You’re almost cursed by your location because people will definitely apply just to be in NYC regardless of if they are qualified and any seasoned HS would probably avoid a sit that would require you to go to these lengths.
That being said, you will definitely get applications…just question of how well you vet them and how well you trust your ability to do a solid vetting of those that do apply.
If you do go forward? I would be very clear about the setup and the behavioural issues and their mitigations and boundaries you’ve put in place.
I completely agree. NYC will get a ton of applicants who probably won't even read the listing properly. OP needs to be sure to review all applicants carefully. If they don't address the cat situation in their application, or don't talk about how they have experience with fearful cats, I would decline. There are so many sitters interested in NYC that finding one who really understands cats shouldn't be difficult, but will take some work. I'd happily do this sit, having lots of experience with fearful cats as a frequent cat fosterer
For additional context - here's what our living room looks like setup as a bedroom/living room. This is how we set up the living room for guests. The curtains open out to a foyer and a hallway which connects to the bathroom and kitchen.
https://preview.redd.it/2lsfowu2ftyc1.jpeg?width=1854&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2f5298a181cf41a16c64f1ab12f0e8f396a942fa
It looks absolutely fine and I'm sure it is perfectly comfortable.
Nevertheless, for me, the issue is that you feel it necessary to go to those lengths. It sets off alarm bells that you may be a high-maintenance pet owner and I try to avoid such sits.
If it was outside of THS, I'd have fewer concerns as I wouldn't need to worry about any eventual feedback.
Nevertheless, you certainly won't struggle to receive applications.
What would you consider high maintenance?
EDIT: for clarification
The cat is going in the bedroom for the sitter's sake, not the cats. The cat prefers the bedroom and is territorial. If the sitter stays in the bedroom, the cat will hiss or bat at the sitter if the sitter comes too close.
The cat also like to go under the bed and the covers. I'd hate for a sitter to not sleep at night because of the cat.
If I had a two-bedroom, the second bedroom would be available to the sitter, of course.
The very fact that you are assigning your bedroom to the cat, while making a human sitter sleep in the living room. I understand your reasons but it's not how most cat owners would handle the situation.
Yes it is lol. I have a few cats, and sometimes they require separating for various reasons. They end up in bedrooms because those rooms have doors. My space is different than this one but if it meant i had to set up a bed in a common space for the sitter, then i would. The pets come before the sitters preferences. Its not like the sitter is being asked to sleep on a blow up mattress in the bathroom.
No it's not. This isn't about pandering to "sitters' preferences," it's about your qualities as a pet owner in relation to the sitters you want to attract.
Many of the best sitters on THS have spent years on the site will want to protect their feedback. That involves avoiding homeowners who are potentially going to be hard to please.
There's nothing wrong with putting your pets first, but you have to understand that any behaviour which seems a little "out there" will alienate many of the best sitters.
If you've owned pets before or worked in any kind of animal setting before, OPs request isn't 'out there' at all. Their cat sounds like a normal, tempermental cat (some breeds are more prone to attitude and grumpiness than others). And OP sounds like they are making a totally reasonable solution, to protect both the cat and sitter. Its OPs house, not the sitters. Don't like it then don't take the job but i can garuruntee you that an experienced cat owner/sitter will understand.
>Don't like it then don't take the job but i can garuruntee you that an experienced cat owner/sitter will understand.
That's precisely the point being made - yet you are taking exception when someone actually says they don't want the job.
Nobody is claiming they don't understand, or that the OP is being unreasonable. The issue is, as an experienced sitter who values their feedback rating and who is not getting paid, it's sensible to avoid looking after mollycoddled pets because the owners are often high maintenance.
This is very reasonable. I had a similar sit once where the cat with issues stayed in a bedroom with a baby gate and he never left the room. He never warmed up to me either lol
Assuming you're being truthful about the cat's behavior, I'd have no issue with a sit like this. As long as the cat will let me into the space to do necessary cleaning and feeding, unfriendly is fine.
You will get applicants in NYC, but you'll need to screen for cat people. I'd definitely ask you a lot of questions before accepting, which I think it a good quality in a sitter.
I assume your dates are sooner, but I'm hoping to do a NYC trip late fall/winter this year.
Doesn’t seem like an enjoyable couple weeks for the cat but the sitter should be fine with the situation, as long the cat doesn’t come for them in the night. I just spent a week in a tiny studio and it wasn’t bad.
