Cat Sitting Services Christchurch - Professional In-Home Care

Personalised Care That Adapts to Your Feline Family Members

Personalised Cat Care Services in Christchurch

Professional Feline Care That Honours Individual Needs

Cats are creatures of comfort and routine. While some pets adapt well to boarding facilities, many cats thrive best in their familiar environment where every scent, sound, and hiding spot provides security and comfort.

VIPets specialises in heart-centred care that respects your cat’s individual nature:

Shy cats receive patient, gentle encouragement to eat and interact at their own pace
Playful cats enjoy engaging toy sessions and interactive games
Senior cats get extra gentle care and monitoring for comfort and wellbeing
Indoor cats receive extended companionship to prevent loneliness and boredom
Multiple cat households maintain their social dynamics and individual attention needs

Why Choose Professional Cat Sitting Over Neighbours or Family?

The Advantages of Professional In-Home Cat Care

While well-meaning friends and family want to help, professional cat care ensures consistency, reliability, and expertise that busy loved ones sometimes can’t provide.

Professional advantages:

Guaranteed visits – no forgotten days or missed feeding times
Cat behaviour expertise – understanding stress signals and comfort needs
Emergency preparedness – first aid knowledge and veterinary coordination
Detailed care protocols – medication timing, special dietary needs, health monitoring
Complete peace of mind – professional insurance and accountability

Getting Started: Premium Cat Care Made Simple

Step 1: Complimentary Home Consultation
Free, no-obligation visit where we meet your cat(s) and discuss their specific routines, preferences, and care needs in their comfortable home environment.

Step 2: Personalised Care Plan
Customised service plan detailing feeding schedules, play preferences, comfort routines, and any special requirements your feline family may have.

Step 3: Trust-Building Introduction
Gentle introduction process allowing your cat to become comfortable with us before you leave, ensuring a smooth transition to professional care.

Step 4: Premium Care Experience
Professional, loving care with complete communication and peace of mind throughout your time away.

Cat Sitting Prices in Christchurch

15-30 Minute Daily Care

$20-$30

Perfect for independent cats who need their daily essentials lovingly maintained. Book a 15-minute Pet Call if you just require a litter box clean, feeding, and check-in. Perfect for shy cats you rarely see:

Personalised feeding schedule with fresh water and treat time
Litter tray cleaning and maintenance
Professional health and wellbeing check
Love, companionship and gentle interaction
GPS tracking with photos showing your cat’s daily routine

Ideal for: Confident cats, short trips, or cats who prefer quieter interaction times.

2-3 30 Minute Visits

$25 each

Comprehensive care that keeps your cat’s routine exactly as they like it:

Personalised morning and evening care routines
Trusted feeding schedule with wet food, fresh water, and biscuit top-ups
Litter maintenance and health monitoring
Playtime, companionship, and comfort sessions
Medication administration with careful tracking
Detailed photo updates and behavioural notes
Extended companionship time to prevent loneliness

Ideal for: Most cats, especially indoor cats, social breeds, or longer trips away.

Overnight Experience

$120

Full Overnight Care (7pm-7am)
Includes midday visit ($100 without)

The ultimate in feline care – your cat never spends a night alone:

Personalised evening routine and comfortable settling time
Trusted overnight presence for security and companionship (7pm-7am)
Professional morning care and feeding routine
Devoted attention throughout evening and overnight hours
Bonus midday visit for feeding, litter care, and companionship if required
Complete home security benefits
Emergency support available 24/7

Ideal for: Anxious cats, senior cats with medical needs, or when you want complete household peace of mind.

Still Have Questions About Professional Cat Sitting in Christchurch? We Have Answers...

What if my cat is shy and hides from visitors?

Patience is our specialty. Many cats need time to warm up to new people. We use gentle techniques, respect your cat’s space, and gradually build trust. Often, shy cats become some of our most affectionate clients once they realise we’re there to love and care for them.

Do you care for cats with medical conditions or special needs?

Absolutely. We have extensive experience with cats with arthritis, post-surgical care, and various other medical needs. We work closely with your veterinarian to ensure all care protocols are followed precisely.

How much does professional cat sitting cost in Christchurch?

Professional cat sitting in Christchurch typically ranges from $30-$120 per day depending on the level of care your cat needs. A single daily visit costs around $30, while comprehensive twice-daily care runs about $55 per day. For cats who need overnight companionship, expect to pay around $120 which includes a bonus midday visit. These prices reflect professional expertise, insurance coverage, GPS tracking, detailed updates, and emergency support – significantly more value than casual pet sitting.

What's the difference between cat sitting and cat boarding?

