Meet And Greets: What to Expect + How to Prepare

If you’ve never hired a cat sitter before, you may be wondering what happens during a meet and greet. This short consultation is one of the most important steps in ensuring your cat receives safe and comfortable care while you travel.

A meet and greet allows both the sitter and the cat parent to understand expectations, routines, and household details before any services begin.

Why Meet & Greets Are Important

Cats can be cautious around new people, so allowing them to meet their sitter in advance can make the first visit much smoother.

This meeting also allows the sitter to understand:

• Feeding schedules

• Litter box routines

• Favorite toys or enrichment

• Hiding spots

• Medical needs

These details help create a personalized care plan for your cat.

What Happens During the Visit

Most meet and greets last between 15 and 30 minutes and take place inside your home.

During this time, the sitter will typically:

• Meet your cat and observe their behavior

• Walk through the feeding routine

• Review litter box setup

• Discuss medications or health concerns

• Confirm travel dates and visit schedules

Some cats will come say hello immediately. Others may hide. Both behaviors are completely normal.

How to Prepare for the Meet & Greet

You don’t need to do much preparation, but having a few things ready can help the process go smoothly.

Helpful things to have ready include:

• Feeding instructions

• Litter box location

• Emergency contact information

• Veterinarian details

• Medication instructions if needed

If your cat has specific preferences, such as favorite toys or treats, this is a great time to mention them.

Ask Questions

This meeting is also your opportunity to ask questions about how the sitter operates.

Common questions include:

• How updates are sent

• How long visits typically last

• Holiday availability

• Experience with shy or senior cats

The goal is to make sure both you and the sitter feel confident moving forward.

Final Thoughts

A meet and greet creates a foundation of trust before your trip begins. It ensures your sitter understands your home, your cat’s personality, and the care routine that keeps everything running smoothly.

Taking this extra step helps both you and your cat feel more comfortable when travel day arrives.