How to Babysit a Cat: A Practical Guide for the Brave and the Curious

So, you’ve been asked to babysit a cat. Congratulations. You are now responsible for a small, fur-coated enigma that does not care about your schedule, your rules, or your Wi-Fi password. This isn’t dog-sitting. This is feline diplomacy. Here’s how to do it right. 1. Get the Basics First Before the owner disappears, gather intel. You’ll need: Feeding schedule (cats are punctual) Type of food (wet, dry, raw, gourmet pâté from France?) Litter box location and cleaning routine Medical needs, if any Favorite hiding spots and forbidden zones Emergency vet info. Write it down. Cats don’t leave notes. 2. Respect the Space Cats are territorial. You are the guest. Don’t rearrange furniture or move the litter box. If the cat doesn’t greet you, that’s normal. You may be ignored for 48 hours. It’s not personal. Let the cat come to you. Sit quietly. Don’t stare. Avoid sudden movements. You’re building trust, not chasin...