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

I have been a pet sitter part time for 9years and sporadically before that. About 3 years ago, I transitioned to a career in pet care. I graduated a certification program through catch training academy. It was mostly for dogs but have found that most of my training clients have been cats with behavior or stress challenges. I have found this really exciting to find answers that make everyone in household lives easier. I have enjoyed getting to know and becoming friends with all of my pet clients. I strive to help them through what can be a stressful time while their humans travel, and hopefully the cats can adjust to love our time together as I do with them.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

Making Friends, when a shy cat sniffs my hand and ventures out to sit near me. The friendly cats head butting and talking me through the visit is cute too.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

I visit a cat named Cinnamon, he has been through some hard times because his human mom passed away and his Dad travels a bunch. He is my BFF(best furry Friend) When I arrive at his house, I sing his song and he runs out of whatever place he is sleeping and we go freshen his water together. Then we have a play session and some cuddle on the couch together. I just love his little purr.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

I have 2 wonderful kitties currently. Honeybun: well she is just addicted to the heated window shelf. What's not to love, watching birds and a comfy heated underside! My other (her mom) suga momma: she had a rough start and has some serious trust issues and still really wants a good lap hug or brushing. She has THE softest coat after brushing!

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

Ask questions that pertain to your cat. If you hear any red flags, trust your gut. There are plenty of great sitters, no need to settle for less than what you want. Your cat deserves the best and it is your vacation, we should provide you with less stress, you deserve that!

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

If pet parent go over basics, I ask some questions during our walk through of routine. I have been doing this a while, so if the cat is on wet food...I ask where the silverware or toy basket is. I thrn ask if toys are put away after play or left out(some may eat them). New clients always get a text day before the hand off to see if anything new needs mentioning and I send the human client a travel tip list with helpful things like putting batteries in autofeeder and setting out a recent item of clothing for kitty to feel your comfy scent. If you want thr list text me, I want your kitty happy!

Are you usually available during holidays?

Oh yes. I am super busy then! I have so many regular clients, please book early to reserve your kitty a spot. I give extra treats!!!

What is your favorite cat toy?

Honestly it depends on the cat. They love to engage with us and a wand toy or fishpole toy is great for that, but humans are really busy so anything that is enrichment for kitty is wonderful. I don't mind interactive robot toys like feather spinners, youtube bird watching channel or a great game of hunt for the treat(find the kibble) a window can be enrichment too! Play is important but some cats never learned that skill which is ok, we want them happiest and if that means a cuddle on the sofa, or putting a chair by a patio door for later, let's make them happy!!!

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

I seem to specialize in shy cats. Some cats had a rough start, maybe it is genetic, I go slow and make gentle movements. I go at the kitty pace. I recommend using litter attractant when you travel or change your schedule routine as this is when a cat with anxious feelings may signal their stress. One of the ways they feel and communicate stress is through litter habits. If your cat has used this communication in the past, I highly recommend adding another litter box and covering bed/upholstery with a waterproof covering like waterproof blanket. You may choose to limit access to bedroom but this can also be a change of routine which might upset the kitty. If you choose this, you might want to practice short periods of closing off that room for a bit and distract them.