If your cat takes medication, a PetHome Israel sitter can give tablets or drops for an extra 30 ₪ per visit, or an injection for 50 ₪ per visit, exactly as prescribed by your vet. The visit itself starts at 110 ₪, and most cats on twice-daily medication need two visits a day (190 ₪ per day). Sitters follow your vet's written instructions and do not make medical decisions.
Why home visits suit cats on medication
Cats on medication are often older or recovering, and they usually cope best in their own home. Visits keep the cat in familiar surroundings while the sitter keeps the treatment on schedule and watches eating, drinking and litter use. If something looks unusual, the sitter contacts you right away, and the vet you have named if you have agreed to that.
What the sitter can do
Depending on the sitter's experience and your vet's instructions:
- give tablets, whole or hidden in food or a treat pocket;
- give liquid medication with a syringe;
- apply eye or ear drops;
- give injections, such as insulin, at the prescribed dose and time;
- feed a prescription diet and keep other food away;
- record each dose and send you confirmation.
When you send a request, tell us exactly what medication your cat takes and how it is given, so we can match you with a sitter who is comfortable with it.
What you need to prepare
- Written instructions from your vet: name of the medication, dose, time, method and how long the course lasts.
- Enough medication for the whole trip plus a few extra days, in the original packaging.
- Supplies: syringes, needles and a sharps container if injections are needed; pill pockets or treats your cat accepts.
- Storage: tell the sitter if the medication must be kept in the fridge.
- What to do if a dose is missed or if the cat refuses it, as advised by your vet.
- Your vet's contact and the nearest after-hours clinic, plus a spending limit for emergencies.
Show the routine before you leave
The best way to prepare is a meet-and-greet at which you give one dose while the sitter watches, then the sitter gives the next one while you are there. Cats are sensitive to handling, and a sitter who has seen your technique and your cat's reactions will manage much more smoothly.
Timing matters
Some medications must be given at fixed intervals. If your cat needs medication every 12 hours, book two visits a day and agree on fixed times. Tell the sitter how much flexibility is acceptable, according to your vet.
Watching for changes
The sitter will tell you about anything unusual, such as:
- not eating or eating much less than usual;
- vomiting or diarrhoea;
- changes in drinking or urination;
- hiding much more than usual;
- difficulty moving or breathing.
The sitter does not diagnose or change treatment. Decisions are made by you and your vet.
Insulin and diabetic cats
Diabetic cats need consistent timing of food and insulin. If your cat is diabetic, make sure your vet's instructions explain what to do if the cat does not eat before an injection. Only sitters who are comfortable with insulin injections take these bookings, and you should demonstrate the routine in person.
Cost example
A cat on tablets twice a day with two visits a day costs 190 ₪ per day plus 30 ₪ for each dose. For injections the extra is 50 ₪ per dose. Stays of 7 days or more get 10% off.
Keeping a record
Ask the sitter to send a short message after every dose: time, how it went and whether the cat ate. This gives you peace of mind and a record your vet can use if anything needs adjusting after you return.