When I joined THS I asked above question. I was told there is occasionally the possibility. IF there is anyone needing ‘a sit’ whether in the future OR at the last minute I would be available if ‘it was possible for my own 2 cats to come with me!!! ![]()
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The forum isn’t the place to advertise your services, the only exception that I’m aware of is the section for hosts to post “last minute sits”.
I suggest you include the part about your 2 cats coming along with you when you apply for a listed set of dates for a sit. It may limit your possibilities to some degree but there are probably hosts out there who don’t mind.
@Huts The way to go about it is that YOU apply for sits that take your interest and ask the question if you can bring your cats. THS does not have the option for you to list the availability of you and your two cats. It doesn’t work that way!
I’m a Forum bore on this topic… But please consider making other arrangements for your cats. Most cats will tolerate frequent moves, because they’re hard-wired to be stoic. But that doesn’t mean they enjoy them, however much we may long to believe otherwise.
That’s all.
Trusted Housesitters is alwasy a MATCHING service and the matches have to be mutual, so you can apply to a last minute sit even if they explicitly say no other pets allowed – assumming you explicitly say you are traveling with two cats. That doesn’t mean that the homeowners will even consider your request. Probably they will decline immediately.
I host and have cats. Even if I had a last minute cancellation I would do something else. There is no way I’d have someone bringing “new” cats into my home. There are many reasons for this. When there is a cancellation, the process for a person accepting a sitter is still the same. THS doesn’t match you. Both parties have to agree.
I don’t usually say that I speak for anyone but myself when I apply to a post, but in this case I do enough cat sitting both through THS and paid drop in services, to tell you that the vast majority of households will feel the same.
+1 to wise advice from @Lokstar.
There is nothing in THS policies from preventing a housesitter to take their own pet(s).
But it does require consent of Pet Parent. Best places to mentioned this are on your profile and expressly in your applications. Ideally, in application, you would provide information on your cats and specifics on how you planned to manage both the Pet Parent pet(s) and your cats.
It would be same tactic if a housesitter wanted to bring someone with them (not on THS profile, say a family or friend) or any other perceived dealbreaker (e.g. use of pet parent vehicle in rural location).
Be transparent. Some Pet Parents may say no. That’s their right. But some may be fine.
Dogs, maybe.
Cats, never.
I agree.
If I received an application from someone who wanted to bring their cats, I would think this person knows nothing about cats, is not a good pet owner to her own pets so how could she ever be a good pet sitter for me. Cats hate to travel and being out of their territory.
You want to travel so either join THS as a dual membership and find a cat sitter to stay in your home or re-home your cats to give them stability. I hope you are not a nomad dragging those cats from place to place. Think about your cats above your desire to travel. With your cats comes responsibility.
@Huts As others have said: Please make sure you mention bringing your own cats in your initial application for any potential sit, last minute or not.
Homeowners must know this before they consider your application.
I’ve seen enough travelling adventure-cats on FB and Instagram to know there are quite a few who do just fine with exploring new places. Maybe the OP’s cats fall into this category.
I’d be more concerned about the sit animals. Many pets are likely to be very unhappy with strangers coming into their territory. Would cats be stressed and spend the time hiding? Would dogs – even if they’re OK with cats out and about – be aggressive and potentially harm the intruders coming into their home? The sit pets would have to have a history with socializing with visiting pets – otherwise, they won’t understand why there are strange cats in their home, and you can’t explain it to them… it sounds like it could be very stressful for all.
You might get a sit with no pets, although those aren’t common. Then you’d have to try to assure the owners that your cats won’t scratch their furniture, eat their plants, etc.
It doesn’t sound ideal. I agree with the other commenters about making sure you put this in your profile and mentioning it right up front in any applications. Hope you find something that works out for you.
Hi HUts,
I would think it would be impossible to travel aound with cats, unless intending to keep them permanently inside? This is from an internet search, al;though I knew this from friends who have moved with cats…………………….
Cats should be kept indoors for at least two to four weeks after moving to a new home. This extended confinement allows them to settle in, become familiar with their new territory, and build a scent profile that will help them find their way back if they do get out. Rushing them can lead to them getting disoriented and trying to return to their old house, where they might get lost.
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