In your cat sitting career, there’s a chance you’ll come across a kitty with some serious CATtitude. Dealing with an aggressive cat is never easy. Below, Cat in a Flat offers seven tips for looking after an aggressive cat so you and your furry client can get off to a paw-sitive start.

Feeding an aggressive cat

Arrange to do the first feeding when the owner is there. This way the owner can keep kitty calm before leaving them in your care. A ‘feeding intro’ like this works particularly well for house sitting jobs, where you will be living in Mr Whiskers’ home.

During your drop-in Cat Sitting Service

If you’re just doing a ‘pop-in’ service, arrive a bit earlier than feeding time so that he’s not too hungry (and feisty) but still sleepy (and more mellow.)

Stay calm

As you enter the home, ignore that cat! Yup, totally avoid eye contact. Stay calm, super cool and move slowly with no sudden movements. Show that cat no fear!

Wait for an aggressive cat to approach you

Wait for kitty to approach you. Let him sniff you, but don’t bring out the cuddles straight away. He’ll give you a little head bump when he’s ready for that.

Don’t force the friendship

If he never comes to say hello, no worries, some kitties just don’t want new friends anyway. A job well done, is reading the cat’s behaviour and making sure he’s eating and going to the toilet properly.

Bring cat treats

If the owner allows, bring treats. This will distract him as you enter the home as well as to reassure him that you’re a friend.

cat sitter

Leave clothing behind

If you’re not doing overnight stays, some of our Cat in a Flat community have suggested leaving an item of your clothing in the owner’s home for the duration of your booking – that way the cat can get used to your smell.

Using a Feliway diffuser is a good way to keep kitty calm.

If a cat is aggressive or timid and takes time to get fur-miliar with new people, suggest the owner consider a house sitter. This way, kitty will have more time to get to know you and enjoy sharing his home with you.

For more tips on aggression in cats, read here:

https://icatcare.org/advice/problem-behaviour/aggression-humans