Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

Yes! I have three cats of my own: Roo, Soot, and Miso. In addition to caring for my own cats, I’ve fostered more than 25 cats and kittens through rescue work, including Bella Pepper, Ray, Tuna, Gino, Clover, Biscuit, Gravy, Sausage, Strawberry, Pineapple, Lemon, Lime, Tiramisu, Cannoli, Gelato, Crostata, Affogato, Bignè, Momo, Artemis, Luna, Appa, Nori, Boba, Tofu, Mochi, and Wonton. Fostering has given me hands-on experience with cats of all ages, temperaments, and needs—from tiny kittens and energetic youngsters to shy cats who need patience and confidence-building. It’s taught me how important it is to tailor care to each cat’s unique personality.

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

I would recommend looking for someone with experience caring for a variety of cat personalities and needs, not just someone who loves cats. Every cat is different, and a good sitter should be able to recognize when a cat wants attention, when they need space, and when something seems out of the ordinary. It’s also important to find a sitter who communicates clearly and reliably. Regular updates, photos, and attention to your cat’s routine can provide a lot of peace of mind while you’re away. Finally, trust your instincts. The right sitter should make you feel comfortable asking questions and confident that your cat will be treated with patience, kindness, and respect. As a cat owner and foster mom myself, I know how much trust it takes to leave your pets in someone else’s care, and I believe that trust should be earned through consistency, communication, and genuine care.

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

Every cat has their own comfort level, especially when meeting someone new. When caring for timid or anxious cats, I let them set the pace and focus on creating a calm, predictable environment. I never force interaction and instead use patience, gentle body language, and positive reinforcement to help them feel safe. Through fostering more than 25 cats and kittens, I’ve worked with many shy cats who needed extra time to build trust. I’m comfortable caring for cats who prefer to observe from a distance, hide during visits, or take a little longer to warm up. My priority is always making sure they feel secure, respected, and well cared for while their family is away. Whether that means engaging in play, offering treats, sitting quietly nearby, or simply ensuring their routine is maintained, I adapt my approach to what each individual cat needs.