Consider joining but wanted to sense check if it’s likely we will be able to secure sitters for our very sweet, senior cat.
She is 18 years old and has some age related health issues which means that she has accidents where she doesn’t make it to her litter box in time, perhaps twice a day. This always happens on wooden floor so easy to clean up and we place puppy pads in the most usual spots so it’s mostly a case of just throwing these just straight in the bin. Otherwise she’s pretty easy - scoop litter box a couple of times a day, feed (add couple of drops of medication to food twice a day). She can be left alone all day once she’s fed morning and evening. She is so sweet and affectionate but due to her age can’t help having these accidents.
My question is do you think it’s worth us joining and looking for sitters or would this put people off too much? We’d obviously be completely upfront about it.
On the positive side we have a lovely, spacious 5 bedroom home with garden in South Dublin, great public transport, 5 minutes walk to restaurants, shops and a great local pub, 10 minutes from the coast. Initially probably looking at a week just after Christmas.
We’ve done similar sits before, and we’ve sat far older cats, and while we’ve been sitting, pets have naturally aged too.
We sit fulltime, so we while we wouldn’t do those types of sits week in week out, we’re happy to do them now and again… but we’re not planning on sitting in Dublin (we’re in England).
You can help make things a little easier for yourself, by saying your dates are flexible in your profile or heading (if you are able), that way a sitter knows you may be happy to work a little more around their availability if you are able to do that. Rather than good sitters ruling themselves out if your dates are just a day or two short of their availability.
Dublin is very popular, so you will almost certainly find a sitter. You will just need to make sure that they have experience with geriatric cats and are really prepared to deal with the “accidents” and any other health emergencies that might arise.
I am from Ireland and go back to family in Louth at least once a year. Most of my friends live in Dublin so I always look for sits in Dublin during my visits. They go into “reviewing” status very quickly, meaning that they get 5 applicants quickly. This doesn’t mean they get 5 good applicants, just that people are very keen to stay in Dublin.
I’m a huge cat person, with many years of experience pet-sitting and fostering everything from newborns to seniors, so your sit wuld be fine for me. A lot easier than my last sit with a cat that needed a cocktail of anti-seizure meds twice a day and was very resistant!
Out of curiousity - where is your place in South Dublin?
It is not a sit I would normally consider just due to level of cleaning. However a Dublin location could well sway that. It’s not that I would care for your cat any less it’s more that I’m prepared to do more for a location I particularly want.
We did our 1st ever sit for a 18 yr cat. It was for 9 days, we would definitely take on a sit like yours. I have a soft spot for old kitties cuz I lost two of mine in the last couple years. Just be up front about it all.
If your house smells of cat urine, this may be a problem, so please consider that and ask a friend for honest answer as needed.
I suppose it kind of depends on the nature of the accidents (squishy or solid)…… I think just be honest about the care/cleaning required, basically don’t minimise just be descriptive; total transparency is required. I’d also describe all the equipment and products you’ll provide etc.
I think you’ll attract a nice experienced sitter.
We have done quite a few sits for elderly cats (and dogs) that sometimes have accidents indoors / outside the litterbox. We do have a real soft spot for senior pets, and also do a lot of repeat sits, so pets age and develop age related issues.
I think, as long as you are upfront about your kitty’s needs, and have a video call to check sitters understand and are prepared for this type of care, you will attract good sitters. Your location will certainly help. Dublin is on our wish list.
Considering dogs don’t use litter boxes and most sitters pick up their poop, I would imagine it would not be a problem. The highlight of your sit is the sitter can be away all day. The main concern would be, did you set up arrangements should your beloved pass while you are away (or prior to the sit). Sitters would have concerns of how to deal with both events.
We actually had a sit, where the homeowners said if their cat dies while we are sitting, the homeowners would know it was their cats time (it was 19); it actually did pass prior to our sit, but they also had 2 dogs and another cat, so our sit was still done. But you could reassure the sitter, that if the cat passes, they could still stay in your home and care for your plants/garden etc.
My own beloved Burmese cat lived to 20. She didn’t have that problem but other age related conditions. I would definitely sit for a senior cat with this problem. I probably would bring disposable litter boxes and set them up in different places to see if that helped. I think there is a sitter for every type of sit. As long as you are upfront about the cat you will find the right match.
I honestly don’t think you’d have any problem finding a wonderful sitter for your senior cat. I just returned from a couple of sits in Dublin where I am originally from. My first sit was with a couple of cats and a very senior dog who was missing a limb. He just needed some extra cuddles and loving which I gladly provided as he was no longer able to go for walks. There’s a lot of very caring sitters on this site and of course Dublin is a great city. I for one would happily apply on your sit if you listed it. I’ve looked after many senior pets who also required medication - not a problem.
Thank you everyone for all the lovely responses, it’s very helpful. I had thought this would be an automatic no for some people so it’s great to hear people might still be interested in sitting for us and I will take all these comments on board. I will likely look to join up and post our sit once our dates in December are firmed up so please keep an eye out and apply if you’re interested
I am convinced you will be spoilt for choice, so you will be able to choose someone who really cares about your cat and give her the love and support that she deserves.
!