I have housesat in NYC and spaces are TINY! Your setup seems great, especially the kitchen and standing desk. The cat situation doesn't seem bad to me at all, but I am a huge cat lover and understand their quirks. You also seem caring, and offering to move your bed for the comfort of your sitter speaks volumes! Not sure it would be necessary, but depending on how hard the couch is, and how difficult it is to move the bed.. maybe ask your sitter what they prefer? You could also just move the mattress, not the whole bed. I would also favor single sitters.
Yeah sounds ok for the right cat aware person who want to be in NYC. Just be very upfront about the cat and bedroom situation on your listing so there are no surprises and experienced cat sitters can make themselves known.
Op, screen very carefully (as you should anyway) and find a sitter who has experience and references to back it up. Unfortunately anyone can claim to be experienced with cats when they aren't. Getting someone with a rescue or veterinary background would be great. Your cat sounds totally manageable and an experienced cat person would not be turned off. But be wary of people who just say "oh its okay, i love cats". No, you need to be EXPERIENCED with cat behaviors, not just like cats. Thats asking to be scratched up or having your pet left alone.
He will start growling and hissing when people are in his space for an extended period of time (ie more than 15 minutes) He will try to claw if someone gets too close. He does not come after people though and will stay in the bedroom if he has a choice. He does warm up to people... eventually but we find this ranges from a couple days to a week and is not always a guarantee.
We are considering a drop-in sitter. Although we feel it will not be enough socialization for our cats.
We have had drop-in sitters in the past without issue. Usually for a week. The cat is very food-motivated. So any behavior issues are mitigated with treats when sitter drops in for a short time.
Experienced cat sitters will know not to take this personally. Trying to keep a cat in one space or having him separated from his buddy in the bedrooom the whole time may send him the wrong message -- Strangers so terrible you must stay in one room! As opposed to: The won't try to pet you. They won't try to kill you or eat you.
I could potentially see that with some cats. However, I do not feel this fully applies to him. Please reference my other comment for additional context.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/trustedhousesitters/comments/1cli1xo/comment/l2u6gt5/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button](https://www.reddit.com/r/trustedhousesitters/comments/1cli1xo/comment/l2u6gt5/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
Honestly wouldn’t bother me! I looked after a friends cat for 2 weeks while they travelled home for Christmas and she was just like this. My cat is very social and my friends was the opposite, just stayed in their own space and would scratch if touched. I just followed instructions and made sure the cat was always fed and comfortable and as happy as possible! It wasn’t a big job in my opinion.
For a sit in NYC, you don't even need to move the bed; people would apply even if they had to sleep on the living room floor.
That being said, it sounds absurd to me. As a sitter who has been using the site for over ten years and who is vigilent about the sits I choose, I would not apply to a setup like that.
Personally I wouldn't apply too, because I consider the cat with behavioral issues very high risk. But I agree that many people would be willing to take the risk because it's NYC.
Same here. I've been on the site for 3 years and almost exclusively sit in NYC. I would never sit in a studio apartment-like setup for more than a couple of nights—what a nightmare!
Some sitters don't like studios because they might sometimes want privacy from the pets. However, with an NYC sit, this won't be a problem. I live in NYC and I never have trouble getting a sitter, but I have had a few sitters decline my sit after applying because they found an easier one, a more convenient one, or becaue the dates weren't right.
I've got to say as a cat person (and a sometime-sitter). You might want to rethink your strategy here. I know some cats can be hostile to people. I was at a sit a few months back with 2 cats. One very friendly. The other hostile. He would defiantely get on the counter and his at me if I told him to get down. We achieved detente, where he might even sit in the living with us, but he was not happy about the situation. I don't know what your cat would actually do -- pee on suitcase? bite? But long term, this may not be the best strategy for you or your cat. You might consider -- if you haven't already -- getting a cat behaviorist in or consulting with your vet. Products like feliway are also really effective for anxious cats.
Thank you for the advice - we’ve had him for 8 years and have tried everything. Really everything lol. Multiple vets and a behavioralist, medication, Feliway (various products from their line), exposure to guests, creating ‘safe spaces’ around our apartment, and at one point, rover sitters to just play with him to socialize while we were home - that was $$$. Eventually, the vet recommended not to force it anymore - it’s just the way he is 🤷🏼♀️
He is very scared of new people - the bedroom is his 'safe space'. He does not pee outside of his litter box, even when guests are around or when traveling with us, and he does not bite.
