it was the cat growling with bird in mouth! Never heard anything like it before, he does growl when he gets a tasty treat but this was ridiculously loud!
I was just concerned that we might spend the extra 150 or whatever it I’d on the membership and get no applicants because who really wants to deal with a dismembered bird on holiday?!
I’m more OK with dead gifts than suffering half dead gifts. I hate to see any animal suffer. Some like to play with their half dead prize. Definitely put it in your profile. It not and you get someone who will freak out about that, they may want to leave the sit early or mark you down for not mentioning that in your profile. Some sitters that were raised in the country may be more comfortable with that than a city person. You want to get the right fit for your pets and home.
You should disclose this in your listing, as it will be a turnoff for some sitters. However, most people who sit for cats that go outside know that some cats are natural born killers who will occassionally bring home prey. Make sure when you have a chat with a potential sitter, remind them of this possibility. Maybe keep dustpan and broom, and a butterfly net around to help people capture and release live critters brought in.
Just put it in your profile. Anyone experienced with cats will know that this is normal for outside cats. I personally do not apply to sits with outdoor cats just because I’m terrified of losing one! But even with an indoor cat, if one brought me a mouse I would not be thrilled but it’s just part of living with critters.
It wouldnt put us off. We have had a bat, rat and lizard brought to us. As others say jyst mention it in the profile and let people choose if they want to deal with it
looks adorable in the photo, and this, as 
