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The Best Way To Schedule Pet Sitting Visits For Cats

I am often asked what length and how many visits should be booked when hiring a cat sitter. Here is a breakdown of what we have seen works best. 

When booking visits, it is important to consider your cat’s personality when choosing the length of your visits. If your cat is social, you might want longer visits. If your cat is anti-social, shorter visits are recommended because a sitter’s presence in your home may stress out a cat that is afraid of people.

One Or Two Visits Per Day

Usually, we try to match the number of visits per day to the number of times that your cats eat a meal or gets a medication.

For example, if your cats eat a meal in the morning and in the evening, we will usually schedule two visits per day. If you cats have free feed dry food or only get wet food once per day, we generally schedule one visit per day.

If your cat gets any medications, you will need to schedule a visit that corresponds to the time your cat gets the medication.

If you also have a dog, be sure to check out our article about What length visits should I book for my dog?

Times When Cat Sitters Can Come To Your Home

We will usually set up flextime visits or a in the morning and in the evening.  Below are all of the time slots that we offer for cat sitting.

• Morning: 7:00am – 9:30am
• Late Morning: 9:30am – 11:00am
• Mid-Day: 11:00am – 2:00pm
• Early Afternoon: 1:00 – 3:00 pm
• Late Afternoon: 2:00pm – 5:00pm
• Evening: 4:00pm – 6:30pm
• Flex Time: 8:00am – 8:00pm

How Long Should My Cat Sitting Visits Be?

There are a lot of variables here, so I will talk about the length of visits we offer and what types of situations we match to  each length of visit.   

The logic is pretty straightforward. 

• Fearful & aggressive cats get less time
• Social cats get more time
• Easy medications can be squeezed in,
• Medications for shy cats take longer if your cat tends to hide.
• Remember, you can mix & match the length of your visits

Mixing and matching visit lengths can add a lot of value. For just a few dollars more in most cases, you can add an extra 15-minutes here and there for some extra playtime or snuggles. 

You can even add a longer visit for just one day out of the week.

30-Minute Visits

The 30-minute visit is a great length of time for cats that like to play and like to be around people. This is also enough time to administer a medication if needed. We will have enough time to prep a meal and have playtime during a 30-minute visit. But, keep in mind, if you have 4 or more cats that like to play and a garden that needs to be watered, you might want to book a 45-minute visit.

If your cat is shy but friendly, I like to do a 30 or 45-minute visit. I have seen more often than not, a shy cat will come out of their hiding spot after about 20-minutes and then go all out chasing  a laser pointer for the last part of the visit!  It takes time for a cat to build trust with someone that is coming into their home. That extra 15 or 30-minutes make all the difference in a lot of cases. You will have a happier cat when you get home if you book a little more time for your shy but friendly cat.

Flex-Time Visits

The Flextime time-block is between 8:00am & 8:00pm and are very popular. They can be perfect (purrfect) for your if your cats free kibble and you only need one visit per day.

If you are having trouble finding a cat sitter with availability, which is common during the holidays , you can suggest a flextime time-block. Being flexible with your visit time might help you get in if you are booking last minute.

20-Minute Visits

If you are looking for a quick visit, the 20-minute visit is a good choice.  We will have enough time to scoop the litter box, do a meal prep, and send you an update, but that is about it.   Shorter visits can be good if your cat is afraid of people or aggressive.  I like to get in and out of those visits quickly because your cat will be stressed out just by our presence. I don’t want to add any stress to their situation, so when a cat doesn’t warm up to new people, I recommend 15-20 minute visits.

On the other hand, if your cat does like people, keep in mind 15 minutes go by very quickly . There are usually only a few minutes for playtime if any time at all. If your cat likes people and likes to play, think about sprinkling in a couple of 30-minute visits. Social cats really come alive during a 30-minute, so you will have a happier cat when you come home if you do a couple longer visits.

40-minute Visits

This is one of the best options for cats that love people and for cats that are shy but friendly. 40 to 50 minute visits give your cats a chance to snuggle with your sitter totally de-stress. Cats love the cadence of these visits because they usually go: Mealtime – Playtime – Snuggles!!! Talk about perfect for cats!

40-50 minute visits are perfect for shy but friendly cats. I see so many times when I am pet sitting for a cat that is a bit shy, they will check me out for for the first 15 or even 30 minutes. But then they come out roaring for snuggles!  The longer visits give your cat a chance to feel comfortable around their pet sitter, whom from a shy cat’s perspective is an intruder coming into their territory! Cats are naturally curious, but they are often naturally territorial and naturally fearful of changes in their environment. So it might take a little extra time for your cat to warm up to a sitter. But once they do, it is certainly worth the wait!

50-minute Visits

During the 50-minute visit, your cat will get the same: Mealtime- Playtime – Snuggles as the 40-minute but they get even more of the good stuff. I have seen cats really connect with us during the 50-minute visits and I have heard some of the loudest purrs come from the 50-minute visits!  If you can get away with one visit per day, booking one 50-minute visit is a great bang for your buck! Most of the cost of the visit is covering drive time to your home, so once we are there it is not too much more to add extra time.

What Length Cat Sitting Visits for Diabetic Cats?

Usually, we try to book at least a 30-minute visit for diabetic cats. This way we can give your cat a meal and give the shot 20-minutes or so after breakfast or dinner.  If your cat is shy, you might need to book a 45-minute visit so your sitter has enough time coax your cat out of their hiding place and give the shot.  

If your cat is really good about taking the shot it can be done in no time at all. But if you cat runs away and hides or is aggressive for the shot, we will have to book more time to give your sitter a chance to safely administer the shot.

How Much Time Does It Take for A Sitter to Give My Cat a Pill?

Giving a cat a pill can take anywhere from 1 – 15 minutes depending on how well your cat takes pills. If pill pockets are not an option and we have to pill your cat, it takes a few minutes for a cat that is good with pills and 15-minutes or more for a cat that does not like pills.  Whenever possible we will use the soft Salmon Flavored Whisker Lickin’ treats as a pill pocket .  These work great because it makes administering a pill basically stress-free for your cat.  Most of the time we will not even have to take a shy cat out of its hiding spot to give a pill if we use the Whisker Lickin’ method. We just smush the Whisker Lickin’ treat around the pill, toss it to the cat, and in a few minutes the treat is usually gobbled up!

