We would think that a new sitter would try especially hard to take great care of your home and cats.
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@Sunny15 - I can understand you being nervous but I am sure your sitter will do a great job. We all have to start somewhere and your sitter will be being extra conscientious as she wants your review!
Hi @Sunny15 I get a sense that your concern is not about leaving someone in your home, but more focussed on leaving your cat with a stranger. Although it sounds like you have already confirmed this sitter, have you considered (or did you have) a video chat with her? This might reassure you, as you can have a relaxed chat and cover some points before the meet you’ve mentioned. After all, you don’t want your anxiety to build up in the meantime.
Think about what was in the person’s application and profile that made you select her. Does she have past experience with cats, and maybe had a cat or pet of her own? If so, then she certainly has experience, but perhaps just not THS experience. Try and focus on what’s truly worrying you and then figure out how to ease your mind.
I’m currently on a sit with a cat for a homeowner who had not used THS before. After a day or two of hearing from me, including details of how his daily routine was going, and sharing photos showing how we were getting along just fine, the homeowner has been reassured that her cat is enjoying his new roommate. 
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We use THS as an exchange of value for value. We feel the checks THS does on us, together with 5-star reviews, and our website, all should provide the Owner sufficient information and confidence in choosing us to care for their pets and home. We have rejected sits where the owner wants an additional contract. The emergency sit service I provide is outside of THS as it is a fee based service.
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Hi Snowbird
You are right - my concern is mainly that my cat gets the same care and affection she gets from us. My sitter is coming to meet us this weekend as I can’t do Zoom and in any case it’s Zelda who needs to meet her most.
The thing that worried me is that she (and I) are both new to THS so once we’ve met I’m sure things will be better. Other more experienced THS sitters weren’t available for my dates and I am rather specific as I wanted a single lady.
Thanks and best wishes.
I have made the experience with THS as well as with other previous (non experienced at all) sitters, that they actually give our cats much more attention than we do ourselves 
They are always so spoiled 
that they have to get used to our routine when we are back.
@Sunny15 It sounds like you are both being practical and thorough, which is great. @anon39388349 's comment comes from a voice of experience, and made me remember many sits where owners have been a little put out when their pet favours me over them on their return. As a solo sitter, that pet has been my world while they’re away. For example, I did a sit more than two years ago where, if the owner says my name, the dog goes running to the door. That’s now something I mention to first-time owners, as they may have to manage rejection on their return.
Please come back to the forum, after your first sit, and share your experiences. We often get feedback from sitters, but less often from homeowners.
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Thanks for this Snowbird. My sit is mid June so will give feedback afterwards.
I also have a question regarding asking for additional Identification. As a sitter, I trust this site not solely due to the name, but I’ve had amazing experiences thus far and knock on wood with that one. I did get a little concerned when one HO asked for my passport as well as me having something that has my address on it. I did have both on hand, and also because I am in the persons home, I totally understand wanting to be safe and secure. I am concerned because this has never happened before and I was told the info was to be used for the SECURITY SYSTEM at the door… Has anyone ever experienced this? By the way, I assumed that the reason I am able to be a sitter is due to the fact that my background was already cleared.
Just asking!
Thanks to anyone who can assist.
In some areas, if you are entering a gated community, the security guard at the gate will ask to see an ID. Additionally, if you are sitting in a building with a door man, or front desk, they may also ask for ID. Not sure if either of these pertain to your sit, but it’s not unusual when there is security at a property.
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Hi @Jasmine I have been asked for additional information in the past, very infrequently and it has only been owners who have not had a sitter before. Using a sitter for the first time is for some taking a leap of faith, even when they have done all due diligence and I’m happy to help put their minds at ease and for them to feel more confident, but that is my choice and it should be the same for all members.
Every sitter is ID checked and US sitters have completed mandatory CBChecks.
I’m not sure what the “Security System” is that you refer to whether the home is in a secured community, an apartment block or other security maintained property, which is not unusual or whether the system applies to an individual home.
If it’s the latter and just for your information we do have a policy about internal cameras and other recording/surveillance systems, they must be disabled while the sitter is in the home.
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This was informative. When you say additional contract what do you mean specifically?
Thank you so much for your insightful input!
It was a private home
Hi @Sunny15 - I just came across this thread again and wondered how did the sit go?
Had to cancel trip due to illness.