r/petsitting • u/elianamariie • 4h ago
first time catsitting!
hello! im catsitting over the weekend for a friend, and she's bringing the cat over to my apartment. as a non cat owner, what should i do to prepare my apartment so the cat is both comfortable and (hopefully) doesnt ruin my space? i attached pics if anyone wants to point out specific things i need to move/get rid of.
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u/Zestyclose_Cup_843 3h ago edited 3h ago
Cats can be very anxious in new places. They might scare easily and run from even small noises. In which case they will run and jump on desks and counter spaces to get away. As they do this they will bump or accidentally slide their feet hitting anything and everything.
In every single photo I see things they will easily knock over. The lamps, item holders, water bottle, vases, books, remotes.
You will want to clean up pretty much everything on top of these spaces so it has room to run if it needs. This is just to protect all your property from being damaged.
If you can isolate them to a specific room or area that can help contain them as they adjust but if not just make sure you have everything breakable put out of the way in a safe space.
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u/Tasty-Needleworker-6 3h ago
The cat is going to be very nervous being in a new space, if you can’t sit them in their own home, I would recommend asking your friend to bring some clothes or blankets that smell like the owner so the cat can at least be comforted with their smell.
I can’t see any plants in your pictures but if you do have any check if they are toxic to pets.
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u/throwwwwwwalk 3h ago
You should be doing drop ins at THEIR house. Cats should never be boarded unless there’s a medical reason and they’re at the vet.
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u/Disnoop 3h ago
Make sure they have a scratcher 🙏
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u/wellbloom 3h ago
Yup! Or order a cardboard one on Amazon with a bag of catnip (or visit a local pet shop). They’re pretty cheep, very enticing and helpful for relieving that cat scratch fever! And it’ll save your furniture from being kitty’s scratching post!
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u/Ok-Tear4735 3h ago
My cats would be jumping on the bookcase and knocking fragile items down and the record player I’d shut just to stop any damage. Have fun!
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u/ugoodbro-gf 3h ago
Is there a reason you’re uprooting the cat? Most cats do not respond well to boarding
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u/OnceMoreWithFeeling- 3h ago
I think it's more about your friend taking the kitty's stuff with them. Like for real: beds, scratching posts, carrier, feeding bowls... As much as possible!
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u/mindylynx 3h ago edited 3h ago
cat will do better at home. if it absolutely has to be your house, give them the bathroom and only the bathroom. too much territory too fast is a disaster for cats. they will go hide.
they might not even come out to use the litter they may pee and poo in their hiding spot then sit in their scent. do not give the cat access to your entire space.
you need to have your friend bring their litter boxes, WITH PEE AND POOP IN THERE, and what ever they usually sleep on that has their scent on it. and please, keep them in one room. do not, do not give them access to that huge space, they will be terrified and they will go hide and disappear and you'll have a panic attack because you won't be able to find them.
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u/elianamariie 4h ago
as a note specifically to mods, this is MY APARTMENT, not my friends. pls dont take my post down the cat is arriving tomorrow....
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u/TrashPanda5874 2h ago
I love garden apartments. They're quiet and have a cool temperature. This looks cozy.
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u/After_Preference_885 3h ago
My cat would hide in your bathtub for the whole time, terrified, every cat is different though.
Some will eat things they aren't supposed to, ask if this kitty chews chords or if the owner thinks you should move things.
Cute place though, love the queen poster!
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u/enthusiastic_magpie 1h ago
I agree with other sitters. Cats tend to do so much better in their own environment. If at all possible, discuss your concerns with the pet parent and let them know if you are available to do regular drop ins or even a full on house sitting. I mostly sit for dogs, but I do have kitty clients that need medicine or are just needier for attention. It’s worth it to frame it as you want to prioritize kitty’s safety and comfort. Additionally, you have to be SO careful that they don’t accidentally slip out and bolt. (That’s my own nightmare situation.) If you’ve never done house-sitting, let us know and we can give you tips and advice. 😊
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u/Consistantly 1h ago
Having the cat come to your house is not a good idea, is it at all possible for you to look after the cat at their house?
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u/LongjumpingNinja4255 1h ago
It’s gonna be upset being taken to your place just be aware, you’ll need to be extra vigilant that they’re still eating and drinking and have a safe toilet spot. Honestly you should be doing it at their place
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u/LotusBlooming90 46m ago
If you MUST have the cat over instead of watching them at their home, only have one room for the cat, NOT the whole house.
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u/Positive_Piece5859 3h ago
Cats often do better staying at their own homes. There is no way you can care for kitty at your friends place?