If your cat is shy, it might take 5-10 minutes just to find your cat and then a few minutes to confirm your cat ate the pill pocket. So for shy cats be sure to book enough time. Its amazing all of the hiding spots cats can find!

For really shy cats that need pills, you might want to set up a kitty room and we will try to keep your cat in one room with food water and a litter box. This will minimize the number of hiding spaces and your cat might actually feel more comfortable being in a smaller room while you are away.

Automatic Food Dish To Get Down To One Visit Per Day

One of the easiest ways to get down to one visit per day, and keep your cat on a regular meal schedule, is with an automatic food dish.  These cat food dishes that are on a timer so your cats get their meal on time, even while we are not there! 

This is the most ingenious way I have seen to set up a once per day cat visit schedule. You can put dry food or wet food in these dishes, set them for 12 hours in advance, and they just pop open! 

No batteries or cords needed because they operate on a wind-up timer.  If you put wet food in them, you will need to put a freeze-pack in the bottom to keep the wet-food fresh.  

Overtime, these cat food dishes wear out. You might want to buy a spare if you are counting on it over a long stretch of holiday visits.

Beware Of Changing Meal Times For Older Cats

If you decide to not use a timed food dish, be careful changing meal times & amounts quickly. Dramatically Changing a meal schedule or the type of food too quickly can be dangerous for older cats.

Older cats tend to have sensitive digestion because they do not absorb nutrients as well as a young cat. 

Even changimg the mix of food on the fly can have detrimental effects.  Be careful here. It’s serious stuff. If your cat is older or has sensitive digestion, it may be in your cat’s best interest to schedule visits during their regular mealtimes.

3 thoughts on “The Best Way To Schedule Pet Sitting Visits For Cats”

I think having someone popping in the house to visit a cat when the owners are away can be so much better than putting them into a cattery. My cat does like going on her holidays to the cat hotel but I know deep down she likes being in her own territory. It’s so good you offer multiple times and different durations – treating each cat individually 🙂

Just one thing – under the 30 minutes heading there’s some sample text that’s visible and just needs deleting x

Thanks! It looks like we need to do some editing! Cheers, Kyle Haubrich

great post thank you

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We’re a culture of nurturers and understand that most cat sitting and boarding services don’t address the challenges many cats and cat owners face when they travel. Cats are by nature, extremely territorial and therefore, strongly attached to their own space. Most cats, even outdoors cats, stay within a two block radius of their homes their whole lives! No wonder they hate leaving the comforts of home turf (for any reason!) 

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Stress-free care for your cat while you’re away

Why We Love Pets Cat Sitting?

Attentive care for your cat in your own home.

Cat sitting is ideal for pet parents who want their cats to stay at home while they are away or on holiday. We can provide cat visits morning, daytime or evening to provide fresh water, food, give them a good fuss and carry out other useful tasks about the house.

Cats are territorial and solitary, so being near other strange cats and in a strange place is stressful for them. Wherever possible, it’s least disruptive for them to stay at home.

Cats tend to be creatures of habit who like to be in a familiar environment, so a cat sitter is a great alternative to a traditional cattery. There is also the added benefit of extra security for your home, as someone will be checking in daily.

How does cat sitting benefit your cat?

Your cat can stay at home in a safe and secure environment surrounded by familiar sounds, smells and sights.

Their regular diet and exercise routine will stay the same and they won’t experience any stress from being transported elsewhere. The RSPCA advises pet owners to leave pets at home rather than transporting them, as they find the travel stressful.

By staying at home your cat won’t be exposed to cattery diseases, other animals, fleas, ticks, parasites (the feline coronavirus is particularly prevalent in multi-cat environments like catteries).

Your cat will love having playtime and attention from a We Love Pets cat sitter. Not only will someone responsible be on hand in case of an emergency, but medical treatment will be maintained if required and a vet nurse or pet care expert is always on call.

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Our cat sitters are experienced cat owners who are used to handling a variety of cats.

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Whatever your cat’s nutritional needs, diet or routine, we’ll feed them exactly how you ask us to.

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We’ll give nervous cats their space and friendly or playful cats lots of fuss and cuddles.

Litter tray emptied

We’ll keep on top of the litter tray clearing up the mess and leaving fresh litter every time we visit.

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You can feel confident that your cat sitter can administer medication properly and deal with other issues such as grooming and vet visits if necessary.

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About our cat sitters

We Love Pets cat sitters are local, friendly, love cats, are dedicated and extremely reliable.

Our cat sitters are police checked and fully insured for your peace of mind. We also have vet nurses and pet care experts on the team at We Love Pets HQ.

You will have a regular cat sitter who you have met before and trust to enter your home. You’ll also get frequent updates on how your cat is doing.

The team works together to provide a flexible and continuous service, so your cat will be visited even if your regular cat sitter is on holiday or off ill.

We will meet you and your feline companion beforehand, at a time that suits you, to make introductions and to talk through our cat sitting service.

Cat sitting visits are usually twenty minutes long, but we can stay for as long as you like and visit as many times as you need. Just let us know!

Increased security for your home All of our pet sitters will carry out pet visits in unmarked cars to ensure security while you are away on holiday.

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Daily home cat sitter visits to suit all kitties

Browse our cat-worshipping cat sitting community, local cat sitters, choose from our community of local ‘pop-in’ & overnight cat sitters., cat sitting service, once you’ve found your favorite sitter - book & pay in a few easy clicks., need a cat sitter short notice, enjoy daily photo updates of your furry friend while you’re away., 50.000 registered pet sitters • 2 million visits • 98% 5-stars reviews.

Five stars isn't enough. Luciana was amazing. Not only did she do a wonderful job taking care of our cat, but she kept us updated every single day with lots of pictures and detailed updates. It made our trip SO much more relaxing to know that the cat was happy. Our cat is usually very anxious and shy around strangers, but He LOVED Luciana and so did we!

