[Last Edited on 9 January, 2025]

In this blog, I’ll share my personal experience of becoming a cat sitter and cover the following topics:

1. How I Discovered Cat in a Flat :An online platform that connects local cat owners and cat lovers for cat sitting services.

2. How to Sign Up as a Cat Sitter :A step-by-step guide to getting started and earning money.

3. Why Being a Cat Sitter is the Best Way to Earn Passive Income :The perks, flexibility, and joy of caring for meowsters while making extra money.

1. How I Discovered Cat in a Flat: The Online Platform Connecting Local Cat Owners and Cat Lovers for Cat Sitting Service.

In Hong Kong, I never needed to hire a cat sitter. I had a network of friends and family who lived nearby, and with the city's small size and efficient public transport, my cats were in good hands when we went on vacation. However, when we moved to the UK, we lost our local cat-support system. Our closest friends now lives two hours away, and this presented a new challenge. We had to travel for Christmas, and I started researching how to find a reliable cat sitter.

I ruled out the idea of a cattery due to the traumatic experience Barney and Mui Mui had when we relocated them from Hong Kong. The stress of moving and adapting to our new home was a lot for them to handle. I couldn't bear to put them through such an ordeal again. Instead, the idea of having a stranger come into our home to care for our beloved meowsters presented its own set of concerns. Trusting someone new with our cats' lives wasn't an easy decision to make.

As I searched for “catsitting service near me”, I stumbled upon several cat-sitting platforms. These platforms don't connect you with professional cat sitters but rather link cat owners and enthusiasts who offer cat-sitting services in their free time, usually within their neighborhoods. I was familiar with the gig economy business model and various service platforms but was surprised to find one tailored to pet-sitting. I picked CAT IN A FLAT who appeared among a few on top of the search results to test out how it worked, and I'd like to share my real experience (no ads or affiliate links).

CAT IN A FLAT (CIAF) is an incredibly user-friendly platform for cat lovers in need of cat sitters. It's as simple as entering your post code and the desired date for cat sitting. The platform will then display a list of available cat sitters in your area. You'll have access to their names, photos, brief bios, review scores, proximity to your location, and the fees they charge for their services. If you'd like more information about a particular cat sitter, you can click on their profile to view their detailed information, which includes a comprehensive bio, their experience in cat sitting, and reviews from previous clients. You can also find additional information on each sitter's profile page, like if they can administer medications or their willingness to care for other small house pets (e.g., rabbits, hamsters, reptiles, etc) and plants.

A list of available cat sitters near you on CAT IN A FLAT serach

You can also specify whether you'd like cat sitters to visit once or twice a day, or even stay overnight.

After identifying the right cat sitters, you can contact them via the platform's messaging system. You can provide them with details such as the number of cats you have and your expectations during cat sitting. The cat sitter will then have the option to accept or decline your cat sitting request. Payments are processed securely on the platform via credit card. However, you won't be charged until 24 hours before the requested service day. It's encouraged to meet with your cat sitters beforehand, and if there are any changes in your plans before the billing date, you can easily log in to the platform to cancel your request.

So far, it all sounds simple and convenient, but convenience doesn't necessarily equal confidence. To ensure the platform takes its screening process seriously, I decided to take an extra step by applying as a cat sitter myself. That's how I became a part-time cat sitter!

To register as a cat sitter on the platform, you're required to submit one of the below as an address proof:
Driving License

Last Council Tax Bill - Max 1 year
Last tax / PAYE slip - Max 6 months
Domestic Bills - Max 3 months
Bank Statement - Max 3 months
Student Residency
Current Signed Rental Agreement

This registration process provides an extra layer of comfort, knowing the platform takes security seriously. Additionally, all payments to cat sitters are processed through Stripe. Setting up a Stripe account and linking it to the CIAF platform is relatively straightforward, providing a transparent transaction record that fosters trust for both parties.

I'm aware that some may attempt to use the platform to “hook up” with cat owners / sitters and negotiate services offline to save on the 19% platform fee charged by CIAF. However, I strongly advise against this approach, at least not right from the start. Booking through the platform not only offers protection to both cat owners and cat sitters but also comes with a level of guarantee/insurance in the event of unexpected circumstances during cat-sitting services arranged through CIAF. For cat sitters, it offers the reassurance of guaranteed payment and the opportunity to accumulate customer reviews & repeated bookings, further enhancing their profile rating.

3. Why Being a Cat Sitter is the Best Way to Earn Passive Income :The perks, flexibility, and joy of caring for meowsters while making extra money.

I’m not suggesting anyone quit their day job to become a full-time cat sitter—it’s more of a flexible side gig. Cat sitting is often seasonal, with the potential for no bookings for months, followed by a surge in demand during the summer holidays or festive seasons. In peak periods, you could earn around £500-£600 over three months. While it’s not enough to replace a full-time income, it’s a great way to supplement your finances, especially during times of rising living costs.

The best part? You get paid to spend time with cats! Whether it’s playing, feeding, or cleaning litter trays, it’s likely something you’re already doing for your own meowsters—for free! Location plays a key role in your success. In suburban areas, demand may be lower than in cities, but you can often charge more due to less competition and a more affluent customer base.

One of the perks of cat sitting is that you get to set your own rates. I recommend doing some market research to see how other sitters in your area price their services. While it’s tempting to charge more, starting with competitive rates is a smart way to build your profile and gain repeat clients. If you have unique skills, like veterinary experience or exceptional rapport with cats (hello, cat whisperer!), you can gradually increase your rates. Don’t forget about peak-season pricing during holidays when demand is higher—it’s the perfect time to maximise your earnings.

Cat sitting is flexible, fun, and rewarding, both emotionally and financially. If you have extra time and love to give, I highly recommend signing up as a cat sitter. Plus, you’ll meet some amazing furry friends along the way. I’ll be sharing more fun cat sitting stories and tips in future blogs. In the meantime, enjoy these photos of my insanely cute cat clients—who could resist faces like these?