We once used a “cat minder” to look after our 2 cats whilst we took our annual holiday. When we arrived home – what a shock! The cats cried for days – they were so distressed!

They were either neglected for many of the days or they were abused, or both. The house was infested with flies because the litter trays and food bowls had not been properly cleaned every day.

We said … never again...we then decided that we would offer a genuine cat minding service to a small and local number of clients. Here is a check-list that you can use when hiring a cat sitter to ensure you and your cats do not fall victim to con artists.

1. Check that they are who they say they are
Don’t be embarrassed to ask for photo ID

2. Check their references
If you are going to entrust your house keys, alarm codes and of course the welfare of your cat(s) to a stranger make sure you check out their references. Many operators bank on the fact that people believe what they see in print or on websites and never actually check out the references. You would look very foolish if you had to admit to the gardai that you handed over total access to your home to somebody without doing any kind of security check!

3. Do they have cats themselves?
Operators who don’t have their own cats are unlikely to be true cat lovers and therefore are unlikely to know how to care for your cat(s). They may be more interested in flying visits to collect money. Cat people know cat people...and if they come around to meet your cats, your cats will know cat people!

4. How long have they formally worked as cat minders?
The current recession has unfortunately thrown up many “chancers” who know nothing about cats but offer cat minding services. They believe a website or flyer is enough to convince pet owners that they are credible and competent cat sitters. Expect distressed cats and filthy bowls/bins when you return.

5. Ask what they mean by “a visit”
True cat lovers know cats. For example, we always arrive, clean and replenish the food and water bowls and then clean the litter tray. However, we wait until the cat(s) have finished eating because we know that 99% of cats will almost immediately use the litter tray after eating. We then clean the litter tray again to ensure the cat will use it later if required and also to minimise odours etc. This “double litter-tray exercise” is a hall mark of true cat lovers.

6. Use your alarm records
Ensure your cat minder deactivates and reactivates your house alarm at every visit. You can then review the log on your return and see how long was spent per visit. Did they run in and throw down a pouch of food into a dirty bowl and go or did they spend the 20-30 minutes which every visit should entail? Tell them you will be checking alarm logs on your return - they will then think twice before taking you for an easy touch.

7. Ask your neighbours
Ask your neighbours if they saw the cat sitter arrive and leave – how long was the visit and at what time in the day did they come – was it for their own benefit or for the benefit of your cat? Tell them you will be checking with neighbours on your return - if they are genuine they will have no problem wth this.

8. Check your bin
Did the cat sitter use the right food in the right quantity? Did they put the dirty litter and the empty food pouch/tin into a sealed bag before putting it into your bin (are there flies swarming around your bin)?

9. Observe your pet
Is your pet happy – if he/she had regular and friendly visits they are unlikely to be distressed? If the visits were short and sharp, or infrequent your cat may cry more than usual or seek attention more than usual upon your return.

You might want to print off this checklist and present it to any cat minder who you intend to employ. Genuine cat lovers will be delighted to see your concern for your precious pet and will not take any offense at these legitimate suggestions. Crooks might find the going a bit hot and may decide not to rip you off after all!