The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Trusted Cat Sitter in NYC
Published: August 21st, 2025
Being a cat parent in New York City comes with its own set of challenges. Whether you’re catching a flight out of JFK, stuck in long work hours, or finally taking that much-needed weekend trip, one question always comes up: “Who will take care of my cat while I’m away?”
Cats thrive best in their familiar environment, which makes in-home cat sitting the gold standard compared to cat boarding or leaving them alone. But with so many options in a big city like NYC, how do you find a sitter you can truly trust?
Here’s your step-by-step guide to choosing the right cat sitter — so you (and your kitty) can feel confident and stress-free.
1. Look for Experience With Cats (Not Just Pets)
Not every pet sitter is a cat sitter. Cats have unique needs — from understanding tail language and purring cues to handling litter box quirks.
- Ask specifically about their cat experience: Do they know how to give medication? Handle shy cats? Recognize signs of stress?
- A great cat sitter won’t just “feed and leave.” They’ll spend quality time, play, and ensure your cat feels safe.
Pro tip: In NYC, many sitters also walk dogs. Make sure the person you hire has proven cat-specific experience, not just pet-sitting experience.
2. Check Reviews and Local Reputation
In a city as big as New York, word of mouth is gold.
- Look for sitters or agencies with Google reviews, Yelp feedback, or testimonials from NYC cat parents.
- Search local Facebook groups (NYC Pet Owners, Upper West Side Cats, Brooklyn Cat Parents) to see if their name pops up.
Green flag: Multiple happy clients in your neighborhood.
Red flag: Vague reviews or lack of transparency about who’s actually visiting your home.
3. Verify Professionalism and Safety
Let’s be real: You’re not just trusting someone with your cat, you’re trusting them with your apartment.
- Ask if they are insured and bonded (many professional NYC sitters are).
- Do they have a clear process for check-ins, emergencies, and communication?
- Do they offer visit reports (photos/videos of your cat each day)?
This shows professionalism — and helps ease your anxiety while you’re away.
4. Meet Them Before You Book
A trustworthy sitter will always agree to a meet & greet before you commit.
- Watch how they interact with your cat — are they patient and gentle?
- Do they ask smart questions about feeding schedules, litter, routines, or quirks?
- Do you feel comfortable giving them access to your space?
Cats can sense energy. If your cat hides at first, that’s normal. But a good sitter will respect your cat’s boundaries and slowly build trust.
5. Consider Local Availability & Flexibility
NYC life is unpredictable (subway delays, work changes, weather). Choose a sitter who:
- Has backup systems (a team or partner) in case something happens.
- Is located near your neighborhood (e.g., Upper East Side, Brooklyn, Queens).
- Can handle last-minute changes when city life gets chaotic.
6. Ask About Communication
The best cat sitters know that updates matter.
- Will they send daily text/photo updates?
- Can they FaceTime you if needed?
- Do they let you know when they’ve arrived/left (geo-tag check-ins are a nice bonus)?
In a city where things move fast, communication is everything.
7. Don’t Just Choose the Cheapest Option
Yes, NYC is expensive — but when it comes to your cat’s care, reliability is worth it.
- Low rates may mean rushed visits or lack of professional standards.
- Fair, transparent pricing reflects the time and quality of care your cat will get.
Think of it as peace of mind: you’re paying for your cat’s safety, happiness, and your own freedom to travel without worry.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right cat sitter in NYC can feel overwhelming, but with the right checklist, it becomes much easier. Prioritize cat-specific experience, professionalism, local reputation, and communication.
Your cat deserves more than just a drop-in — they deserve care, companionship, and love while you’re away.
✨ At Feline Tails, we’re proud to be NYC’s premier cat sitting service, trusted by cat parents across the city. Whether you’re in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens, we bring peace of mind straight to your doorstep.
📌 Quick Checklist for Cat Parents in NYC
Before hiring a sitter, ask:
- Do they have proven cat experience?
- Can I see reviews from local NYC cat owners?
- Are they insured, bonded, and professional?
- Can we meet in person for peace of mind?
- Will they send daily updates?
- Do I feel comfortable trusting them with my home and cat?
👉 Ready to find a sitter you (and your cat) can trust? Book your first Stay and Play Visit with Feline Tails today.