The rising cost of cat boarding and increase in feline numbers have made pet sitting a more popular option among furparents.
Many pet owners prefer having their cats looked after at home for the felines’ overall comfort. (Nick Choo @ FMT Lifestyle)
MELAKA:
As the Aidilfitri holidays approach and festive preparations get under way, cat owners have recognised the need for pet-sitting services.
Cat sitting typically involves professionals visiting the furparent’s home to care for their felines, clean litter boxes, provide food and water, and monitor the animals’ wellbeing.
Overall costs typically range from RM300 to RM500, depending on how many days the kitties are cared for. Many prefer having their cats looked after at home for their added comfort.
The rising cost of cat boarding and increase in feline numbers have made pet sitting a more popular option. A Facebook survey of cat hotels offering boarding packages found that prices typically start at RM15 a day for one feline, to cover the use of a standard-sized cage, air conditioning, fan, and cat litter.
Pet-sitting packages for one to three cats start at RM30 per visit, including litterbox cleaning, feeding, and playtime. This service has, therefore, become essential for cat owners due to the cost and number of felines they own.
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 told Bernama.
“It’s better for me to hire a cat sitter. I installed CCTV cameras for security – not just to monitor the sitter’s work but also to check on my cats remotely.”
More and more cat lovers are unwilling to subject their furkids to be kept in cages, in an unfamiliar place with other felines. (File pic)
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.
Part-time pet sitter Nurana Ismail, 30, said the demand for her services has risen this Aidilfitri compared to last year.
“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.
Nurana charges from RM35 to RM70 per visit, depending on the number of cats, travel distance, and any special needs or additional care such as administering medication.
Having offered her services for five years, she recognises that the current economic situation has led more furparents to choose pet sitters.
2025-03-27T07:16:00Z
Source: freemalaysiatoday