Cat sitting means your feline stays comfortable in their own home while a professional carer visits them, whereas cat boarding requires taking your cat to a facility. The key differences are that cat sitting maintains your cat’s familiar routine and territory, reduces stress from travel and new environments, provides one-on-one attention rather than shared care, and often includes home security benefits. Many cats prefer staying in their own space with their favourite hiding spots and familiar scents.

How often should a cat sitter visit per day?

Most cats thrive with one to two visits per day, depending on their personality and needs. Independent cats often do well with one substantial 30-45 minute visit that covers feeding, litter care, and companionship. Social cats, indoor-only cats, or those with medical needs typically benefit from two visits – morning and evening – to maintain their regular routine. Senior cats or those with anxiety may need overnight care for continuous companionship and monitoring.

Are professional cat sitters insured in Christchurch?

Reputable professional cat sitters in Christchurch should carry public liability insurance with added clauses for pet care. This protects both your property and your cat in case of accidents or unexpected situations. Always ask to see proof of current insurance coverage before booking. Professional services also typically include emergency veterinary coverage as part of their guarantee, providing additional protection for your cat’s wellbeing.

What's included in cat sitting prices in Christchurch?

Professional cat sitting prices in Christchurch typically include feeding according to your schedule, fresh water, litter tray cleaning, companionship and play time, basic health monitoring, medication administration, GPS tracking of visits, photo and video updates, detailed care notes, and emergency response protocols. Many services also include home security benefits like mail collection, plant watering, and maintaining a lived-in appearance. The price reflects comprehensive care rather than just basic feeding.

How do I choose the best cat sitter in Christchurch?

Look for a cat sitter with proven experience specifically with cats, proper insurance coverage, positive local reviews, and clear communication skills. They should offer a complimentary meet-and-greet to assess compatibility with your cat, provide detailed care protocols, use GPS tracking and photo updates, and have emergency veterinary procedures in place. Ask about their experience with your cat’s specific needs, whether that’s medication, anxiety, or particular personality traits.

How do you handle multiple cats with different personalities?

Individual attention within the group dynamic. We learn each cat’s personality, preferences, and social position within your feline family. Some cats get individual play sessions while others prefer group activities – we adapt to what works best for your household.

What areas of Christchurch do you serve for cat sitting?

VIPets provides cat sitting services throughout Christchurch, including all suburbs and surrounding areas. Our familiarity with the local area means we can quickly respond to any needs and maintain consistent care schedules.

How far in advance should I book a cat sitter?

For regular holidays and planned trips, booking 2-4 weeks in advance ensures availability with your preferred sitter. During peak periods like Christmas, Easter, or school holidays, book 6-8 weeks ahead as professional cat sitters fill up quickly. For last-minute needs, many professionals maintain some flexibility, but earlier booking guarantees you’ll get the specific care your cat needs and allows time for a proper meet-and-greet if it’s your first time using the service.

Do you provide cat sitting for elderly or sick cats?

Absolutely. Senior and unwell cats often benefit most from professional in-home care as they need extra monitoring, gentle handling, and consistent medication routines. Professional cat sitters can recognise changes in appetite, mobility, or behaviour that might indicate health concerns and coordinate with your veterinarian as needed. We’re experienced with the special needs of elderly cats including comfort care, mobility assistance, and ensuring they maintain quality of life while you’re away.

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

Professional cat sitters are trained to recognise signs of illness and will contact you immediately if concerns arise. We work with your nominated veterinarian and can arrange emergency care if needed. Most professional services include emergency veterinary coverage in their guarantee, meaning initial treatment costs are covered while we contact you. We maintain detailed health notes during each visit so any changes in behaviour, appetite, or litter habits are quickly identified and addressed.

Is professional cat sitting worth the cost compared to boarding?

For most cats, professional in-home sitting offers better value than boarding facilities. While the daily cost may seem similar, cat sitting eliminates travel stress, maintains familiar routines, provides one-on-one attention, and includes home security benefits. You also avoid potential exposure to other animals’ illnesses and the trauma some cats experience in unfamiliar environments. When you factor in the peace of mind and your cat’s comfort, professional sitting typically provides superior value.

What should I prepare before my cat sitter arrives?

Before our initial consultation including feeding schedules, favourite treats, litter preferences, medication timing, and your cat’s personality quirks. Leave emergency contact numbers for yourself and your veterinarian, ensure adequate supplies of food and litter, and show the sitter where everything is located. It’s helpful to note your cat’s hiding spots, favourite toys, and any behaviours that might indicate stress or illness. A comfortable meeting between your cat and the sitter beforehand helps ensure everything goes smoothly.