cat sitter checklist Cascais
Cat Sitter Checklist for Cascais Holidays
Direct answer: Before a Cascais holiday, leave your cat sitter clear feeding notes, litter instructions, key or access details, emergency contacts, vet information, medication notes, hiding places and the update style you want after each visit.
Most cat sitting problems are not caused by the cat. They are caused by missing access details, unclear food instructions or no backup plan. This checklist keeps the visit simple.
Local context
The checklist is built for apartment and house visits around Cascais, Estoril, Monte Estoril and nearby Linha areas where keys, building access, parking and concierge rules can matter.
Practical checklist
- Key handover or keybox tested before departure.
- Building door, apartment door, alarm and parking notes written down.
- Food amounts, bowl locations and treat rules clearly listed.
- Litter type, scoop location, bin rules and spare litter available.
- Vet contact, emergency contact and carrier location visible.
- Windows, balcony and rooms that must stay closed listed.
- Preferred photo/video update style agreed.
Access notes
Write the access plan as if the sitter has never been to your building. Include the main door, apartment door, alarm code, lift notes, parking, concierge rules and what to do if a key sticks. Test keybox codes before you travel.
Cat notes
Leave the cat's normal name, nicknames, hiding places and anything that is normal for them. A shy cat under the bed may be fine if that is their usual safe place. A social cat not coming to the door may be worth checking more carefully.
Food and water
Write exact amounts. Do not rely on "normal portion" if someone else is feeding. Note wet food timing, dry food limits, water bowl locations and whether a fountain needs cleaning or refilling.
Litter and cleaning
Leave spare litter, bags, scoop and cleaning products in a visible place. If your building has specific rubbish rules, write them down.
Safety and emergency details
The Cat Friendly Homes guidance is a useful reminder that cats need predictable resources and safe places. For travel, the sitter also needs practical backup details: your vet, emergency contact, carrier location and any medication instructions.
Updates
Agree what you want after each visit: one photo, a short video, food/litter notes, or a message only if something looks wrong. Clear expectations make the sitter's update easier and more useful.
Questions owners ask
Should I hide the carrier?
No. Leave the carrier location visible in case the cat ever needs urgent transport to a vet.
Should I leave spare keys?
If possible, yes. A backup key with a trusted neighbour or concierge reduces risk if one access route fails.
Can I book if I do not have a key plan yet?
You can ask about availability, but dates should not be considered settled until access is practical and tested.