If you are planning a trip and would rather your cat stayed at home, a cat sitter is often the kindest option — and frequently the cheapest, too. But what does a cat sitter actually cost in the UK, and how do you know whether a quote is fair? Here is a clear guide based on national figures and how I price visits here in Biggleswade.
Typical UK cat sitter prices
Most cat sitters charge per visit rather than by the hour. Across the UK, Airtasker puts the typical drop-in visit at between £12 and £20, with prices climbing in London and the South East and easing off elsewhere.
| Service | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| Standard drop-in visit | £12–£20 |
| London / South East visit | £15–£20+ |
| Bank holiday visit | Often 50–100% more |
| Each additional cat | Usually +£2–£5 |
As ManyPets notes, sitters commonly charge a premium for public holidays, when demand is highest.
For comparison, our cat sitting visits around Biggleswade are priced like this:
| Visit | Price |
|---|---|
| 20-minute drop-in visit | £10.50 |
| Public holiday visit | £16.00 |
| Christmas visit | £20.00 |
You will always find the current rates on our prices page.
What changes the price?
A few things move a cat-sitting quote up or down:
- How many visits a day. Most cats are happy with one visit; kittens, elderly cats and cats on medication often need two, which doubles the daily cost.
- Number of cats. Extra cats usually add a small amount per visit.
- Length of visit. A longer visit with more playtime costs more than a quick feed-and-check.
- Holidays. Bank holidays and Christmas carry a premium almost everywhere.
- Location. City and South East rates run well above those in a quiet market town.
- Extras. Watering plants, taking in post, putting bins out — small home-care jobs are often included or added for a little more.
Cat sitter versus cattery: the cost
Cat sitting often works out cheaper than a cattery, especially for one cat, and there is no stressful car journey or unfamiliar environment to deal with. A cattery charges per night and your cat leaves home; a sitter charges per visit and your cat stays put. For a single cat needing one visit a day, in-home sitting is usually the better value as well as the kinder option — I have weighed the two up properly in cattery vs cat sitter.
What should always be included
Whatever you pay, a cat-sitting visit should as standard cover:
- Fresh food and water
- A litter tray clean
- Any medication your cat needs
- Some play and company
- A quick health and wellbeing check
- An update or photo so you know all is well
It is also worth checking that your sitter is insured and DBS checked, because they are holding a key to your home. Those things are part of what you are paying for, and they are exactly why the very cheapest, informal arrangements can carry a hidden risk. There is more on why daily visits matter in how long can you leave a cat alone?.
Is it cheaper to use a cat sitter or a cattery?
For one cat needing a single daily visit, a sitter is often cheaper than nightly cattery fees — and your cat avoids the stress of being moved. For multiple cats or visits twice a day, the costs get closer, so it is worth comparing both for your situation.
Do cat sitters charge more at Christmas?
Yes, almost always. Christmas and bank holidays are the busiest times of year, so most sitters — us included — charge a higher rate for visits on those days. Booking early is the best way to secure the dates you need.
If you would like a reliable, insured cat sitter around Biggleswade or one of the nearby villages, get in touch for a free meet and greet and a straightforward quote.