As a professional cat sitter and lifelong cat lover, I know the feeling all too well. You’re excited about your upcoming holiday or much-needed vacation, but there’s a little knot of worry in your stomach. It’s not about the flight or the packing—it’s about your cat.

Leaving our fur babies behind is never easy. We wonder if they’ll be lonely, if they’ll eat enough, or if they’ll miss their evening cuddle time. For years, the default option for many was boarding kennels. But let’s be honest: taking a cat out of their territory, putting them in a car, and leaving them in a strange cage surrounded by barking dogs or other stressed animals isn’t exactly a recipe for a happy feline.

That’s where professional in-home cat sitting changes the game. It offers a solution that prioritizes your cat’s comfort and your peace of mind. By keeping your cat safe at home in their own environment, you avoid the trauma of travel and unfamiliar settings.

At Kate’s K9 Pet Care, every pet sitter is an experienced pet sitter, we are proud to serve families across Fort Washington, Oxon Hill, and Temple Hills with trusted, professional care. We don’t just “feed the cat”—we provide love, attention, and a reassuring presence so you can actually enjoy your time away.

Peace of Mind Starts Here — Reserve Service Today

What Is Cat Sitting & Why Cat Parents Love It Over Cat Boarding

If you’ve never used a sitter before, you might be wondering: What exactly is cat sitting, and how does it differ from boarding?

In-home cat sitting brings the care to you. Instead of disrupting your pet’s life, a professional sitter visits your home on a schedule you choose. This could be once a day for the independent kitty, or twice daily for those who need medication or extra socialization.

The primary reason cat parents are switching to this model is simple: cats are territorial creatures. They thrive on routine and familiarity. A change in environment is one of the biggest stressors for a feline. Boarding facilities, no matter how “luxury” they claim to be, smell different, sound different, and feel different.

For shy cats, the shelter-like environment of a kennel can be terrifying. For senior kitties, the stress can impact their immune systems. Even confident cats can become anxious when removed from their favorite sunny spot or their scratching post. By choosing a sitter, you are choosing to keep their world stable. They get to sleep in their own bed, watch their favorite birds out the window, and eat from their own bowl.

Keep Your Pets Happy While You’re Away.

In Home Cat Sitting for Your Feline Friend

There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to cats. Some are social butterflies who greet you at the door; others are “under-the-bed” dwellers who need patience and quiet. In-home cat sitting allows for a level of personalized care that boarding simply cannot match.

Reducing Stress Through Familiarity

Your home is your cat’s sanctuary. It smells like you, which is incredibly comforting to them when you are gone. Keeping them in these familiar surroundings significantly reduces separation anxiety and behavioral issues that often crop up after a stay at a kennel.

Maintaining Critical Routines

Cats have internal clocks that are more precise than Swiss watches. They know exactly when breakfast is served and when playtime begins. A professional sitter adheres to these schedules. We ensure feeding times remain consistent, litter boxes are scooped daily (keeping the home fresh and the cat happy), and playtime happens just the way they like it.

Ideal for Multi-Pet Homes

If you have a household with multiple cats, or perhaps a dog and a cat, separating them to go to different boarding facilities can be traumatic. In-home care allows siblings to stay together, providing each other with comfort and companionship while you are away.

Choosing the Best Cat Sitter for Your Cat

Inviting someone into your home to care for your beloved pet is a big decision. You need more than just a neighbor’s kid who might forget to show up. You need a professional and RELIABLE cat sitter.

At Kate’s K9 Pet Care, we bring over 15 years of experience to the table. We have seen it all, from high-energy kittens to diabetic seniors requiring insulin injections. This experience allows us to spot subtle signs of illness or distress that a hobbyist might miss.

But experience isn’t the only metric that matters. Security is paramount. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Every member of our team is thoroughly background-checked. When you hire us, you aren’t just getting a pet lover; you are getting a verified professional who treats your home and your pet with the utmost respect.

During holidays, consistency is key. We understand that your travel plans depend on our reliability. We take that responsibility seriously, ensuring that no matter the weather or the holiday rush, your cat receives the attentive care they deserve.

Trusted Pet Care at Your Fingertips — Book Online

Professional Cat Care Services at Home

When you book a visit with us, you are getting a comprehensive care package designed to cover all your cat’s physical and emotional needs. Here is what is included in our cat sitting services:

• Customized Visits: We offer daily visits or ‘almost overnight’ stays depending on what your cat needs. Whether they need a quick check-in or extended companionship, we have a plan for you.
• The Essentials: Fresh food and water are non-negotiable. We follow your specific feeding instructions to the letter, ensuring dietary restrictions are respected. Litter boxes are scooped and cleaned during every visit to prevent accidents and odors.
• Play and Affection: We don’t just drop food and leave. We engage your cat with their favorite toys, offer lap time for cuddlers, and speak to them gently to let them know they aren’t alone.
• Medication Administration: If your cat has medical needs, we are trained to help. We can administer pills, apply topical ointments, and handle other medication requirements safely and stress-free.
• Health Monitoring: We keep a close eye on your cat’s habits. Are they eating enough? Is their litter box usage normal? If anything seems off, we are prepared to seek veterinary attention immediately.
• Daily Updates: You shouldn’t have to guess how your cat is doing. After every visit, we send you a written message along with photos and notes. Seeing your kitty happy and relaxed makes your vacation that much sweeter.

