Hub

Cat Tools & Resources

Free cat owner planning tools: cost planning, care checklists, and sitter preparation for indoor cats.

Cat owners often get less specific planning help than dog owners. This hub pulls together the calculators, printables, and checklists that actually apply to indoor cats — from cost planning and hydration to sitter prep and medication tracking. Everything here is written from real pet-sitting experience, not general breed content.

Cost & planning

Care & sitter prep

What makes cat planning different from dog planning

Cats hide illness and stress much better than dogs, which means small changes matter more. A cat skipping one or two meals is a bigger deal than a dog doing the same. Cats also drink less voluntarily and are prone to urinary and kidney issues, so hydration planning is worth taking seriously — a cat who lives on dry food alone may benefit from a fountain, a wet food topper, or vet-guided moisture support.

Cost-wise, cats are typically cheaper than dogs, but that assumes you plan properly. Litter, prescription diets for urinary or kidney issues, and dental cleanings are the categories that surprise new owners. Sitter prep is the other big difference: cats stay home while you travel, so a good sitter setup replaces boarding entirely.

Pet sitter note

The #1 thing I ask before a cat sit: "Where does she hide when she's stressed?" I've had cats disappear for three days into a wall cavity. Every cat sitter needs to know the top 2–3 hiding spots before the first visit.

Safety note

Cats who stop eating for more than 24 hours are at risk of hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) — a serious, sometimes fatal condition. Any cat refusing food, straining to urinate, hiding for days, or breathing with an open mouth needs a same-day vet visit.

Frequently asked questions

Do cats really need their own calculators?
For water, cost, and budget, yes — cat metabolism, portion sizes, and vet costs differ enough from dogs that a shared 'pet' tool loses useful accuracy.
How do I prep a sitter for a shy cat?
Two visits per day, quiet approach, and leave a piece of your worn clothing near the food bowl. Never chase — let her come to the sitter.