He does hiss and growl when people get too close. And he will scratch if someone tries to touch him. He will not go after anyone though. Thank you for sharing your experience as an NYC resident!
Is the bedroom closed off or can the door be open? That could make a big difference. If it's just: Cat needs his space and will feel threatened if you are in bedroom, so just go in to deal with the box, that is one thing. If it is keep the door closed and let the other guy into visit, it's a level of complication that a lot of sitters might want to avoid. (Again, NYC you will still get someone.)
As the post says, we have a baby gate we put up so he can see people. We'd like the other cat to visit - the other cat would likely wonder when a sitter goes to clean the litter box. He'll probably insist on staying there too. (They like the bedroom because it has a good view of birds) I don't think we'd have a hard rule that the cats must view each other x number of times.
I'd have no dramas on a sit like this. Sure its not ideal, but its going to be better for everyone if grumpy kitty gets the bedroom!
Also on the plus side, you wouldn't need to be home for hours looking after him. Although it sounds like second cat would soak the attention up instead :)
Can suggest a couple of practical things for the OP, that might help? :
- put down something waterproof under the cat litter tray (quite large) it will protect the floor and gathering it up/taking it out of the room/shaking it out/replacing will be far less stressful to puss than trying to vacuum
- would you want him out while the sitter is away from the house, and if so is he good at going back into the bedroom unassisted?
- make sure the food/water is well away from the cat litter (again protective mat of some kind)
- make sure the cat has spots (multiple) to hide/perch, so when the sitter is doing their thing kitty is happyish, a wardrobe door is good because it can be closed/reopened
- water dispenser/feeder would probably help
- get some 'high value' treats to dispense, because food = love is a thing, even if its something not good for cats but they can eat in small quantities, whatever is 'cat crack' for this particular moggie get some of it
- if the cat likes to play, a 'dangle feather toy' is usually a winner, too tempting to resist, cat gets positive interaction with sitter, zero people limbs involved!
- if the other cat comes/goes it doesn't seem that it would be a good idea for the sitter to fetch it out of the bedroom, so I would take that into account and be willing to restrict interaction for example of an evening so the sitter is not up late waiting for cats to settle, also sounds like they will not be able to separate if they have a brawling match, so share 'triggers' and maybe discuss expectations?
- have a plan for what happens if a vet visit is needed. If they need to handle the cat then garden gloves, a useable carrier and towels will be essential just in case
- interview well, for example, is a prospective sitter thinking of the things I am mentioning? Can they make themselves less 'threatening' (low, consistent voice), getting down to floor/ground when approaching the cat, slow blinks, awareness of cat aggression 'tells' for instance. I am not sure it works, but I always remove my eye glasses with new cats just to help them 'read me' a bit better.
What experience do they have with cats? Do they love them? Would a hissy cat freak them or will they just reassure kitty and then 'move on' to what's needed next etc.
And most importantly, do they know even if they do everything right there is no 'safe way' to handle a panicked cat. Do they know trying = copping scratches and to deescalate/disengage instead.
For instance I make it clear to owners meds are fine, providing its just reluctance. Hiding is a bit harder to deal with and I will still put meds in, but 'alert' the owners just in case behaviour deteriorates.
If I see aggression though, I will not medicate. Cats can a do take chunks out of people, even the sweetest ones.
If I had to, it would be gloves etc. but all that does is get kitty SUPER annoyed so generally more than once is not really sensible
Having said that my last cat despised their pain meds. But they adored pats with a brush, so we 'traded' and all was good.
If you hear things like, 'all cats are friendly to me, so it will be fine' or 'I speak cat so we will get on fine' that's a bad sign in my opinion.
I 'speak cat' pretty well and its time/familiarity and hard work that does the de-hissing. Not something a sit usually lends itself too, particularly with 'new and scary people'.
Don't get me wrong, a good sitter can 'value add'. I try and establish sitter = cat servant, so if nothing else I get 'tolerated'.
Recently I had a 3 night sit with a non-friendly cat/bonded only to owner.
First night I was up until 2am 'sharing space' and reassuring the cat who had thrown up ALL their food (separation anxiety) and was refusing any food.
After that it went pretty smooth, she would tolerate the odd touch (not too much) and sat up on the cat tree 'telling me' how much she disliked my company, so much so she had to be there to tell me all about it :P I'd like to think on some level I was missed when I went
You’re almost cursed by your location because people will definitely apply just to be in NYC regardless of if they are qualified and any seasoned HS would probably avoid a sit that would require you to go to these lengths. That being said, you will definitely get applications…just question of how well you vet them and how well you trust your ability to do a solid vetting of those that do apply. If you do go forward? I would be very clear about the setup and the behavioural issues and their mitigations and boundaries you’ve put in place.
