By
Christene Kidd
12/1/25
•
10 min
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It’s the holidays which means travel plans, family logistics, and the very real question every cat parent asks:
If you’re the parent of an anxious, senior, or medically complex cat, that question is even more pressing as you may have a kitty who:
And in San Jose cat sitting rates reflect a recent spike in demand.
This guide breaks down real 2025 cat sitting prices in San Jose, how much to budget, and what to look for if your cat needs extra-sensitive care.
We are not yet serving San Jose, but this guide will help you understand what to expect from sitters in your area.
This is the most common service for San Jose cat parents.
Why?
Sitters who are trained in low-stress handling and senior-cat care tend to charge more and research supports why.
According to AAFP Fear Free & Senior Cat Guidelines, stressed or elderly cats require:
Sitters trained in this typically cost more, but they’re also safer.
Overnights are extremely helpful for:
Overnights help maintain routine and minimize stress.
PetMD notes that routine stability reduces stress-related behaviors and improves litter box consistency.
Holiday overnight rates: $180–$220
High-demand dates in San Jose:
Holiday fees compensate sitters working peak travel days.
Most sitters include one cat in the base rate.
Homes with two or more cats may require:
Especially with senior or medically fragile pairs, the fee is normal.
Expect higher fees for:
According to PetMD, medication errors (even small ones) can be dangerous, which is why sitters with vet tech or medical handling experience charge more.
Rent, gas, insurance, and labor costs are all high in the South Bay and cat sitting reflects that.
San Jose is geographically large.
One drop-in may require:
More time traveling = higher cost.
San Jose rates are 11% above California averages ($19/hr base), driven by demand outpacing supply in a city with high business travel.
The South Bay has a large population of:
Yet there are far fewer qualified sitters than demand requires.
When demand outpaces supply, prices rise.
Yes.
Boarding often increases stress, which can affect:
According to the AAFP / ISFM Feline Stress Guidelines, cats experience less stress when left in familiar territory.
Cat sitting:
In-home sitting reduces feline stress hormones by up to 50% vs. boarding, critical for seniors where 90% have arthritis limiting self-care.
If you want to protect your cat’s health while you travel, in-home care is the safest option.
Expect $30–$55 per visit and $90–$160 per overnight.
Yes, typically.
Boarding averages $40–$70/day, but boarding also increases stress especially for senior, anxious, or fragile cats.
Yes — generally $5–$15 per additional cat.
Yes.
Most scoop daily; some offer deep cleaning on request.
Many sitters specialize in:
Ask for a sitter with Fear Free certification or experience in shelter/medical handling.
Optional, but appreciated — particularly during holidays.
Questions?
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