Frequently Asked Questions
What areas do I cover? Purrfectly Paws & Whiskers are based in Hayes. I am currently covering Streatham, Clapham, Battersea, Tooting, Balham, Wimbledon, Richmond, Wandsworth, St. John's Wood, Primrose Hill and Camden.
How can I request or book a service? Perfectly Paws and Whiskers is affiliated with Pet Sitter Plus, which you need to register with. You can either do here or on the link at the top right hand corner My portal on the website. Once you are registered you have the options to request a service, it also includes a profile page for your pet.
Are you insured and security checked? Yes! I am insured with Pet Business Insurance Ltd, and I have a DBS checked documentation. This can be provided upon request. With this in mind it means you can be at ease when you go away knowing your pet is in safe hands.
When and how often do you visit my cat? Visits will occur at least once a day to ensure all is well with your cat. Please note I don’t offer an ‘every other day’ services, as this puts cats at risk. You can request once a day, twice a day visits or overnight stay. If you require once a day visit it usually will occur AM, however depending on your cat’s usual routine you can request for this to be a PM daily visit. If your cat requires medication this will be prioritised, and I will schedule the visits around this. Bear in mind that although I will make best efforts to stick to the same daily visiting times, however it is not guaranteed it will be made at a specific time.
How long does a typical visits last? This will depend on the requirements of your cat. Usual visits lasts between 20-30 minutes. I want to ensure the welfare of your cat best possible, so if your cat is anxious or shy and wants to be left in peace, I will respect their space. If he or she shows signs of wanting to be in company, I will build up time spend slowly to what they are comfortable with to feel at ease around me. If your cat is social and requires more affections and attention the visit can last between 40-60 minutes, which you can request in your portal via the booking system. During the visits I make sure your cat has fresh water and food and a clean litter tray and if they are up for cuddles and play there will be plenty of time for that too. More in depth details on what is entailed in which services you can find here.
What if my pet becomes ill while I am away? If your cat were to become ill or in any case need of emergency, I will contact you instantly as my main concern is the welfare of your cat and making sure they get the correct help and care needed. Prior you going away we will discuss history of your cat’s health, any medication requirements and insurance arrangements you may hold and other necessary details for your vet during our initial consultation visit
Can you medicate my cat? Yes, I am experienced in caring for animals with a range of medical conditions. You just have to make sure there is enough of the correct medication and accessories such as syringes if required for the period you are away
Shall I leave the cat flap open? If your cat is used to using the cat flap this decision is up to you. However, if your cat isn’t used to using a cat flap or you haven’t got a cat flat but want to get one. In this case, it will be ideal to stick with the normal routine. If you have had a cat flap installed before leaving, just bear in mind your cat may need some extra time or help to figure out how to use the cat flap. In this case it will be better if you wait till you are home after your time away to help with this new part for your cat to get used to. This is something we can discuss further when we do our initial meet and greet.
Will you keep me updated on my cats’ activities while I am away? Of course, I will send you updates regularly in form of photos or videos preferable via WhatsApp. You can also get in touch to get an update.
Can you do every other day visits while I am away? The wellbeing of your cat is my highest priority, whist in my care. 24 hours between visits is a maximum of hours between visits, anything more than that could put your cat at risk, should he or she become ill or would require medical care. Cats are social animals and may become anxious if left alone for extended periods of time, as you are away already unusual in your cats’ daily routine and adding longer periods of time without connection can increase the stress level for your cat. For your peace of mind and mine I will visits once a day as a minimum while you are away.
How much does your cat sitting service cost? I offered different types of services to suit you and your cat’s requirements best. You can find more in-depth information on rates of various services.
What about key collection? We can discuss what will work best. We can arrange to collect your keys on an initial visit and if the drop off as the last visit then this will be free of charge otherwise there will be a charge for collecting and dropping of the keys. You also have an option to leave a spare set with me for any future bookings, which then will be stored in a secured safe.
Will my home be secured? Daily visits add security to your home by keeping checks on your property. I will bring in mail or parcels that may arrive while you are away. I will put bins out to be ready for collections, just let me know which day is your bin collections day. You can also request for lights to be altered and open and draw  of curtains to give the appearance of someone is home. On leaving the property I will make sure that all windows and doors are locked and secured. If alarms are fitted, they will be set correctly.
Will you water indoor plants and in the garden? Like any other living being I will make sure your plants will be looked after as well. If you have lots of plants whether indoors or/and outdoors it will take time and attention away from your cat and as I don’t want to compromise the time and attention your cat will receive, the extra time it will take to water a large number of plants will include an extra charge.
What about bin collection? There is nothing like have been away then to return to realise the bin collection was missed, just let me know which day your bin gets emptied, and I will ensure they are out to be collected.
What is your cancellation policy? As in all parts of life changes occurs and if this is the case when you have booked a service a cancellation fee may occur. No fee will apply if you cancel 72 hours prior the first visit to take place. Cancellations made less than 72 hours will be subject to a 25% collation fee. Last minute booking fee of £10 will be added for new bookings given less than 48 hours’ notice.
What payment options are available? Once you have registered a profile in My Portal on the website with Pet Sitter Plus you will have different options to securely complete payment through your portal.