For cat owners managing a feline with medical needs, the decision to leave town comes with extra weight. Can you trust someone to give medication correctly? Should they? And what qualifies a sitter to handle it?
The short answer is: yes, many cat sitters can give medication—but not all should.
Let’s unpack what’s safe, what’s standard, and how to make the right decision.
What Kind of Medication Are We Talking About?
Cat medication can range from simple to complex. Typical categories include:
- Oral pills or syrups (e.g. antibiotics, thyroid meds)
- Topical treatments (for skin conditions or fleas)
- Eye or ear drops
- Injectables (e.g. insulin for diabetic cats)
Each comes with different risks—and not every sitter is trained to administer all types.
“Even a straightforward pill can become complicated if a cat resists or hides. Medication requires more than willingness—it takes technique.” — International Cat Care (iCatCare)
🎓 Are Cat Sitters Trained for This?
Some are. Many reputable sitters (especially those working with agencies or who have vet tech backgrounds) are trained in basic medication administration. But there’s no global license or formal qualification required, unless they are a registered vet nurse.
“At a minimum, the sitter should demonstrate competence during a meet-and-greet. Practice with treats, simulate a pill—see how your cat responds.” — Singapore Veterinary Nurses Association (SVNA)
What a qualified sitter should do:
- Be comfortable handling your cat and identifying signs of stress
- Understand dosing accuracy and timing requirements
- Know what to do if a dose is missed or rejected
- Be prepared to act in emergency situations (and know your vet info)
What to Provide if Medication Is Involved
To set your sitter up for success, include:
- Written instructions: dose, time, frequency, method (pill, liquid, etc.)
- Demonstration (in person or video)
- Storage instructions (refrigeration, expiration dates)
- Emergency contact + vet details
If the medication is time-sensitive (e.g. insulin), make sure the sitter’s schedule can align. Never assume flexibility—confirm it explicitly.
“Consistency is key. Skipping or mistiming insulin, for example, can cause serious harm.” — American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
What Sitters Should NOT Do
- Diagnose new issues
- Change dosages without owner or vet approval
- Force medication if it creates injury or high stress (unless trained)
- Administer injectables unless fully comfortable and briefed
In some regions, administering injections as a non-vet may even require consent or formal training.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Vague or overconfident responses (“Oh yeah, I’ve given meds lots of times”)
- Unwillingness to do a trial run
- Lack of backup plan for missed doses
- No insurance or pet first aid knowledge
Trust your gut—and your cat’s body language.
🐾 At Club Lumo
Many of our sitters have experience with medication, and we’re always transparent about what we can safely offer. If your cat requires medical care, we:
- Review medication instructions in advance
- Conduct a test interaction
- Assign sitters based on comfort level and schedule
- Maintain communication if anything seems off
“The difference between good and great cat care often comes down to preparation.” — Lumo Training Manual
Final Word
It’s not just about getting the dose in—it’s about keeping your cat safe, calm, and cared for. Yes, a good sitter can give medication. But the right sitter will do it with skill, empathy, and clear communication.