What is your experience with cat sitting, and how long have you been doing it?

I have been cat sitting since I was a pre-teen. I grew up with cats and have always been around them, and love them.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

I love being able to take care of someone’s cat(s) while they are away so I can do my best to give them peace of mind that their kitty family member is getting lots of love and attention so they don’t have to worry.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

I was cat sitting for a week for two shy kitties - Bob and Zuma - and by day 3 they had warmed up to me quite well. We started playing and they would let me hold and pet them, and they would purr and show me affection. It was amazing to earn their trust and to see them become comfortable with me. The homeowner had been anxious to leave them and was delighted to receive this news. (They hired me for more trips they started being comfortable to take.) It was a win for everyone! 🐾

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

I grew up with 3 cats - Honda, Lucky, and Scamper. One of them lived to be 23 years old. I’ve had cats most of my life and look forward to cats always being a part of my life.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a cat sitter?

Find someone who you can trust that gives you peace of mind and is willing to ask questions to get to know you and your cat(s). Every family is different and each kitty is different so it’s important for a sitter to tailor the experience to you and your pet(s).

What is your typical process for working with a new cat parent?

I like to conduct a meet and greet, whether in person, or at least a virtual consultation by phone/Zoom. You can share any details about the sitting that I need to know, and I can ask questions to ensure I understand the responsibility. It’s also an excellent opportunity for you to ask me anything that you would like to know about my experience, as I want you to be completely comfortable with me so you have peace of mind entrusting your kitty to my care. I may m ask you about your kitty so that I can get to know the situation and their home life- what they are comfortable with and what the expectations are. I understand kitty is different and want to make sure to take care of each kitty in the way it would be most comfortable.

How do you ensure the safety & security of the cats and the home while cat sitting?

I ensure that any doors or gates, etc. are locked and always triple check before I leave. If there is a kitty cam, I make sure it is unobstructed and still in the upright position for the owner to be able to see… There has been a time or two where a kitty has knocked over the camera between my visits, and I always make sure to fix it for the owners’ comfort. I will also do a basic visual sweep of the space to make sure that there is nothing that could cause the kitty harm. For example, one time I was cat sitting and a cat had knocked a vase off of a shelf, and I cleaned up the debris.

Are you usually available during holidays?

Typically, yes, and I will be sure to update any availability in my calendar.

What is your favorite cat toy?

Anything on a string!

How do you handle cats that are particularly timid or anxious?

I will typically sit on the floor and grab their favorite toy, or treat, and just give them time to come to me to build trust. I speak calmly, quietly, and slowly as to not startle them.