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

I bring decades of hands-on feline care experience through shelter work, medical support, and living with my own cats - including seniors, rescues, and high-maintenance cases. I've cared for cats with diabetes, kidney disease, asthma, and anxiety, and I'm confident handling everything from medication routines to slow trust-building with shy or traumatized cats. I really enjoy working with special needs cats - finding ways to make them more comfortable and noticing little changes in their behavior, like timing of meds, to give them better quality of life. I've worked with an elderly blind cat who requires lots of medical care and tenderness, and a very shy cat who's terrified of strangers. With her, I've never even petted her, but she's slowly investigating my scent and making eye contact - that's real progress on her terms. My approach is calm, intuitive, and always cat-led, especially for sensitive or medically fragile cats.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

The moments that look like nothing to anyone else but mean everything. I've been working with a very shy cat for a few visits now - I've never even gotten to pet her. A lot of sitters might have forced an interaction by now, but I'm content to work slowly and thoughtfully. She's eating the treats I leave and investigating a shirt with my scent that I place near one of her favorite spots so she can get familiar with me on her own terms. It was so rewarding to finally see her pause by her litter box and observe me. I can't tell you what a joy it is to work with a cat thinking, "Maybe I'll never win this cat over," and then one day they stop, make eye contact, and they're more curious than scared. It sounds anticlimactic, but I know what that moment meant. 💖

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

Okay, now you got me started - I could talk all day about my favorites! One recent highlight was an avid puzzle-solving tabby. He was so good at puzzles I was challenged to come up with a new one each day. I started hiding treats around the house, timing him and keeping track of what he found. He got so good at hunting I had to get really crafty. Even that wasn't enough, so I made up a game called "Bowling for Snacks" - I'd throw a hard treat across a wood hallway for him to skid, chase, and chomp! He'd run back, tail in a happy candy cane of pride, and wind up for the next throw. 🍬😂 I made sure his owners knew about all the hidden treats to avoid ants, and they were excited to play "Hide and Treat" when they returned.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

Franklin, Silk, & Satin 🥰. They are a bonded trio. Silk and Satin are brother and sister, I've had since six weeks old and Franklin came later to steal our hearts, after sadly a dear friend passed suddenly and I decided to adopt him.

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

Talk to them! Ask questions, tell them about your cat's habits, favorite things, and go into detail about their behavior. You never know what little insight might help during a stay, so I'd rather hear every silly story about Sir Whiskers the Slick than not know when he's hiding from fear instead of stress. Look for someone who asks detailed questions and truly listens - that shows they care about understanding your cat as an individual. Find someone who communicates openly and isn't afraid to reach out if something seems off. Cat behavior isn't always common knowledge, and a good sitter should be willing to educate and collaborate with you. The truth is cats are very highly social and enjoy interaction, but they speak a totally different language. A sitter who genuinely loves learning that language will give your cat the best possible care.

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

First, I like to connect with you to learn about your cat's routine, needs, personality, and any medical or behavioral concerns. I ask detailed questions so I can match your home care style as closely as possible. During our first visit, I move slowly, let your cat lead, and take notes on what helps them feel at ease. I keep communication open with regular updates, photos, and check-ins so you always know how they're doing. My goal is to create consistency, safety, and trust - both for your cat and for you. I especially enjoy working with new cat owners and I'm always happy to answer questions or share resources. Cat behavior isn't always intuitive, and I think it's wonderful when owners want to learn more about their cats. If I notice something that might need attention, I'll bring it to you - not as criticism, but as a partner

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

I prioritize your cat's safety by staying vigilant and observant. I'm trained to recognize subtle changes in behavior or health that might signal something's wrong. For medically fragile cats, I'm comfortable making emergency vet calls if needed - I've cared for cats in palliative care before where recognizing changes quickly was critical. I'm not afraid to act in the moment to ensure your pet gets the care they need. I also believe in open communication. If I notice something concerning, I'll speak up - not to criticize, but because I'd rather have an honest conversation than stay silent and later learn something could have been prevented. If you want someone who prioritizes your cat's wellbeing and only speaks up when they've genuinely noticed something worth addressing, that's me. Your home will always be left exactly as I found it, but my primary focus is always your cat's safety and wellbeing.

Are you usually available during holidays?

Yes, I am usually available during the Holidays and I love getting to spend time with kitties around the holidays. 😻🎁Book in advance, I book quickly!

What is your favorite cat toy?

My favorite cat toy is probably a feather bird on a string, we call it "turkey bird" or "bird toy", it is made of natural ingredients that my kitties love to hunt and pluck. Needless to say, I have to buy multiples, because I have such good little hunters! 😂

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

Every anxious cat is different, so I always let them set the pace. I start with calm body language, soft blinking, and gentle energy. I avoid overwhelming them with noise or movement, and I never force interaction. I give them space, speak softly, and observe their body language to understand what makes them feel safe. Some respond well to play or treats, others just need time and quiet companionship. Building trust with anxious kitties is about patience, consistency, and respect. When they finally choose to come closer, it’s on their terms - and that’s the most meaningful part.