Pet-sitting services are gaining popularity, especially as the Hari Raya holidays approach, prompting cat owners to seek alternatives to boarding facilities.
These services involve professionals visiting the pet owner’s home to provide care, clean litter boxes, feed the cats, and ensure their well-being. Prices range from RM300 to RM500, depending on the duration of care. Many owners prefer home pet-sitting for their cats’ comfort.
The rising costs of cat boarding and the increasing number of pet cats have made pet-sitting a more practical option. A survey of cat hotels on Facebook found that boarding packages typically start at RM15 per day for one cat, including a standard-sized cage, air conditioning, a fan, and cat litter. Meanwhile, pet-sitting packages for one to three cats begin at RM30 per visit, covering feeding, litter box cleaning, and playtime.
The demand for pet sitters has grown as cat owners consider pricing and the number of cats they own, especially when they need to be away for an extended period.
Juliana Nazrin, 32, who owns eight cats of different breeds, turned to pet-sitting services as her feline family expanded.
“If I send my pets to a cat hotel, it’s not worth the risk. I don’t want them in an unfamiliar place, locked in cages, or mixed with other cats. One of my pets once contracted a fungal infection at a cat hotel,” she shared.
Samerah Husna Adam, 36, also prefers sitters due to limited availability at cat hotels, vaccination requirements, and restrictions on special-needs or sick cats.
“I have a special-needs cat, and many cat hotels do not accept him. Hiring a pet sitter is the best alternative for me,” she said.
Part-time pet sitter Nurana Ismail, 30, noted an increase in demand for her services this Hari Raya compared to the previous year.
“Most of my clients prefer pet-sitting services because they believe their cats receive better care, experience less stress, and are less exposed to diseases,” she told Bernama.
Nurana charges between RM35 and RM70 per visit, depending on the number of cats, travel distance, and special requirements such as administering medication.
Related Topics