Heather was awesome whilst we were away over Christmas, returned home to find Flea very relaxed and content. Great communication from the start, really friendly and sent us lots of nice photos. Would definitely recommend her and will be in touch for future trips!

The best review I can leave is that when we got home we felt that Avon and Marlo felt like they had been loved whilst we were away. They were calm, sociable and very happy when we all got together again. The level of communication was brilliant - lots of pictures on Whatsapp. We were just extremely happy with Dani - her care and her attitude were exceptional.

This was my first time using a cat sitter and I feel very lucky that I got Isha. Charlie is a rescue cat, and kennels were just not working out for her, so this was the perfect solution. Getting daily pictures, and coming back to a happy cat means that I will definitely contact Isha again when I go away. She's clearly a massive cat lover, so I can't recommend her enough.

It's quite a leap of faith giving a stranger the keys to your home, let alone the responsibility for your beloved pet. But from the initial contact, Meylin was kind, professional and attentive. She took care of our shy cat for a week and regularly updated us with pictures, videos and messages. We are confident that all our cat's needs were met, and more.

Become a Cat Sitter

Cat sitters can offer daily visits or overnight stays. all sitters can set their own fees., alternative to cat boarding, your cat stays in the comfort of your home while you go away., cat in a flat guarantee, all cat sitters and the cats they are taking care of are covered by our cat in a flat guarantee over the booking period., stay connected, download app for free.

Cat in a Flat sitters offer a selection of customized services for you and your cat while you’re away. You can book a local sitter to come and check your kitty once or twice a day. Our cat-loving sitters will do much more than feed your kitty and change the litter box. Cat in a Flat asks all sitters to follow your cat’s existing routine to keep them happy and stress-free . 

All daily visits should last 20-40 minutes, so your cat gets enough human contact, affection and a chance to play. You can also look forward to reassuring daily updates and photos of your cat while you’re away. Return to a happy, relaxed kitty by leaving them to be cared for in the comfort of their own home . 

If your cat needs more attention, you can also book a cat sitter to stay overnight in your home. This is especially useful for elderly cats, kittens and kitties that need medication. You can also ask sitters to water plants or check the mail, it’s a service catered to your needs .

Search our community of cat-loving sitters and read genuine customer reviews to find the perfect sitter for you. All Cat in a Flat sitters are vetted   and are covered by our Cat in a Flat Guarantee , so you know you are leaving your furry friend in safe hands.

Cat Sitting Advice - FAQs

Are cats happy being boarded.

Cats are territorial animals who don’t like change. The strange sounds, smells and sights of a cat boarding facility can be overwhelming for a cat, as can the presence of lots of unfamiliar cats. Being removed from the home and transported to and from a boarding facility is also something most cats find distressing.

Cat sitting is a great alternative to cat boarding .

How long should a cat sitter stay?

The length of time of each visit will depend on your cat’s needs and personality. You can also book a cat sitter to stay overnight if your kitty needs extra care.

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Why Should I Choose A Home Vet Visit?

• by Dr. Ellen Marcinkiewicz

 | 

From working around a busy lifestyle to reducing stress for their beloved pets, more and more pet owners are choosing in-home vet visits. Here’s why…

Table of Contents

Benefits of an in-home vet visit, reduce stress and anxiety.

More than 70% of cats show signs of stress in the waiting room before they even get to their appointment!

Convenience

Personalized care, when is an in-house vet visit right for my pet, vaccinations and wellness exams.

Regular wellness exams are essential to keeping your pet healthy and can be a lot less stressful when performed at home.

Chronic disease management and palliative care

Mild to moderate illnesses and injuries, in-home euthanasia, when should i take my pet to the vet instead, examples of situations that are not appropriate for an in-house vet visit include:.

• Emergencies such as difficulty breathing, road traffic accidents, exposure to toxic foods or chemicals, snake bites, dog bites, serious injuries, or illness.
• Diseases or injuries requiring x-ray, ultrasound, or advanced imaging (CT or MRI) such as broken bones or paralysis
• Dental treatment
• Administration of chemotherapy (in most cases)

Note regarding the Covid-19 pandemic:

Home visits are typically a little more expensive than a regular vet appointment, but the price will vary between clinics.  The average cost of veterinary house visits in the US has been estimated at $138 per visit for dogs and $109 for cats.

A veterinarian that performs home visits will come to your home unless the appointment isn’t suitable for an in-home appointment. Appointments that aren’t suitable for home-care include emergencies such as road traffic accidents, broken bones, snake bites, poisonings, and other injuries or illnesses that require urgent care at an emergency vet clinic. 

Yes, many pet owners prefer their pet to be at home when it’s time to say goodbye and this is a service offered by most vets that perform house calls.

Ellen is an Australian vet who is currently combining her love of writing with traveling and working across the UK as a relief vet. Ellen graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2012 and is passionate about all things small animal health. Since graduating she has worked in clinical practice, including at a university teaching hospital in New Zealand. Ellen is currently based in Somerset and in her free time enjoys yoga, reading, travel, and modern calligraphy!

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In-home Wellness & Mobile Veterinary Care

Our mobile vet team brings high-quality, compassionate veterinary care to you, keeping your pets healthy in the comfort and convenience of your home.

Wellness Care

Because of the shorter lifespan of our pets, we stress the importance of semi-annual physical examinations (every 6 months) and age appropriate wellness testing with a veterinarian.  Thorough check-ups and preventative care can help alleviate serious health problems. Wellness testing includes bloodwork, fecal exams, and urinalysis to catch issues before they become a problem for your pet.   Preventing disease and early disease recognition will add quality and years to your pet’s life. We offer a wide range of veterinary services to keep your companions feeling their best.

More about Wellness Care

Semi-annual physical examinations.

These are extremely important to your pet’s good health. We pride ourselves on looking at your pet as an individual and then discuss medical treatment, health maintenance and lifestyle with you about what is best for the pet and your family. A full exam is done at every visit, and this includes an assessment of your pet’s eyes, ears, mouth and skin, as well as an evaluation which includes the following body systems: cardiac, respiratory, abdominal, urogenital, and lymphatic.