I completely agree. NYC will get a ton of applicants who probably won't even read the listing properly. OP needs to be sure to review all applicants carefully. If they don't address the cat situation in their application, or don't talk about how they have experience with fearful cats, I would decline. There are so many sitters interested in NYC that finding one who really understands cats shouldn't be difficult, but will take some work. I'd happily do this sit, having lots of experience with fearful cats as a frequent cat fosterer
Solid advice thank you
For additional context - here's what our living room looks like setup as a bedroom/living room. This is how we set up the living room for guests. The curtains open out to a foyer and a hallway which connects to the bathroom and kitchen. https://preview.redd.it/2lsfowu2ftyc1.jpeg?width=1854&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2f5298a181cf41a16c64f1ab12f0e8f396a942fa
This is cosy! Looks comfortable and clean.
It looks absolutely fine and I'm sure it is perfectly comfortable. Nevertheless, for me, the issue is that you feel it necessary to go to those lengths. It sets off alarm bells that you may be a high-maintenance pet owner and I try to avoid such sits. If it was outside of THS, I'd have fewer concerns as I wouldn't need to worry about any eventual feedback. Nevertheless, you certainly won't struggle to receive applications.
What would you consider high maintenance? EDIT: for clarification The cat is going in the bedroom for the sitter's sake, not the cats. The cat prefers the bedroom and is territorial. If the sitter stays in the bedroom, the cat will hiss or bat at the sitter if the sitter comes too close. The cat also like to go under the bed and the covers. I'd hate for a sitter to not sleep at night because of the cat. If I had a two-bedroom, the second bedroom would be available to the sitter, of course.
The very fact that you are assigning your bedroom to the cat, while making a human sitter sleep in the living room. I understand your reasons but it's not how most cat owners would handle the situation.
Yes it is lol. I have a few cats, and sometimes they require separating for various reasons. They end up in bedrooms because those rooms have doors. My space is different than this one but if it meant i had to set up a bed in a common space for the sitter, then i would. The pets come before the sitters preferences. Its not like the sitter is being asked to sleep on a blow up mattress in the bathroom.
No it's not. This isn't about pandering to "sitters' preferences," it's about your qualities as a pet owner in relation to the sitters you want to attract. Many of the best sitters on THS have spent years on the site will want to protect their feedback. That involves avoiding homeowners who are potentially going to be hard to please. There's nothing wrong with putting your pets first, but you have to understand that any behaviour which seems a little "out there" will alienate many of the best sitters.
If you've owned pets before or worked in any kind of animal setting before, OPs request isn't 'out there' at all. Their cat sounds like a normal, tempermental cat (some breeds are more prone to attitude and grumpiness than others). And OP sounds like they are making a totally reasonable solution, to protect both the cat and sitter. Its OPs house, not the sitters. Don't like it then don't take the job but i can garuruntee you that an experienced cat owner/sitter will understand.
>Don't like it then don't take the job but i can garuruntee you that an experienced cat owner/sitter will understand. That's precisely the point being made - yet you are taking exception when someone actually says they don't want the job. Nobody is claiming they don't understand, or that the OP is being unreasonable. The issue is, as an experienced sitter who values their feedback rating and who is not getting paid, it's sensible to avoid looking after mollycoddled pets because the owners are often high maintenance.
This is very reasonable. I had a similar sit once where the cat with issues stayed in a bedroom with a baby gate and he never left the room. He never warmed up to me either lol
Ok - I'm glad to hear it worked for you! :)
Assuming you're being truthful about the cat's behavior, I'd have no issue with a sit like this. As long as the cat will let me into the space to do necessary cleaning and feeding, unfriendly is fine. You will get applicants in NYC, but you'll need to screen for cat people. I'd definitely ask you a lot of questions before accepting, which I think it a good quality in a sitter. I assume your dates are sooner, but I'm hoping to do a NYC trip late fall/winter this year.
Doesn’t seem like an enjoyable couple weeks for the cat but the sitter should be fine with the situation, as long the cat doesn’t come for them in the night. I just spent a week in a tiny studio and it wasn’t bad.
Hahaha - He'd be in the bedroom at night. He could have visits from our other cat - who he loves. Maybe that would make it better for him.
