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

I began cat-sitting for Meowtel during the pandemic, and worked through approximately October of 2023. I took a break to focus on my full-time job at the time, but while at Meowtel, I cared for kitties throughout the Berkeley, Albany and Oakland area. For several years prior to joining Meowtel, I regularly cat-sat for friends in the Bay Area, and still do. While growing up, my family and I had cats who we treated as family. We would do anything for them, and I am still this way toward the kitties I care for.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

I just can’t even tell you how much I love cats, so just spending time with them and being with them makes my heart leap with joy. I deal with serious subjects during my full-time job as a therapist, so cat sitting is mutually therapeutic - I take care of them, and they absolutely take care of me :)

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

I would recommend making a point to meet the potential cat-sitter first (either virtually or in-person, ideally), walk them through what your needs are and the important aspects of your home (how to get in, lock-up, etc) and while asking common-sense questions about the cat sitter’s experience. Just trust your gut. Ask yourself what vibe you’re getting from this person - are they kind? Gentle? Honest? Do they have good judgment? Skills aside, I would recommend asking yourself if your cat-sitter seems to be a kind and gentle person (who will also remember to lock the door on their way out 😂).

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

I always make a point to schedule time to meet with a potential new cat parent first. Having a brief video-call is great, but meeting in-person is best. I usually do both. I want to make sure cat parents can meet me, introduce their cat, show me what they need me to do in their home, and go over any special needs that are best discussed in-person. For example, how to unlock the door, how to use electronic cat-care devices, etc. I want cat parents to have the chance to ask me questions and do a vibe-check to make sure they feel comfortable entrusting me with their kitty. I also want to make sure I have a chance to do the same so that both parties can move forward with the reservation with trust and confidence.

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

I always stay in communication with cat parents throughout the reservation, and in the event that something unexpected happens, I take steps to care for the animals and communicate with cat parents. Cat parents and I should always discuss preferred vet information and emergency contacts beforehand so that we have a plan for unexpected situations. I have good judgment, I lock the door behind me, I don’t leave any products out that could be dangerous for animals, or leave any windows open that they could escape out of. If I make a mistake with something, or have a question, I’ll discuss it with cat parents, and problem-solve together.

What is your favorite cat toy?

I’m a big fan of the fish-pole toy! There’s nothing like the big, athletic leaps that you get with swishing around the fishing-pole. This makes for great cat-pics, too!