Wellness and Preventative Care Plans

We evaluate pets as the individuals they are.  Each pet’s care plan is   developed carefully after evaluating the pet’s history, lifestyle and risk factors. A pet care plan will typically include nutrition, customized vaccine protocols or titer testing, wellness testing, and behavior counseling, among other topics. We look comprehensively at the factors that go into your pet’s health and invite your questions and concerns.

Customized Vaccination Protocols

We believe less is more. Vaccines are necessary to prevent disease. However, vaccines can also cause problems for your pet’s immune system if not managed in conjunction with overall health. Once yearly, we will assess your pet’s risk factors and determine if your pet needs vaccines, and if so, which ones are necessary. It is important for you to have a clear understanding of which vaccines are offered, what your pet is at risk for, and the relative risk-to-benefit ratio of giving the vaccines to the long-term health of your companion.

Titer Testing

Titer testing is available and helps assess the need of the pet for a vaccine. In a titer test, a blood sample is tested to see if the pet has an appropriate antibody level against the disease in question. If the antibody level is adequate, we can rely on the pet’s immune system to combat the disease and skip the vaccine at that time.

Wellness Testing

Wellness testing includes blood work, fecal analysis, and urinalysis. Wellness testing gives individual baseline data that we can use later as a reference for faster, more accurate diagnosis and treatment, as well as serving as a detector of early disease. Depending on the age and health of your pet, we can recommend which wellness profile is best suited.

Individualized Flea and Tick Programs

During in-home appointments, we can create an individualized treatment program with you to help keep your pet protected from fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other potentially disease-bearing pests.  Because many of these pests are now adapting to warming climates in our service areas,  they are a year-round concern requiring a year-round plan. Heartworm, Lyme Disease, Ehrlichiosis are just a few of the very serious diseases that can be prevented through treatment programs.   We offer a variety of conventional and natural products and will recommend the products that work best for the protection and well-being of your pet.

Sick & Emergency Care

With skilled doctors and well-stocked transits, we are able to treat about 90% of common medical conditions during in-home appointments.  We can take samples for many types of laboratory services in your home and often have the results back to you in 24-48 hours.  Additionally, in-home appointments can provide our veterinarians with the opportunity to observe environmental conditions that may be related to pet illness. Our Receptionists and Patient Care Coordinators are trained to triage emergencies to help you get the best care needed for your pet.  Most things we can handle at home but in some cases we may recommend coming to one of our facilities or going to a specialty center based on the severity of the situation. For laboratory samples that we take at your home, we get pick-up twice a day from the same laboratories that all the local vet hospitals use, which gives us a quick turn-around for results.   We also have capabilities to run blood tests on site at our hospitals for more time-sensitive emergencies.  Visit our Emergency Services page to determine if you have an emergency and for contact information for area emergency veterinary affiliates. 

Veterinary Counseling Services

We offer a wide scope of consultations for both acute and chronic conditions.  Pediatric care, allergies, senior health, lameness evaluations, second opinions, oncology, and behavior are just a few.   If you have any questions about your pet’s health, please don’t hesitate to contact us—you know your pet best and there are no bad questions when it comes to your pet’s health or your peace of mind.

More about Consultations

Chronic disease management.

HousePaws offers in-home consultations to help manage chronic diseases or conditions your pet may have and reduce the number of stressful trips he or she needs to make to the veterinary hospital. We can help manage conditions related to heart, kidney and liver diseases, diabetes, cancer, arthritic conditions and more, and make recommendations of how to keep your pet as healthy and comfortable as possible in their own environment. HousePaws is happy to offer second opinion on diagnosis on chronic conditions which can be challenging for both pet and pet parent, alike.   

Behavioral Counseling

This is a frequently encountered need and one where our mobile practice has distinct benefits to clients. The ability to see the pet in her own environment is a significant benefit when developing a plan of action to defeat a behavior problem. We can provide advice regarding the correction of problems such as excessive barking, chewing, spraying, scratching, digging, house soiling, anxiety, and aggression. Most behavior problems can be solved with behavior modification techniques. Infrequently, natural alternatives or prescription medications may be needed for a short period of time. 

Quality of Life

As pets age, their needs change, too. The benefits of a veterinary housecall allow us to see the environment that your pet lives in. We may see things that you may not which impact the every day quality of life of your pet, or conditions can can present special challenges to your pet, particularly as they age or their health changes. 

Diabetic Home Management

Teaching the owner how to manage diabetes at home is important to having a stress-free diabetic pet. We offer training on obtaining your pet’s blood sample, and utilization of a home glucometer system. Frequent communication/consultation between the owner and veterinarian will optimize your pet’s success with this disease.

Dietary Counseling

We will provide guidance regarding your pet’s nutritional needs for each life stage, including dietary requirements for growth, weight maintenance and performance. A few of our veterinarians have advanced training in Chinese Medicine to take nutritional counseling to the next level!

Mobile Diagnostic and Treatment Services

HousePaws employs a range of diagnostic and treatment techniques in our mobile practice that can be tailored to the needs of you and your pet. In most of our practice areas, our doctors have access to state of the art mobile radiology equipment for advanced diagnostic efforts. A number of our doctors are certified in traditional healing methodologies as well as newer technologies such as cold laser therapy that we have found to have consistent positive results. We are constantly adding to our inventory of knowledge and equipment to offer you the most effective modern and traditional therapies to treat the extensive range of medical conditions we see every day.

Specialized Diagnostic and Treatment Services

Veterinary acupuncture.

Acupuncture is available at South Jersey and Pennsylvania Locations.  (Acupuncture is not yet available in our Bergen County service area). 

Cold Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is an FDA cleared modality that reduces inflammation and pain.   Laser therapy is effective at treating a wide range if conditions including acute pain, arthritis pain, aid in post-operative healing, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions often without use of medication or surgery.

Cold laser, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive procedure that uses visible and near infrared (NIR) light to stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood circulation. Overall cellular function is increased, allowing for rapid absorption of nutrients, elimination of wastes, growth for new cells. 