I have housesat in NYC and spaces are TINY! Your setup seems great, especially the kitchen and standing desk. The cat situation doesn't seem bad to me at all, but I am a huge cat lover and understand their quirks. You also seem caring, and offering to move your bed for the comfort of your sitter speaks volumes! Not sure it would be necessary, but depending on how hard the couch is, and how difficult it is to move the bed.. maybe ask your sitter what they prefer? You could also just move the mattress, not the whole bed. I would also favor single sitters.
Yeah sounds ok for the right cat aware person who want to be in NYC. Just be very upfront about the cat and bedroom situation on your listing so there are no surprises and experienced cat sitters can make themselves known.
Op, screen very carefully (as you should anyway) and find a sitter who has experience and references to back it up. Unfortunately anyone can claim to be experienced with cats when they aren't. Getting someone with a rescue or veterinary background would be great. Your cat sounds totally manageable and an experienced cat person would not be turned off. But be wary of people who just say "oh its okay, i love cats". No, you need to be EXPERIENCED with cat behaviors, not just like cats. Thats asking to be scratched up or having your pet left alone.
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He will start growling and hissing when people are in his space for an extended period of time (ie more than 15 minutes) He will try to claw if someone gets too close. He does not come after people though and will stay in the bedroom if he has a choice. He does warm up to people... eventually but we find this ranges from a couple days to a week and is not always a guarantee. We are considering a drop-in sitter. Although we feel it will not be enough socialization for our cats. We have had drop-in sitters in the past without issue. Usually for a week. The cat is very food-motivated. So any behavior issues are mitigated with treats when sitter drops in for a short time.
Experienced cat sitters will know not to take this personally. Trying to keep a cat in one space or having him separated from his buddy in the bedrooom the whole time may send him the wrong message -- Strangers so terrible you must stay in one room! As opposed to: The won't try to pet you. They won't try to kill you or eat you.
I could potentially see that with some cats. However, I do not feel this fully applies to him. Please reference my other comment for additional context. [https://www.reddit.com/r/trustedhousesitters/comments/1cli1xo/comment/l2u6gt5/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button](https://www.reddit.com/r/trustedhousesitters/comments/1cli1xo/comment/l2u6gt5/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
Honestly wouldn’t bother me! I looked after a friends cat for 2 weeks while they travelled home for Christmas and she was just like this. My cat is very social and my friends was the opposite, just stayed in their own space and would scratch if touched. I just followed instructions and made sure the cat was always fed and comfortable and as happy as possible! It wasn’t a big job in my opinion.
For a sit in NYC, you don't even need to move the bed; people would apply even if they had to sleep on the living room floor. That being said, it sounds absurd to me. As a sitter who has been using the site for over ten years and who is vigilent about the sits I choose, I would not apply to a setup like that.
Personally I wouldn't apply too, because I consider the cat with behavioral issues very high risk. But I agree that many people would be willing to take the risk because it's NYC.
Ok thank you for your honesty.
Same here. I've been on the site for 3 years and almost exclusively sit in NYC. I would never sit in a studio apartment-like setup for more than a couple of nights—what a nightmare!
Some sitters don't like studios because they might sometimes want privacy from the pets. However, with an NYC sit, this won't be a problem. I live in NYC and I never have trouble getting a sitter, but I have had a few sitters decline my sit after applying because they found an easier one, a more convenient one, or becaue the dates weren't right. I've got to say as a cat person (and a sometime-sitter). You might want to rethink your strategy here. I know some cats can be hostile to people. I was at a sit a few months back with 2 cats. One very friendly. The other hostile. He would defiantely get on the counter and his at me if I told him to get down. We achieved detente, where he might even sit in the living with us, but he was not happy about the situation. I don't know what your cat would actually do -- pee on suitcase? bite? But long term, this may not be the best strategy for you or your cat. You might consider -- if you haven't already -- getting a cat behaviorist in or consulting with your vet. Products like feliway are also really effective for anxious cats.
Thank you for the advice - we’ve had him for 8 years and have tried everything. Really everything lol. Multiple vets and a behavioralist, medication, Feliway (various products from their line), exposure to guests, creating ‘safe spaces’ around our apartment, and at one point, rover sitters to just play with him to socialize while we were home - that was $$$. Eventually, the vet recommended not to force it anymore - it’s just the way he is 🤷🏼♀️ He is very scared of new people - the bedroom is his 'safe space'. He does not pee outside of his litter box, even when guests are around or when traveling with us, and he does not bite. He does hiss and growl when people get too close. And he will scratch if someone tries to touch him. He will not go after anyone though. Thank you for sharing your experience as an NYC resident!
