Question 1

Where do you keep all the cats?

Accepted Answer

Tee hee, this is actually the number one question we get. So, the way cat sitting works is the kitties all stay in their own homes. Happy Cat comes to each cat's home to visit and care for them. It's a lot of running around for us, but a cat is much happier in its own familiar space than in a boarding kennel.

Question 2

What do you do while you are in my home?

Accepted Answer

First, we make sure your kitty is alive and well! Next, we put out fresh food and water in clean bowls. Then we clean up the litter and any other little accidents or hairballs lying around. (We have some really great organic spray that neutralizes odors in places where they shouldn’t be. It’s amazing!) If kitty lets us, we’ll do an ears-to-tail health check. We'll take notes on how your pet is doing, and send you an update and photo or video if you like. The rest of the time is devoted to making your kitty as happy as possible. Unless we are on an overnight visit, the entire time is focused on your cat and home. Not texting friends, phone chats, watching videos or napping.

Question 3

What if my cat isn't friendly?

Accepted Answer

Well, most cats warm up to us sooner or later, even the temperamental ones. We let them take their own time to decide we are safe to hang out with. Most kitties like to know that they have a human nearby to boss around, even if they aren't in the mood for bonding. If they really don't want to be BFFs, we will ensure that they are safe and sound, and leave it at that.

Question 4

My cat is on medication. Can you take care of that?

Accepted Answer

We want you to be able to relax while you are away, knowing that kitty is getting their meds. We have plenty of experience giving cats pills, liquid medications, saline drips and subcutaneous injections (such as insulin). As you probably know, giving cats medication can be tricky. Some cats are very chill about the whole thing, and others need coaxing, treats or firm (but gentle) handling. We will do our very best to get the medications into the cat. (For pills, we like to try Pill Pockets as a first attempt, if that’s okay with you.)

Question 5

What if my cat gets sick while I'm away?

Accepted Answer

No one wants to have this situation arise, but everyone wants to be prepared in case it does. Most of all us! As part of the client agreement, you will complete a veterinary consent form outlining how you want us to deal with medical issues while you are away. You’ll also fill out a pet profile that includes information on existing medical conditions.
We strongly recommend allowing us to take your kitty to the vet if a serious medical situation arises. We have pet first aid training, but that does not take the place of professional veterinary care.

Question 6

My cats enjoy the outdoors. Will you let them out and in?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. We are not opposed to the outdoorsy cat lifestyle, but this is not a responsibility we want to take on. Sorry, kitty will have to wait till you're home to get back outside. (Unless you have a catio. If you do, well that’s awesome!)

Question 7

I don’t vaccinate my cats. Is that okay?

Accepted Answer

Veterinarians have advised that, because we are not bringing the cats to a common area, there is little risk of spreading disease from one client's cat to another. So, vaccinations are not required. The one exception is if your kitty has an upper respiratory infection (a cold), these germs can attach to our hands and clothes and transmit to the next client's kitty. If your cat has a cold, please let us know so that we can change to a fresh set of clothes and use hand sanitizer in between visits.

Question 8

What if I forgot to stock up on cat food?

Accepted Answer

Okay, we’ll go to the store for you. And add the cost to your bill. We only buy the good stuff, though, not kitty junk food. Next time please try to remember.

Question 9

I think my cat just needs a short visit every 3 or 4 days. Can you do that?

Accepted Answer

We're really not comfortable letting a pet go without care for more than 48 hours. Anything can happen during an extended absence. They can run out of food or water, there could be a problem at the home, and the kitty would not be getting the quality loving care that we want to ensure. Our service is about more than just keeping your furbaby alive. With the very best of intentions for your pet, we recommend at least a daily visit.

Question 10

What is involved in an extended visit?

Accepted Answer

We can decide together what you'd like to include in an extended visit. Usually there is a period of "quiet time." The intention is to replicate, as much as possible, normal life. So there are activities that focus on the kitty, and times when they are not the center of attention. Typically we see cats that have become anxious or needy while on their own gradually start to relax when they feel more certain that someone is there for them. When they fall into a relaxed sleep, we know we've done our job.

We would appreciate having the use of your wi-fi during these visits, if that's okay, and maybe the option to make ourselves a cup of coffee or tea.

Most kitties don't need extended visits, but you might want to consider adding them in (in a mix with other visits) if you are going to be away for multiple weeks, or if your cat is extra clingy.

Question 11

We have a dog too. Can we include our pup in the sitting?

Accepted Answer

We like dogs a lot, but cats are our superpower.
We aren’t prepared for dog walking, and we’re uncomfortable with the responsibility of letting a dog out to do its business. So many things can go wrong with that. We’re not insured for dog-walking or dog-letting-out. Also, the number of visits a day you would need just for the letting-in-and-out would be a bit excessive.
Essentially, we’re not the right people to take care of your pup. Lots of other people would be delighted to do this for you.
Note – We don’t have experience with birds, lizards, hamsters, fish, snakes, spiders, beetles, ferrets, horses, miniature pigs, goats, hedgehogs, or monkeys. Really, we’re here for the cats.

Happy Cat Halifax

Purr-fectly happy at home