The many benefits of cold laser therapy include:

• Alleviating chronic or acute pain
• Reducing inflammation
• Reducing swelling
• Increasing circulation of blood and healing factors
• Speeding up healing and recovery
• Releasing endorphins, the body’s natural pain reliever.
• Joint injuries
• Back injuries and intervertebral disc issues
• Ligament or tendon injuries
• Muscle sprains or strains
• Skin lesions or abrasions
• Post-trauma wounds
• Post-surgical incisions
• Musculoskeletal diseases
• Nerve injury

Radiology at South Jersey Locations: X-Ray & Ultrasound Services

In the event your pet needs radiology services, we have high-tech mobile equipment that we can utilize in your home, or you can come in to one of our hospitals for tests. HousePaws South Jersey and Pennsylvania service areas offer mobile x-ray and ultrasound units that can perform tests in your house. (Mobile x-ray and ultrasound are not yet available in our Bergen County service area.) Results are obtained immediately and can be sent to specialists if necessary.    

Domestic/ international Health Certificates

These are needed before you can travel on an airplane with your pet. To obtain a health certificate, your pet must be examined 10 days before you travel indicating that your pet is free of communicable diseases.  We have several veterinarians on our team who have special certification for international travel requirements.

Home Delivery of Medications, Food and Nutraceuticals

Medicine and food deliveries are offered three times a week. Please see our Order Medication/Supplies page for more details.

Prescription Medications or Natural Remedies/Supplements:

These are often given at the time of the visit on a patient need basis. If you need a refill, please call us to order.

Individualized Flea and Tick Control Programs

We develop programs for the specific needs of your pet and your own particular environmental situation. We will review with you the best ways to control fleas in your house, in your yard and on your pet.

Appointment Cancellations

To enable us to provide the best care to all of our patients, please see below for details regarding cancellation of appointments with our veterinary practice.

HousePaws Cancellation Policy

HousePaws Appointment Cancellation Policy

We understand that there are times when you must miss an appointment due to emergencies or unexpected obligations for work or family.  Cancellations prevent us from treating another patient in need.

We request 12 hours notice for any cancellation.   If a mobile appointment is not cancelled at least 12 hours in advance we will require a cancellation fee equivalent to a travel fee for your area that must be paid prior to scheduling your next appointment.   After a second cancellation of a mobile appointment, without 12 hours notice, you will be responsible for the cost of a doctor’s exam for each pet scheduled and the travel fee. 

In hospital appointments we also require a 12 hour cancellation notice. If an in hospital appointment is canceled for a second time in less than 24 hours you will be responsible for the cost of an exam for each pet we were scheduled to see. 

We thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Meet Dr. McCulloch DVM

New york city housecall vet .

Dr. Wendy McCulloch graduated from the University of Florida in 2004, and completed a rotating surgery and medicine internship at the Animal Medical Center on the Upper East Side in 2005. She practiced Veterinary Medicine for 6 years at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey, where she established and ran a successful house call practice for the hospital. Pet Requiem and Home Vets NYC were established in 2009. In 2011, she moved back to New York City, offering routine in-home veterinary care for the city’s beloved cats and dogs. Our pets are there for our ups and downs. Providing a comfortable life at the end is a specialty and passion of Dr. McCulloch.

As seen in...

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Prepare for travel with your pet. We are USDA certified and can issue international Health certificates for International travel. 

Home is where they want to be.

These decisions are never easy and are an important decision for families to make together. When it is time to say goodbye, Dr. McCulloch will ensure your pet has a tranquil and peaceful experience in the comfort of your home surrounded by those who love them. 

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How to Naturally Sedate Your Cat: 6 Vet Approved Methods

Image Credit: Georgia Evans, Shutterstock

Last Updated on June 19, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

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Maybe your cat is scared of going to the vet, or he’s super afraid of thunderstorms, or perhaps you’re about to be traveling and your cat doesn’t do well with car rides. Maybe your cat hates the Fourth of July fireworks or has a problem with being groomed.

Whatever the reason is, sometimes it’s best for you and your cat to try sedation methods that can keep him calm when he needs to be. While there are numerous ways to sedate your cat, such as over-the-counter medications and prescriptions from your vet, many cat owners are choosing to try natural methods instead.

No pet parent wants their cat to be doped up, and side effects from over-the-counter medications and even prescriptions have been known to happen. So, if you’re searching for ways to sedate your cat naturally, you’ll find them in the guide below.

When to Sedate Your Cat

The very first thing to know is that you should never sedate your cat unless there’s a reason to. Unfortunately, cats don’t like change, so there will be times when sedating your feline pal needs to be done for his own good. Below we’ll list a few reasons that you might need to sedate your cat.

Why You Should Sedate Your Cat

The last thing you want is for your cat to hurt themselves or someone else because they’re nervous or terrified of a situation they find themselves in.

• When you’re traveling with your cat
• If your cat is afraid of the vet
• Recovering from surgery or an injury
• To keep your cat from harming himself
• For grooming sessions
• During thunderstorms, fireworks, or any event where there are loud noises that scare your cat

Not every cat will be scared or nervous in the above situations. See how your cat acts during one of these events, then make arrangements for sedation in the future if needed. In the next section of our guide, we’ll discuss the best natural sedation alternatives for your feline companion.

The 6 Natural Sedatives for Your Cat

Catnip goes by the official name Nepeta cataria and has long been known for cats loving it and its natural sedation effects. Also known as field balm, catwort, and catmint, this natural sedative is often grown in people’s gardens. You can identify catnip by its heart-shaped leaves and lavender flowers.

2. Valerian Root

This sedative’s official name is Valeriana officinalis , and it’s known for its qualities as a natural sedative as well. The root induces sleep and causes hyper-excitability in cats, just as catnip does. However, valerian root doesn’t work for all cats. It can make some cats aggressive. You can find some cat toys with valerian root in them, or some owners mix the fine-dried roots in with their cat’s food. It’s best to keep an eye on your cat if you’re giving this root to them for the very first time, just in case it causes aggression to appear.