House Sitting Services From A House Sitter That Keeps Your Home & Cat Safe

One of the often-overlooked benefits of hiring a professional cat sitter is the added security for your home. An empty house can be a target, especially during the holidays when many people travel.

Our house sitting services provide that “lived-in” look that deters potential trouble. While we are there caring for your cat, we also take care of the little things that keep your home running smoothly:

• Mail and Package Collection: We bring in the mail and newspapers so they don’t pile up on the porch.
• Plant Care: We can water your indoor plants so you don’t come home to wilted greenery.
• Light Home Care: We can rotate lights and blinds, making it appear as though someone is home.

This is a significant upgrade from relying on a friend or neighbor who might stop by at irregular hours or forget to lock a back door. With a professional, the safety of your home is part of the job description.

How Much Should You Pay for Cat Sitting?

Price is always a factor when planning a trip, but it’s important to view cat sitting as an investment in your pet’s health and your home’s security.

Cat sitting rates generally depend on a few factors, including the duration of the visit, the number of pets, and specific medical needs. At Kate’s K9 Pet Care, our cat sitting services start at $31.50 per visit.

Why pay for a professional when a neighbor might do it for free? Value. With a professional, you are paying for reliability (we won’t bail on you last minute), insurance (if something breaks or goes wrong, you’re covered), and expertise (we know what to do in a pet emergency).

Transparency is part of how we build trust. We don’t believe in hidden fees. We want you to feel completely confident in the value you are receiving. Plus, for new clients, we even offer a special introductory offer to help you get started with confidence.

Helping Cats Adjust — The 3-3-3 Rule

If you have recently adopted a rescue cat or have a particularly anxious feline, you might be familiar with the 3-3-3 Rule. This guideline suggests that it takes a rescue cat:

• 3 days to decompress
• 3 weeks to learn your routine
• 3 months to start feeling at home

While this rule is usually applied to adoption, it’s relevant to travel, too. When you leave, your cat’s routine is disrupted. A sensitive cat might revert to those “first 3 days” behaviors—hiding, not eating, or feeling overwhelmed.

Professional cat sitting supports cats through this transition better than any other method. By keeping the environment the same (the “3 months” part of the rule remains stable), we reduce the shock. We help bridge the gap while you are away, maintaining the routine and safety they need to stay confident and calm.

Trusted Cat Sitting for Local Families & Cat Lovers

We aren’t a faceless app or a giant corporation. We are a local, family-operated business deeply rooted in the Virginia and Maryland communities. We live here, we work here, and we love the pets here.

Our clients in Fort Washington, Oxon Hill, and Temple Hills choose us because we offer a community-focused approach. We are trusted by busy professionals who need midday checks, families heading out on summer vacation, and military personnel who need reliable care during deployment.

We believe in giving back to those who serve our community. That’s why we offer a 10% discount for first responders, teachers, active-duty military, and veterans. It’s our small way of saying thank you.

Booking Your Holiday Cat Sitting For Your Fur Baby Is Easy

We know you are busy planning your trip, so we’ve made our booking process as simple as possible. With our easy-to-use online client portal, you can schedule visits, update your pet’s care instructions, and view your invoices in minutes.

However, a word of advice: the holidays are our busiest seasons. Cat parents in Fort Washington and Oxon Hill love their travel, and our schedule fills up quickly. To ensure you get the dates and times you prefer, we highly recommend booking well in advance.

Schedule Your Free First Walk Now (Yes, we apply our intro offers to cat families too!)

Helpful Resources for Cat Parents

As a cat owner, having the right information at your fingertips is essential. Here are a few highly recommended resources to help you care for your feline friend:

• Cornell Feline Health Center: excellent, science-based information on cat health and behavior. Visit Website
• The Cat Community (AAFP): Tips on how to transport cats, manage stress, and understand feline needs from the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Visit Website
• Jackson Galaxy: Known as the “Cat Daddy,” his site offers fantastic advice on cat behavior, play, and solving litter box issues. Visit Website
• Pet Poison Helpline: A crucial resource to check if a plant or food item is toxic to your cat before you leave it out while on vacation. Visit Website
• International Cat Care: A charity dedicated to improving the health and welfare of cats worldwide with great care guides. Visit Website
• Fear Free Happy Homes: Resources to help your pet live a happy, healthy, fear-free life, including tips for separation anxiety. Visit Website
• ASPCA Cat Care: Comprehensive guides on cat nutrition, grooming, and general care. Visit Website

Because Your Pet Deserves the Best

You shouldn’t have to choose between seeing the world and ensuring your cat is safe and loved. With Kate’s K9 Pet Care, you can have both. We also provide other pet sitting services for dogs and small animals. We are committed to providing the kind of personalized, professional attention that treats your cat like family—because to us, they are.

Travel with confidence knowing your home is secure, and your kitty is purring on their own sofa.

Because Your Pet Deserves the Best — Get Started Today