As of: January 19, 2024, 8:02 a.m
By: Anna Katharina Kuesters
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When cat owners go on vacation, the pet often has to stay at home.
Cat sitters then look after the animals for a fee.
If you love cats and like to spend as much time as possible with them, you should consider becoming a part-time cat sitter.
Because cuddling and caring for the cats not only brings joy and satisfaction, but sometimes even 30 euros per hour.
Cats quickly feel lonely
Cats are very reluctant to leave their familiar surroundings.
© lufimorgan/Imago
Pets are not made for quick changes of location and new surroundings, but rather love their familiar home.
They prefer to spend time there with people they know.
This means that every vacation the owner takes is stressful for a cat.
Under no circumstances should the animal go on summer vacation with you, but it cannot stay completely alone either.
If there is no one in your circle of acquaintances or friends who will look after the cat during the holiday period, another solution is needed.
So-called cat sitters, for example.
Basically, anyone who wants to do this job can do it.
There is no training or exam that needs to be taken.
Anyone who loves cats and enjoys spending time with them can earn a few extra euros as a cat sitter.
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However, if the care is more extensive and time-consuming, then cat sitters should think carefully about how much money they want to charge for their services.
Because trustworthy, dedicated cat sitters are always popular and in demand.
Keep an eye on the cat for several hours a day
With some cats it is necessary to not only visit once or twice a day, but also to keep the animals company for hours.
The animal protection organization
PETA
points out that some cat sitters even offer full-day services.
Of course, you can't do this while working a full-time job, unless you take vacation yourself or are allowed to work from home from the cat's home.
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An hourly cat sitting service is much easier to integrate into everyday life as a part-time job.
Discuss with the owners exactly what tasks need to be completed.
For example, the standard requirements for a cat sitter include:
feeding
Litter box cleaning
Removal of dirt caused by the cat
Cat fur brushing
give medicine
Playing/cuddling with the cat
Some cat sitters also empty the mailbox or water the flowers.
However, you should be aware that you have to visit the cat at least twice every day - so taking care of the animal requires work and time.
Fee for a cat sitter
The fee you can charge for your cat sitting services depends entirely on the services you provide.
Suppose you are a part-time cat sitter and look after the animal for two to three hours a day.
Then it is common to demand an hourly wage of between ten and 30 euros.
However, if the animal needs full-day care, the daily wage is between 40 and 70 euros.
However, if you work part-time as a cat sitter, you must be careful not to exceed the tax-free allowance.
In 2024 that will be 11,604 euros per year.
You have to pay tax on every euro you earn from cat sitting.
The more experience you have, the more money you can charge.
For example, if you have already worked as a zookeeper, you are more confident in dealing with animals and therefore have an advantage.