3. Silver Vine

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Also known as Actinidia polygama , silver vine is an herb that has been known as a cat sedative for centuries now in Asian countries. This is said to have effects that are more intense than catnip. In Asia, the natural sedative is given to cats in leaves and stems that they can lick and roll around in to produce a calming effect.

However, in the US, it’s given in a light brown powder that is then sprinkled on cloth, cardboard scratchers, or cat toys for the cats to play with and become sedated instead. You can also find some pet stores that carry cat toys that are laced with silvervine, also.

4. Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle, scientifically known as  Lonicera , is also used as a natural way to sedate cats. There are cats out there that don’t react to catnip, so honeysuckle is said to be a great alternative. Many pet owners put sticks, wood shavings, or sawdust shavings of this herb onto or into their cats’ toys and give them to promote a calming effect. However, the fruits and berries are poisonous to your cat, so steer clear.

5. Kava Kava

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This topical herb, also known as Piper methysticum , can be used as a sedative for your cat, but it can only be used under supervision. Since kava kava can affect your cat’s liver, it’s best to talk to your vet before administering it, if at all.

6. Chamomile

Chamomile isn’t just good for calming your nerves; it’s suitable for naturally sedating your cat as well. The technical name for chamomile is Matricaria chamomilla and is used often to soothe and calm cats. However, this sedative should only be given in small amounts, so it is best to check with your vet before giving it to your pet.

These are just a few of the natural ways you can sedate your cat when it’s called for. In the next section of our guide, we’ll go into how to sedate your cat naturally as well.

How to Sedate Your Cat

Now that you know about the forms of natural sedation out there, let’s move into the steps you need to take to sedate your cat safely.

1. Choose the Medication

Whether you choose to go with over-the-counter, prescription, or one of the natural methods above, you need to do your research and choose the proper medication for your cat.

2. Visit Your Vet First

If you choose to go with medical sedation, you’ll, of course, visit your vet first. However, even with some of the natural methods above, it’s still best to consult your vet ahead of time. Make an appointment and see what your vet thinks is the best option, as that’s the best way to determine what is safest and what will work the best for your feline family member.

3. Keep an Eye Out for Adverse Effects

Even after your vet gives the go-ahead on a natural method, you need to give your cat a very small amount to make sure he doesn’t have any adverse effects on your choice. Although natural methods don’t have side effects in most cases, there’s always a first time, and you don’t know what your cat could be allergic to. So try a small amount first, and see how your cat reacts to it to be on the safe side.

4. Prepare Your Cat

When the day comes for you to sedate your cat for travel, grooming, or to go to the vet, you’ll want to prepare your cat ahead of time. You should play with and pamper your cat for a bit before administering the sedative so that he’s not anxious.

5. Give Your Cat the Sedative

Once you have your cat calm , get him his favorite treat and either add the natural remedy to it or give him the sedative and then the treat. If you have a hard time getting your cat to take the sedative, you might need to put it in his food instead.

Make sure that you watch your cat for a bit afterward and know that the natural sedatives are going to take a bit of time to kick in, unlike the medical options.

These are just a few ways to naturally sedate your cat and the options for doing so. Not every cat reacts the same way to the same situation , so watch your cat first before deciding to sedate him. Remember, only sedate your cat when it’s absolutely needed, and consult your vet about the best choices for sedation before you do.

Featured Image: Georgia Evans, Shutterstock

About the Author

Christian Adams

Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. Combining his love of writing with a passion for animals, he is currently the Director of Editorial at Pangolia and the Editor-in-Chief at Catster. Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.

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Our mobile veterinarians examine pets in their favorite spot - a comfy couch, a cozy pet bed, or even your lap! See how we work to keep pets relaxed and happy at home.

What Our Clients Say

Dr. Wilson and Amanda came to my home for a sick visit . They treated Zeus and myself with respect and caring. They listened to my concerns and gave excellent advice.

Included in Our Veterinary Home Visit Service

Allergies & dermatology.

Our mobile vets will conduct a detailed allergy and dermatologic examination of your pet's skin and coat for bumps or irritation. Medications may be prescribed depending on the cause.

Neurological Consultation

Our skilled veterinarians conduct neurological exams to assess your pet's nervous system health that includes tests for reflexes, coordination, balance, and response to stimuli.

Orthopedic Assessment

We'll examine your pet's joints, bones, and muscles , identifying any signs of discomfort, injury, and degenerative issues, providing the foundation for effective treatment and care.

Veterinary Pain Management

We employ a range of techniques, from medication to innovative therapies, to effectively manage pain in pets . We assess each pet's individual needs, ensuring a personalized approach to pain relief and ongoing comfort.

Additional Veterinary Diagnostic Services

An in-home Sick Visit includes a consultation with you about your pet’s health and current symptoms, a comprehensive nose-to-tail examination, recommendations for supportive care, as well as additional testing and referrals (for an additional fee).

Veterinary Lab Tests

To accurately diagnose your pet’s illness or potential health condition we may recommend pet blood work , cytology, urinalysis, and fecal testing (for an additional fee).

Should My Pet Be Seen By a Veterinarian?

Frequently asked questions.

It’s possible to schedule a same-day or next-day Sick Visit in many of our locations.

As BetterVet provides mobile veterinary services, your pet can be examined without leaving home. If you think your pet is having a medical emergency, seek urgent care at your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.

We do not provide emergency veterinary services at this time.  If you think your pet has a medical emergency, seek urgent care immediately at your nearest veterinary emergency hospital.

The following symptoms typically require urgent care at an emergency veterinary clinic:

• Trouble breathing
• Signs that your pet is in severe pain - shaking, vocalizing, panting, hiding, or agitation
• Seizure(s) or loss of consciousness
• Wounds or injuries
• Ingestion of toxic food, substances, or foreign objects
• Sudden mobility issues

Our veterinary teams carry many common medications with them and can administer them to your pet when appropriate.

Your veterinarian will let you know if there is a need for any additional tests, treatments, or referrals and will schedule a follow-up appointment for your pet if recommended.

If your pet requires further tests or hospitalization your veterinarian will discuss the appropriate next steps and offer recommendations of local hospitals in your area.

