Understanding Cats: Why Professional Cat Sitting Is More Than Just Liking Cats

Natalia and Bodhi the cat

As the Business Operations Assistant at Burbank Pet Sitting, I’ve worked with animals in many different capacities over the years — including running a kitten program and now operating my own cat and dog rescue nonprofit. Through that experience (and as a current cat and dog parent myself), I’ve learned something that I see reinforced again and again:

Cats don’t just need care — they need to be understood.

Cat sitting is often underestimated. Because cats are seen as independent, their care is sometimes reduced to quick visits and basic tasks. But cats are deeply sensitive to change, routine, and environment. When their people leave, stress can quietly build — and if it’s not handled thoughtfully, it can lead to behavioral or health issues.

At Burbank Pet Sitting, our approach to cat care is grounded in experience, observation, and education. We draw not only from hands-on work in rescue and pet care, but also from respected professionals in the feline behavior space, including insights from Hannah of Hannah’s Cat Training.

Cat Sitting Is About Comfort, Not Just Care

When an owner leaves town, a cat’s world changes. New schedules, unfamiliar scents, and a new person entering their space can feel overwhelming — even for confident cats. While some cats adjust quickly, others need time, space, and a calm presence to feel safe.

That’s why our sitters don’t rush visits or force interaction. We move slowly, keep things quiet, and allow each cat to decide how much engagement they’re comfortable with. For cats, calm and predictability are key — and a quiet visit is often a successful one.

Why Meet & Greets Matter

Whenever possible, we recommend a meet-and-greet before a client leaves town. This gives cats the opportunity to meet their sitter while their owner is still home, helping reduce fear and confusion later on.

For shy or fearful cats, one meeting may not be enough — and that’s completely okay. Sometimes it takes multiple visits for a cat to feel comfortable. These meetings aren’t about forcing interaction; they’re about building familiarity and allowing trust to form naturally.

Visit Length Makes a Difference

Short visits may work in very specific situations, but most cats benefit from longer, more intentional time. Cats often need time to decompress before they’re ready to play, explore, or interact.

Stress hormones can take 20–30 minutes to settle, which means meaningful interaction often happens later in the visit. That’s why our sitters focus first on creating a calm environment, then offering gentle enrichment once the cat shows interest.

Gentle Care for Shy and Fearful Cats

Some cats need extra patience — and we take that seriously. Loud voices, sudden movements, or direct approaches can cause fearful cats to retreat further.

Our sitters enter quietly, sit at a distance, and allow cats to observe and approach on their own terms. Tools like wand toys or gently tossed treats help build trust without pressure. Even small signs — a stretch, a peek from a hiding spot — tell us a cat is starting to feel safe.

Litter Box Care Is Essential

One of the most common issues feline behaviorists see after sitter visits is litter box trouble. Inconsistent scooping, low litter levels, or blocked access can cause stress and may lead to cats eliminating outside the box.

At Burbank Pet Sitting, litter box care is never an afterthought. Boxes are scooped regularly, refilled as needed, and checked for accessibility. When automatic boxes are used, we monitor them closely to ensure they’re functioning properly.

Watching for Subtle Health Changes

Cats are experts at hiding discomfort, which makes careful observation critical. Changes in appetite, playfulness, litter box habits, or social behavior can be early indicators that something isn’t right.

Our sitters are trained to notice these subtle shifts and communicate clearly with owners. We also understand what constitutes an emergency — and how to respond calmly and appropriately if one arises.

Protecting Cats Between Homes

Professional cat care doesn’t stop at the front door. We follow hygiene protocols between homes, including hand washing and never sharing toys between households. These small but important steps help protect vulnerable cats, especially seniors or those with compromised immune systems.

What Sets Burbank Pet Sitting Apart

We don’t treat cat sitting like a checklist.

We focus on:

• Preserving routine

• Reducing stress

• Thoughtful observation

• Respecting each cat’s individual needs

This philosophy comes from years of hands-on experience, continued education, and guidance from trusted professionals like Hannah of Hannah’s Cat Training, whose work has helped shape our understanding of feline behavior.

If you’re looking for cat care that prioritizes understanding, patience, and professionalism, we’d love to help.

Contact Burbank Pet Sitting to learn more about our cat care services and find the right fit for your cat.

With behavioral insights informed by Hannah’s Cat Training.