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Are you insured to cat sit?
Yes. We hold public liability insurance with Petplan up to £5,000,000. Our policy also includes cover for emergency veterinary fees up to £1,250 should your pet become ill while in our care. Any excess or costs not covered by insurance remain the owner’s responsibility.
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Are you qualified and trained?
Yes. Sheree, the owner of The Cat Care Co., holds qualifications in feline care, behaviour, and welfare. All other staff receive training and certification relevant to their role and have completed pet first aid training. All sitters work to the same high professional standards.
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Who will visit my pet?
Each area has a dedicated Lead Cat Sitter who completes most visits, supported by a Cover Cat Sitter. The cover sitter attends on Sundays and steps in during rest days, holidays, or illness to ensure continuity of care. All sitters follow the same care notes through the Pet Owner Dashboard.
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What time are visits? Can I request a specific time?
Morning visits take place between 5:30am and 10:30am, and afternoon/evening visits between 3:00pm and 8:30pm. We’re unable to offer specific visit times, as visits are scheduled geographically. Timings may vary due to traffic, emergencies, or busy periods.
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Do you stay for the full visit time?
For 30, 45, and 60-minute visits, we aim to stay for the full duration. For 15-minute visits, we may leave once essential care is completed, particularly if your cat is hiding or outside. If a visit ever needs to be cut short, we’ll make up the time at another visit where possible.
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Can my cat go outside during visits?
Yes, if it’s safe to do so. If your cat doesn’t have a cat flap and doesn’t return before the visit ends, we’ll let them back in at the next scheduled visit. Outdoor access is always at the owner’s risk.
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Are pets required to be vaccinated?
We strongly recommend that all pets are kept up to date with vaccinations relevant to their species. We are able to care for cats who are not vaccinated; however, we cannot be held responsible for any illness or disease they may contract. As we visit multiple households, there is a risk of disease transmission despite strict hygiene measures.
Please note that if your pet is unvaccinated, veterinary fees may not be covered by insurance. In these circumstances, all veterinary costs remain the owner’s responsibility, and The Cat Care Co. cannot be held liable for any uncovered fees.
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Do my cats need to be microchipped?
Yes. All cats must be microchipped and registered in line with UK law, with details kept up to date. Responsibility for compliance remains with the owner.
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Do you care for other animals?
Yes. We can also care for small animals in your home, such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, rabbits, and fish. We don’t offer dog sitting services.
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Can you administer medication?
We can administer oral and transdermal medication, provided it is clearly labelled, in its original packaging, and supplied with clear dosage instructions. We are not veterinary trained to administer injections.
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What happens if my pet hides or doesn’t interact?
That’s completely normal. We’ll still ensure your pet’s food, water, litter trays, and general welfare needs are met, even if they choose not to come out.
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Are you a cattery or boarding service?
No. We provide in-home pet sitting only for cats. Cats are territorial animals and generally cope best in their own environment, with familiar smells and routines. We do, however, offer boarding in Oldham for rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals.
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Do you offer lunchtime visits, longer visits, or overnight stays?
We offer morning and evening visits only, with a maximum visit length of 60 minutes. We don’t provide overnight stays. Cats typically sleep for much of the day, and consistent routine visits are usually more beneficial than extended care.
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What happens if you run out of food or litter?
We can purchase essential supplies if needed. The cost of the items plus a 30-minute visit charge to cover shopping time will be added to your invoice.
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What happens in bad weather?
If travel is unsafe due to severe weather, we’ll contact you and your emergency contact. It’s essential that your emergency contact has a key and can reach your home on foot if needed. If no accessible emergency contact is available, we cannot guarantee visits during extreme weather.
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What happens in an emergency?
• Pet emergency: We’ll attempt to contact you first, then your emergency contact. If necessary, your pet may be taken to a vet. Any veterinary costs not covered by insurance remain the owner’s responsibility.
• Home emergency: For issues such as flooding, fire, or burglary, we’ll contact you and your emergency contact and take reasonable steps to protect your pets.
• Sitter emergency: If a sitter is unable to attend, we’ll arrange alternative cover and inform you as soon as possible.
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What if you have a welfare concern?
We may use professional judgement to adapt care if we believe it’s necessary to protect your pet’s health, safety, or wellbeing. This could include keeping pets indoors, adjusting feeding, or increasing litter tray cleaning.
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Can other people access my home during the booking?
Yes. Family, friends, or workpeople may access your home while we are providing care. Please note that our insurance does not cover damage, theft, or breakages if other people have access, as responsibility cannot be confirmed.
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Can you retain my key?
Yes. We can securely retain your key for future bookings, with a small discount applied per visit. Alternatively, keys can be collected per booking for a £5 fee. If keys are returned via the letterbox, this is done at the owner’s risk.
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What happens if I’m delayed returning home?
If your return is delayed, we’ll continue visiting your pets as needed. If we already hold your key, visits will continue as planned. If not, we’ll collect a key from your emergency contact. Standard fees apply.
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How do I book or cancel visits?
Bookings can be made via WhatsApp or the Pet Owner Dashboard. A 20% deposit secures your booking. Cancellations must be sent by WhatsApp or text message. Once care has started, unused visits are non-refundable.
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I have a complaint, comment, or concern — what should I do?
Please contact us directly at thecatcareco@gmail.com so we can address your concern as quickly and fairly as possible.