If your pet is feeling fine but is due for a routine wellness checkup, then you’ll want to book a Wellness Exam. For times when your pet is not feeling well or seems off, you will want to book a Sick Visit instead.

We accept all major credit cards and debit cards. We do not accept cash, checks, or Scratchpay. A credit card is required to book your appointment but will not be billed until the end of your home visit.

Related Article

11 Signs Your Pet Needs to See a Vet

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Just for Cats Home Visits

When you go away we visit each day

While You’re Away, We’ll Come and Take Care of Your Owner…

Whether you are going for a well-earned holiday, a weekend getaway or a productive business trip, the last thing you want to be worrying about is the health and wellbeing of your cat (s). After all, aren’t they a part of your family?

Instead of leaving them in a potentially stress filled, restricted and strange environment, have you considered leaving them at home?

There are many advantages choosing to leave your cats at home and getting us to visit while you are away, such as;

• Their home is familiar to them therefore eliminating  the natural stress and anxiety they feel when left in a strange environment
• They feel safe and secure
• Won’t feel you have ‘abandoned’ them
• They remain free to come and go as they please using their own cat flap (Isn’t that one of the things we just love about our cats?)
• No intimidating smells or risk of “bullying” from other, more dominating cats

A cattery can be a hostile and stress-fuelled environment for some cats Read More

No Two Cat’s Are Alike…

We understand that no two cats are alike…each have their own individual personality, needs and sometimes, special requirements.

For this reason we offer all our customers our unique and free “Meet My Cat” service before you choose us as your preferred choice.

That way, you get total peace of mind that your cat is familiar with us and more importantly, they like us.

We don’t just pop in, feed your cat and leave. We give personal attention, love, complete care and of course, a good fuss on every visit .

Because Your Cat Is Worth It…

There are many advantages for using Just For Cats Home Visits…apart from the obvious one…they are worth it…

It is also more convenient for you…. and healthier for your cat.

• No Digging out proof of your last vaccinations for the cattery
• No inconvenient drop off and pick up times
• No extra charges for special diets or peak times like Christmas or bank holidays
• No restricted, “battery-type” pens to contend with
• No strange, or used & chewed toys
• No unfamiliar or unsettling noises or smells from other more dominant cats

Our Bespoke, Personal Services For Your Cats…

Established over 11 years ago (And being cat owners of course), cat’s just love us. We really pride ourselves on giving your feline family member the royal treatment when we visit.

So we cater for all your cat’s personal needs and offer extra services and benefits for you, mostly at no extra cost.

As well as providing exceptional services, we also offer you extraordinary value and that priceless, personal touch.

Here’s What We Offer Your Cat (And you):

For your cat.

• Feed and fuss your cat, mostly at their preferred times
• Clean and clear litter trays
• Administer any medication
• Virtually any other special need your cat may have
• Feed your other pets, hamsters, fish, rabbits etc (Minimal charge)
• Take your bins out/ bring them in
• Added security (Lights on/off)

“We send all of our customers regular updates (And photo’s if you wish) on their feline’s welfare via Whatsapp messages so you’ll never have to worry about the welfare of your cat – giving you more time to enjoy your holiday or focus on that important business meeting.” Stella Foley, Founder, Just For Cats Home Visits

Stella Foley

Just For Cats Home Visits have been serving South & West Cornwall for the past 9 years. I have 2 cats that own me. I love them to bits. And that’s why you can be rest assured that whilst you are enjoying your time away, your feline friend will be lovingly looked after and cared for-in it’s own home.

What Some of Our Cat Owners Say

Free No Obligation ‘Meet Our Cat”

Please call me today to discuss your cat’s needs and arrange a FREE, No Obligation “Meet My Cat” appointment .

Avoid disappointment! We get extremely busy at peak times such as school holidays, bank holidays and Christmas. Call  01209 820637 or Text/Whatsapp “Meet My Cat” to 0773 726 4021

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Video shows coyote try to enter Southern California home, attack cat

by: Marc Sternfield

Posted: Jun 11, 2024 / 09:43 AM PDT

Updated: Jun 11, 2024 / 10:27 AM PDT

Baby gates are designed to protect children from getting hurt, but in this case, they possibly saved a house cat from becoming an easy meal for a coyote in Mission Viejo, California.

Cindy Stalnaker told KTLA that she and her husband were watching television around 11 p.m. Monday night when they heard a loud bang outside. When they went to the front door, they noticed muddy paw prints on the front porch and walkway.

“We immediately closed the door and turned on our phones to look at the Ring videos,” Stalnaker said.

The video, which Stalnaker shared with KTLA, showed a coyote in their front yard cautiously watching one of their cats that was sitting behind a child safety gate and screen door at their open front door.

Then, the animal suddenly charges at the cat not once but twice, slamming its head into the screen and gate.

After lurking around the front door for a short time, the coyote eventually gives up and wanders away in search of easier prey, the video showed.

“We were shocked to see the aggressiveness of his charges into that baby gate,” said Stalnaker. “Thankfully, the coyote didn’t jump [it].”

Stalnaker and her husband are now planning to install a more effective security door to allow the “cool evening breeze” in while keeping coyotes out, she says.

Coyote sightings are common in many Southern California communities, but a handful of recent encounters with humans and pets have recently pushed the issue to the forefront.

Earlier this month, residents of Los Angeles’ Mar Vista neighborhood reached out to local and state authorities after a pack of coyotes was seen on video stalking a man walking his dog and, in another incident, attacked an older dog in its backyard.

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Alabamians invited to visit Birmingham Cat Café during Adopt-A-Cat Month

Alabama residents are being invited to visit the state’s first cat café to consider giving a feline friend a home during Adopt-A-Cat Month in June. This month also marks the height of “ kitten season ,” when large litters of kittens are born and often end up in animal shelters.

Gatos and Beans opened in 2019 in the Birmingham neighborhood of Avondale. The late Kellie Steward opened the business after reading about the cat café phenomenon that was emerging in Japan. Since her passing, the cafe says it’s dedicated to continuing Steward’s mission of animal adoptions.