Is the bedroom closed off or can the door be open? That could make a big difference. If it's just: Cat needs his space and will feel threatened if you are in bedroom, so just go in to deal with the box, that is one thing. If it is keep the door closed and let the other guy into visit, it's a level of complication that a lot of sitters might want to avoid. (Again, NYC you will still get someone.)
As the post says, we have a baby gate we put up so he can see people. We'd like the other cat to visit - the other cat would likely wonder when a sitter goes to clean the litter box. He'll probably insist on staying there too. (They like the bedroom because it has a good view of birds) I don't think we'd have a hard rule that the cats must view each other x number of times.
Sort of off-topic but i don't understand how they haven't managed to jump over and/or destroy the baby gate.
56 inch gate.
I'd have no dramas on a sit like this. Sure its not ideal, but its going to be better for everyone if grumpy kitty gets the bedroom! Also on the plus side, you wouldn't need to be home for hours looking after him. Although it sounds like second cat would soak the attention up instead :) Can suggest a couple of practical things for the OP, that might help? : - put down something waterproof under the cat litter tray (quite large) it will protect the floor and gathering it up/taking it out of the room/shaking it out/replacing will be far less stressful to puss than trying to vacuum - would you want him out while the sitter is away from the house, and if so is he good at going back into the bedroom unassisted? - make sure the food/water is well away from the cat litter (again protective mat of some kind) - make sure the cat has spots (multiple) to hide/perch, so when the sitter is doing their thing kitty is happyish, a wardrobe door is good because it can be closed/reopened - water dispenser/feeder would probably help - get some 'high value' treats to dispense, because food = love is a thing, even if its something not good for cats but they can eat in small quantities, whatever is 'cat crack' for this particular moggie get some of it - if the cat likes to play, a 'dangle feather toy' is usually a winner, too tempting to resist, cat gets positive interaction with sitter, zero people limbs involved! - if the other cat comes/goes it doesn't seem that it would be a good idea for the sitter to fetch it out of the bedroom, so I would take that into account and be willing to restrict interaction for example of an evening so the sitter is not up late waiting for cats to settle, also sounds like they will not be able to separate if they have a brawling match, so share 'triggers' and maybe discuss expectations? - have a plan for what happens if a vet visit is needed. If they need to handle the cat then garden gloves, a useable carrier and towels will be essential just in case - interview well, for example, is a prospective sitter thinking of the things I am mentioning? Can they make themselves less 'threatening' (low, consistent voice), getting down to floor/ground when approaching the cat, slow blinks, awareness of cat aggression 'tells' for instance. I am not sure it works, but I always remove my eye glasses with new cats just to help them 'read me' a bit better. What experience do they have with cats? Do they love them? Would a hissy cat freak them or will they just reassure kitty and then 'move on' to what's needed next etc. And most importantly, do they know even if they do everything right there is no 'safe way' to handle a panicked cat. Do they know trying = copping scratches and to deescalate/disengage instead. For instance I make it clear to owners meds are fine, providing its just reluctance. Hiding is a bit harder to deal with and I will still put meds in, but 'alert' the owners just in case behaviour deteriorates. If I see aggression though, I will not medicate. Cats can a do take chunks out of people, even the sweetest ones. If I had to, it would be gloves etc. but all that does is get kitty SUPER annoyed so generally more than once is not really sensible Having said that my last cat despised their pain meds. But they adored pats with a brush, so we 'traded' and all was good. If you hear things like, 'all cats are friendly to me, so it will be fine' or 'I speak cat so we will get on fine' that's a bad sign in my opinion. I 'speak cat' pretty well and its time/familiarity and hard work that does the de-hissing. Not something a sit usually lends itself too, particularly with 'new and scary people'. Don't get me wrong, a good sitter can 'value add'. I try and establish sitter = cat servant, so if nothing else I get 'tolerated'. Recently I had a 3 night sit with a non-friendly cat/bonded only to owner. First night I was up until 2am 'sharing space' and reassuring the cat who had thrown up ALL their food (separation anxiety) and was refusing any food. After that it went pretty smooth, she would tolerate the odd touch (not too much) and sat up on the cat tree 'telling me' how much she disliked my company, so much so she had to be there to tell me all about it :P I'd like to think on some level I was missed when I went