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

I’ve always shared my home with cats and I have enjoyed having primary care of them. I now serve my own kitty and have been offering drop-in cat care services in Berkeley since 2024, with positive results and many repeat clients.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

I love the challenge of gaining a cat’s trust and enjoying the fruits of that, whether it be playing, pets, brushing, cuddling, or just being companionable in the same space. The variety of feline personalities and behavior, and the discovery of these with each unique kitty, is also fun and interesting and keeps me on my toes! That said, I’ve met the nicest and most interesting variety of humans, too! It has helped me feel that much more connected to, and appreciative of, my community.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

It’s really hard to choose just one! When I first began, I especially enjoyed the goofy fun of caring for kittens; I still do, but as time goes on I’ve developed a special appreciation for my senior cat friends, as well as the three (or four or five -) ring circus of caring for multiple kitties in one visit!

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

I have a scary-smart gray tabby named Sally who is now five. She was a double rescue - rescued from a rescue - so her past is a bit mysterious.. She is a tiny cat (7 lbs) with definite opinions and a big personality!

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

Try to meet them at your home if at all possible; I have had a few potential clients show ambivalence as to whether an in-person visit was necessary, and I’ve always encouraged a meeting whenever possible. In my experience there’s no substitute for a quick in-home visit when it comes to meeting cats and their humans, getting oriented to where things are, and assuring that dynamics and environment feel like a good fit. Also, communicate with your potential sitter about realistic time expectations. A 20-minute visit to a 3-kitty household where the cats need lots of care for health or temperamental reasons may not be realistic; conversely, a solo cat who prefers her own company and has an auto-feeder may not need an hour.

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

As mentioned, I like to meet with clients in their home. l listen and ask questions as they describe their cats’ habits and needs and their own concerns. Usually care expectations are realistic (on the rare occasions they are not I try to be clear about that as kindly as possible). I make sure I know where the cat care things are in their home, how they like waste disposed of, how I will gain access and how to return any keys. I ask about their preferences for photos and texted updates during care visits. Most fun is learning about cat personalities and preferences and, hopefully, interacting respectfully with the kitties themselves around their humans, before visiting them on my own. I rely most of all on good communication and respect to establish a good relationship with both cat guardians and their kitties.

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

I ask about any health issues and make a point to get vet info and cat carrier location, just in case. Of course I make sure kitties have water and food. I give medication as indicated. I let clients know of anything that seems off while they are away and we decide what, if anything, needs to be done about it. I am careful when coming and going to block the doorway so cats cannot get out, and make sure no window is open wide enough to get through unless it is the cats’ usual habit. I note details of keys, locks, codes and/or security systems, and find out how I should return house keys, if using. I make sure we can reach each other, or a designated emergency contact, while the client is away. I do all I can to prioritize the safety and security of your cat and home.

Are you usually available during holidays?

I really try to be. I’m in a period of my life where I’m traveling less frequently so I’m often available for cat drop-in visits for at least part of most holidays. It definitely helps with availability when clients book me well ahead of their desired dates. .

What is your favorite cat toy?

A snake, I mean, shoelace, that I carry in my bag. It almost always engages playful cats Wand toys are often a big hit with the kitties that have them.

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

I try to have them see, or at least hear, me interact in a calm and friendly way with their people during a meet and greet and get my body down to their level. If their human approves, I may give them treats. On my care visits, I give them time and space to get used to my presence and move around their home as gently and predictably as possible while I prepare their food. Once they’ve eaten and had a little time to adjust to my being there, I sit quietly and let them initiate contact. I might try offering a few more of their cat treats or a favorite toy if the vibe seems right. Usually, by the time a booking period has ended, we are friends.