The small company houses numerous cats from Birmingham’s Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue . The cats are vaccinated, microchipped and are up for adoption at the café where guest can grab a latte and relax among feline friends.

“We are a hangout, a hideaway, a place to get away with some animals, and we're an opportunity for cats to find a forever home,” said Jeff Moore, a spokesperson for Gatos and Beans.

Folks wishing to have a drink among the cats at Gatos and Beans can make a reservation on the website of the business. A visit to the iconic cat room is $15 for the hour and comes with a drink from the café.

The famous cat room is made up of cat towers, cat walkways that are mounted to the walls, cat toys and plenty of lounging space for both guests and cats.

To ensure that the cats are happy in an environment such as the cat room, Gatos and Beans works alongside Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue to undergo a temperament test for the felines. Moore said a lot of times, the cats are happier in the café than in a shelter.

“The result of cat cafes in the United States has been the reduction of euthanasia in shelters. It’s such a great outlet for adoptable animals. You're able to see the animal in their best life. It's somewhere between a shelter and home environment, smaller number of animals, kind of more residential and feel, so you can really see the personality of an animal,” said Moore.

As for the future of Gatos and Beans, Moore explained that close friends of his and the late Steward have taken over running the business. He said he believes the operations will remain the same and the mission will still be to carry out animal adoptions and care.

“The cafe is a labor of love for all of us. We want it to continue. Our main goal is to keep it going and fulfill its mission of adopting animals. There are new things on the horizon. Kelly has done yoga with the cats. We would like to do some more programs like that. We've considered a movie night or a game night. We've also are looking at transitioning from a profit business to a nonprofit,” said Moore.

Despite what comes next for the café, Moore said the legacy that Steward created will live on, and Gatos and Beans will continue to be a haven for both animals and people. More about the café can be found here .

Arsenal's 2024/25 Premier League fixture list

The 2024/25 Premier League fixture list has been released, and we will kick off the new campaign with a home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

For the second season in a row, we will begin our quest for the league title with a game at Emirates Stadium when the side from Molineux visit on August 17, which will be a traditional Saturday 3pm kick-off as it has not been selected for live TV coverage.

We will face three of last season’s top five away from home in our first three away trips, which all look to be mouthwatering affairs. First up will be a game at Aston Villa, before a north London derby at the home of Tottenham Hotspur, rounded off with a visit to the reigning champions Manchester City on September 21.

Download our fixtures to your phone's calendar

December will see Manchester United head to Emirates Stadium for a Tuesday night clash, while the festive period sees us remain in London, as we have games at Crystal Palace and Brentford sandwiched between a home game against Ipswich Town on Boxing Day - our first league meeting with the Tractor Boys since 2002.

The new year begins with an away game against Brighton before three huge home matches in the space of a fortnight. Our home fixture against Spurs will be a midweek affair on Tuesday, January 14, while after Aston Villa visit four days later, we start February with the arrival of City.

We have to wait until February 15 for our first away encounter at a newly promoted club when we tackle Leicester City, with a game at Portman Road not on the cards until April 19.

Three of our final five games are at home, starting with clashes against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth before a huge fixture against Liverpool at Anfield. Our final game at Emirates Stadium comes against Newcastle United, before the campaign concludes at Southampton on Sunday, May 25.

Full fixture list

AUGUST Sat 17  Wolverhampton Wanderers (H)     Sat 24  Aston Villa (A)     Sat 31  Brighton & Hove Albion (H)

SEPTEMBER      Sat 14  Tottenham Hotspur (A)     Sat 21  Manchester City (A)     Sat 28  Leicester City (H)

OCTOBER      Sat 5  Southampton (H)     Sat 19  Bournemouth (A)     Sat 26  Liverpool (H)    

NOVEMBER Sat 2  Newcastle United (A)     Sat 9  Chelsea (A)     Sat 23  Nottingham Forest (H)     Sat 30  West Ham United (A)    

DECEMBER Tue 3  Manchester United (H)     Sat 7  Fulham (A)     Sat 14  Everton (H)     Sat 21  Crystal Palace (A)     Thu 26  Ipswich Town (H)     Sun 29  Brentford (A)    

JANUARY Sat 4  Brighton & Hove Albion (A)     Tue 14  Tottenham Hotspur (H)     Sat 18  Aston Villa (H)     Sat 25  Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)

FEBRUARY     Sat 1  Manchester City (H)     Sat 15  Leicester City (A)     Sat 22  West Ham United (H)     Tue 25  Nottingham Forest (A)

MARCH      Sat 8  Manchester United (A)     Sat 15  Chelsea (H)    

APRIL Tue 1  Fulham (H)     Sat 5  Everton (A)     Sat 12  Brentford (H)     Sat 19  Ipswich Town (A)     Sat 26  Crystal Palace (H)

MAY     Sat 3  Bournemouth (H)     Sat 10  Liverpool (A)     Sun 18  Newcastle United (H)     Sun 25  Southampton (A)    

Notes about rescheduling

TV selections have only been made for the opening weekend of the season, so as always fixtures are subject to change throughout the campaign.

Clubs in European competition may see fixtures moved to Sunday in weeks where they are playing in midweek.

With the Champions League having Thursday fixtures on matchweek one this season, that could affect our game against Manchester City on Saturday, September 21. As Chelsea are in the Europa League, our away game against the Blues on Saturday, November 9 could also be affected.

The Premier League have also committed to giving supporters a minimum of six weeks' notice (from the first match in the relevant month) on broadcast selections until December 2024, and five weeks from January 2025 until the penultimate game of the season.

Copyright 2024 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.

Watch all of Havertz’s 2023/24 goals and assists

Kai Havertz had an outstanding first season at the club in 2023/24.

With 14 goals and seven assists to his name in all competitions, he was a prolific forward in our side, particularly in the second half of the season.

After scoring his first goal from the penalty spot away to Bournemouth, Kai found the back of the net for important winners against Brentford, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton.

From February to the end of the season, he got a goal or an assist in 10 of the 13 final games.

Watch all of his goals and assists from the campaign by pressing play on the video above.

You can also watch all of Bukayo Saka's goals and assists from the season

Fixtures & Results

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