Hi there,

I run a Sheffield based pet sitting company specialising in cats! I'm really keen to keep improving the services we offer and wondered if people could let me know what you would like from a professional cat sitting service.

Some of the things we already offer include:


On online daily photo diary with a secure log in, enabling you to check up on your pet when you're away and see photos of what they've been up to.
Online quotes.
Complimentary cat toys.


Our web address is www.captainmewalot.co.uk if you would like to check us out, I would welcome any feedback!

FAB approval is essential in my opinion. I wouldn't take my cats to anyone not approved. Currently we drive 30 miles or so, because we know FAB means quality.

"What would you like from a cat sitting service?"

A squashed cat, I suppose.



Oh, nice idea by the way - I hope the business goes well!

Hi there,

I run a Sheffield based pet sitting company specialising in cats! I'm really keen to keep improving the services we offer and wondered if people could let me know what you would like from a professional cat sitting service.

Some of the things we already offer include:


On online daily photo diary with a secure log in, enabling you to check up on your pet when you're away and see photos of what they've been up to.
Online quotes.
Complimentary cat toys.

Our web address is www.captainmewalot.co.uk if you would like to check us out, I would welcome any feedback!Online quotes? Online quotes! What "Meeow meeeow meeeeeaaaaoooow!"?

Online quotes? Online quotes! What "Meeow meeeow meeeeeaaaaoooow!"?

Complimentary cat toys - "You're a very nice cat. You've clawed me really well there. Well done!"

Online quotes? Online quotes! What "Meeow meeeow meeeeeaaaaoooow!"?

Darn! I wanted to say that!

Is it possible to send messages to one's cat via your website?

Is it possible to send messages to one's cat via your website?

Maybe they could see photos of what you've been up to?

Just another thought, but sensible, its £6 a day, for 20 minutes care.

We pay £12, for three cats to stay in a FAB cattery all day and night, including food. No one then has a key to my house (I know its a trust issue but I'd rather not have a stranger in my home when I'm away on holiday). I think what you do is very good but wouldn't suit me personally. Trying to be constructive now.

Thanks for your feedback, I really find it helpful to hear everyone's opinions.

I know home cat sitting isn't for everyone but some people do prefer it. The 20 minutes care is a minimum but we stay as long as required. Our main aim is to make the cat happy so if they are interacting and playing we stay longer. Also we don't charge per cat only per day. So for anyone with a big family of felines we may be a cheaper alternative.

I really like the idea of the service you offer....but I do have one question...

You say that its £6 per 20 minute visit, no matter how many cats there are..

My query would be, lets say I had 5 cats, I'd envisage a longer visit than 20 minutes, so I think you might sell youself a bit short there only offering 20 minutes for 5 cats for £6, if you know what I mean.

I would look at actually charging a slightly higher rate (and a longer visit) for 3 or more cats, and you could justify that because cleaning 3 litter trays takes longer than 1 litter tray and that therefore means less playtime for the cats in a 20 minute visit.

You would make a bit more money, and the customer knows its not going to be a rushed visit.....just something that struck me as I looked at your site.

I would like to see flexibility of charges from pet-feeders. For example, if I have 10 feral cats and a GENERAL quote is for £12 per day for two cats for two visits plus £1 for each additional cat x 14 days then you can see why pet sitting is beyond my means. The last thing my cats would like or need is for playtime! They want food, and besides that they want the feeder to be gone! So it follows that my 10 cats would take less time to feed, maybe, than a couple of moggies who have been brought up in a house as opposed to a car park and are used to, and love, human company. My cats don't need litter trays cleaning cos they go outside. Whereas some cat owners would not like a rushed visit, that's exactly what my cats would like! Complimentary cat toys - I don't think so!!

The one problem for me is that we don't have a cat flap so my cat is stuck indoors when we go away. So one visit in the morning and one in the afternoon/early evening would be ideal.

We also run a pet sitting service and I agree that £6 for 20 minutes regardless of the number of cats might be selling yourself short.
We look after a house with 19 cats, it takes longer than 20 minutes just to dish up all their food and medication, let alone clean out the 10 litter trays and hoover the hairs up etc.

Thanks again everyone for your feedback, it's been great!

In regards to the 20 minute visits, this is a minimum and based on one regular cat, that doesn't have special needs, just needing to be fed and entertained. Our main aim really is to keep the cat happy and if they needed some extra attention we would be happy to oblige. We really wanted to stress that our policy isn't to rush in and out, without being some company for the cat while you're away.

The comments have given us things to think about, Many Thanks!

def agree that £6 unlimited isnt enough in certain circumstances, i also do a large families cat feed often with new kittens too and can be up to 30-40 cats and that would no where near be enough time, i have to spend at least an hour each time there and charge accordingly. i do go by capt mewalot though that for small amounts i say a minimum of 20mins and will stay extra if needed for up to several cats so im a bit in the middle. annax

Capt, I think you should rethink the prices that you are showing on your website.

As I, and others have said, the fact that you seem so 'cheap' for multiple cats, would be enough to put me off using you, because I would assume it was a rushed visit.

If I were you, I would work out a structured price list according to the number of cats, and indicate how long the visits would be accordingly.

Just a suggestion from a multiple cat owner, I add!

Good Luck with it all.

Hi there,

Thanks for taking the time to reply to this post. I found your answer really quite interesting!