Cat Owners Opt for Sitters Over Boarders This Raya

Pet-Sitting: A Growing Trend Among Cat Owners

Cat sitting involves professionals visiting the furparent’s home to care for their felines, clean litter boxes, provide food and water, and monitor the animals’ wellbeing. This service has become increasingly popular, especially during the Aidilfitri holidays.

Rising Demand for Pet-Sitting Services

Many cat owners are opting for pet-sitting services due to the rising cost of cat boarding and the increase in feline numbers. According to a Facebook survey, prices for cat boarding typically start at RM15 a day for one feline. Pet-sitting packages for one to three cats start at RM30 per visit, including litterbox cleaning, feeding, and playtime.

Why Pet-Sitters are Preferred

Cat owners are willing to pay for pet-sitting services due to the added comfort it provides for their felines. Many prefer having their cats looked after at home, where they can be monitored closely and receive personalized care.

Juliana Nazrin’s Experience

Juliana Nazrin, 32, owns eight cats of various breeds. She began using pet-sitting services three years ago. “If I send my pets to a cat hotel, it’s not worth the risk. I don’t want to leave my beloved pets in an unfamiliar place, locked in cages, and mixed with other cats. I once had a pet contract a fungal infection after staying at a cat hotel,” she said.

Samerah Husna Adam’s Perspective

Samerah Husna Adam, 36, prefers sitters because of the limited availability of cat hotels, vaccination requirements, and refusal to take special-needs or sick felines. “I have a special-needs cat. Many cat hotels do not accept him. The best alternative for me is to hire a pet sitter, as they can visit at scheduled times to closely monitor my cat’s condition and can come any time they are required,” she said.

Nurana Ismail’s Experience

Part-time pet sitter Nurana Ismail, 30, has seen a rise in demand for her services this Aidilfitri. “Most of my clients, regular and new, prefer pet-sitting services as they believe their cats receive better care, face lower stress, and are less exposed to diseases,” she explained.

Conclusion

As the Aidilfitri holidays approach, cat owners are opting for pet-sitting services due to the rising cost of cat boarding and the increase in feline numbers. With the added comfort it provides for their felines, many prefer having their cats looked after at home.

FAQs

* What is the average cost of cat sitting?
The average cost of cat sitting typically ranges from RM300 to RM500, depending on the number of days the kitties are cared for.
* What services do pet sitters provide?
Pet sitters typically provide litterbox cleaning, feeding, playtime, and monitoring of the cats’ wellbeing.
* Why do cat owners prefer pet-sitters over boarding?
Cat owners prefer pet-sitters because they believe their cats receive better care, face lower stress, and are less exposed to diseases.