How to Start a Cat Sitting Business: Services, Prices and Finding Clients

A cat sitting business is one of the easiest pet businesses to start: cats usually stay home while owners travel, so you offer drop-in visits for feeding, litter, medication and company. Register the business, get pet sitting insurance and bonding, set per-visit prices, and find clients through vets, cat groomers, rescues and neighbourhood groups.

Why cat sitting works as a business

• Many cats get stressed in boarding, so owners prefer in-home care
• Visits are short, so you can fit many into a day
• Lower physical demands than dog walking
• Low startup costs (often under $1,000)

Services to offer

Step 1: Register and insure

Register a business, get a business license if required, and buy pet sitting insurance with bonding. Clients trust insured, bonded sitters with their keys.

Step 2: Get cat-specific training

Pet first aid, giving medication and injections, recognising signs of illness (not eating, not using the litter box), and handling shy or stressed cats.

Step 3: Set your prices

Charge per visit with add-ons for extra cats, medication, holidays and last-minute bookings. Check local rates and pet sitting apps to stay competitive. Rates guide: How much can a pet sitter make?.

Step 4: Meet-and-greet and paperwork

Visit before the first booking. Collect a care form (food, litter, hiding spots, vet, emergency contact, medical history), sign a service agreement, and agree how keys are handled.

Step 5: Find clients

1. Cat-only vets and cat groomers
2. Cat rescues and shelters (adopters need sitters)
3. Neighbourhood apps and local Facebook groups
4. Google Business Profile and reviews
5. A website with online booking and photos of happy cats
6. Pet sitting apps to get started

Full guide: How to start a pet sitting business. Career start: How to be a pet sitter.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start a cat sitting business?

Register, get insured and bonded, set per-visit prices and market to local cat owners.

What does a cat sitter do?

Feeds cats, cleans litter, gives medication, plays with them and checks the home.

How much do cat sitters charge?

Usually per visit, often similar to pet sitting drop-ins, with extra for medication and holidays.

How many visits does a cat need?

At least once a day; twice for kittens, seniors and cats on medication.

Do I need a license to cat sit?

Usually just a general business license.