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

I have been cat sitting professionally for the past 3 years, though I have done so for friends and family for many years before that. I have worked many overnights, and also drop-ins. I have watched cats with epilepsy, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and cancer. I have watched up to 13 cats in a house at a time! I have raised kittens, and tended to seniors, even across the rainbow bridge. I have taken them to hospitals during emergencies. Mostly, I have provided companionship and attention while their family is away.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

I love getting to know new felines. I love learning new things from clients and to see the ways that people solve common issues in different ways. I love giving them affection ❣️ and calm at a time when they might be anxious due to a change in routine. I just love to hear them purr, and know that I am doing the right thing.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

My favorite is a client (who has now become a friend) who has 13 cats! She has rescued 6 in the last year (she didn't keep them all) and because she has so many, she has a lot of knowledge about cats, products & toys they like, and is a genuine cat lover like myself. So yeah, it's kind of like a cat heaven in her house!

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

I have two 18- month old grey & white (as of March 2025) siblings, who were rescued from living in an outside clowder, where they were being fed but were not safe from coyotes. The female's name is Star and the male is Sky.

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

If you find someone you like, it's best to stick with them because they have already established a relationship with the cat. Cats are intelligent and they definitely remember us. I would also advise writing as many details as possible in the profile notes. I have noticed that a lot of folks do not require the service most of the year, it is more frequently used during holidays and summer vacations. These drop-ins can be arranged last-minute, so people tend to forget to add important information about their veterinarian or other health concerns because they were in a hurry.

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

The Meet & Greet, to introduce myself and meet the cat I will be working with, and to get to know the household layout where all of the important items are located. It is really important to make sure that the key, code or whatever method of entry into the unit is used to become established.

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

Per policy, cats never go outdoors. I try to ensure there are never hazards. I take steps the homeowner wishes while they are away: turning lights on & off, locking doors, making sure cabinets are secure, and checking in with pet parents frequently. A couple of times, there was a particularly scared cat who just would not come out of hiding no matter what I did. Once, I was scared to death when I couldn't find the cat, I thought she must have gotten out! It was Christmas Day, and I was horrified! ! I stayed an extra 1/2 hour to find her under the stairs. Always get a visual before leaving!

Are you usually available during holidays?

Yes. I used to be very busy on all holidays but haven't been so much lately (this written as of March 2025). So I'm accustomed to working holidays, and if not scheduled at my other job, I will be available.

What is your favorite cat toy?

I have the most luck with the feathery toys on a pole. Few cats can resist a feather, I find- - but, they also tear up quickly. The Lazer is a close second, especially with the young ones who have lots of chasing- around energy. My kitten loves her mice; she carries them everywhere and tries to drown them in her water. I recently got them a tube and they love that, too. But cats 🐈 are cats, and they have their own preferences for recreation. A plain old repurchased box is often a good play spot for them!

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

I usually don't "handle" them, in the literal sense of touching them, until I have put them at ease. A lot of it is reading their body language and responding appropriately. First I use my voice: I talk sweetly, meow, and purr at them. I move slowly, carefully noting at what distance they become frightened. Also, not facing them directly or staring. It's better to walk sideways, and also getting low on the floor on their level helps. You have to give them a pathway to their safe place and never back them into a corner. Of course old fashioned bribery with treats and toys can work, too! 😀