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

I’ve been caring for cats for over 30 years and have been professionally cat sitting since 2007. I’ve cared for cats of all personalities. From shy cats who need patience, to senior cats, independent cats, multi-cat households, and cats with medical needs. I believe every cat is an individual, and I respect their boundaries while they get comfortable with me. Some cats need time and trust before they’re ready for attention, and earning that trust is one of my favorite parts of cat sitting. The cuddle bugs and playful personalities get plenty of love too! I have experience with medications, injections, diabetic cats, kidney disease care, and senior cats needing extra support. My goal is always to keep your cat feeling safe, comfortable, and loved while you’re away. 🐾

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

I love cat sitting because cats are fascinating, independent, and full of personality. Cats are way more social and crave companionship than most people realize. There’s nothing more special than when a cat chooses to trust you or accepts your presence. I enjoy observing their unique quirks, earning their trust, and providing comfort and companionship while their humans are away.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

One of my favorite reservations was with Tika, a beautiful little calico diva who I cared for through drop-in visits. During my first time caring for her, she spent the first few days deciding if I was worthy of her attention (as cats do!). Slowly, she started testing the waters. first with a cautious paw on my lap, then eventually deciding I was a safe place to relax. By the end of the reservation, she had officially chosen me as her second human and now greets me with cuddles and proudly claims my chest as her favorite spot whenever I visit her. I love watching cats open up at their own pace. Whether they’re shy, independent, or a total cuddle bug, earning their trust is always the best part of cat sitting. 🐾

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

I have two rescued cats with very different personalities. Shadow, my aloof Siamese, sneaks cuddles when she thinks I’m asleep, while Tarot, the newest edition to our family, is a playful, curious black cat who keeps life lively and full of surprises, he's also a total mommas boy.

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

My biggest advice is to choose a cat sitter who truly understands that every cat is an individual and that consent matters. Even with the most social cats. A meet and greet is essential because it gives you and your cat a chance to see if it feels like the right fit. When I choose someone to care for my own cats, I pay close attention to my shyest cat’s reaction. Cats are incredible judges of comfort and trust, and sometimes the quiet ones tell you the most. The best sitter is someone who doesn’t just provide the basics, but takes the time to build a relationship, respect your cat’s personality, communicate with you, and care for your cat like they’re their own. 🐾

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

My process starts with making sure we’re the right fit! I review your cat’s profile, confirm availability, and request a meet & greet so we can go over routines, personalities, quirks, and any special care needs. During meet & greets, I let cats set the pace. I never force interaction. I offer them the chance to approach, sniff, and decide if they’re comfortable with me. For shy cats, I’m happy to respect their hiding spots and learn their normal behavior so I know what’s “them” versus something unusual. I love having a detailed care list to reference and I provide updates with photos/videos, arrival and departure messages, and whatever communication schedule helps you feel secure. My goal is for you to feel confident that your cat is safe, loved, and cared for like my own. 🐾

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

Safety is always my top priority. I carefully monitor food, water, litter box habits, and behavior changes, and I contact owners immediately if something seems unusual. In an emergency, my focus is getting the cat the care they need as quickly as possible while keeping owners informed every step of the way. I'm also very mindful of escape prevention. I open doors carefully, prefer secure entry methods whenever possible, and always stay aware of where cats are before entering or leaving the home. For shy cats who may not appear during visits, I monitor signs of activity and work with owners to determine the best approach, since they know their cat best. I treat every cat as if they were my own and every home with respect and integrity, leaving things exactly as I found them. Or a little better. 🐾

Are you usually available during holidays?

Yes, I'm generally available during most holidays and understand that travel plans don't always happen on a regular schedule. Since I'm local and don't typically travel for holidays myself, I'm often able to help when cat parents need care. For major family holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, I prefer to limit overnight bookings so I can spend some time with my own family and cats. However, I'm usually still available for drop-in visits during those holidays. My goal is to provide reliable care when you need it most, including weekends and many holidays. If you're planning holiday travel, reaching out early is always helpful, but I'm happy to discuss last-minute requests whenever my schedule allows. Most importantly, your cat's routine, comfort, and care remain my priority no matter what day is on the calendar. 🐾

What is your favorite cat toy?

My favorite cat toys are definitely wand toys and springs! The “dancing cat” style wand is a favorite because it lets cats tap into their natural hunting instincts while giving us a chance to bond and play together. That said, the best toy is always the one that that specific cat loves. My own cats prove that. Tarot loves his spring tubes and will even play fetch, while Shadow is a big fan of string toys. Some cats love interactive play, while others prefer independent toys (or, let’s be honest, a random household object they decided is better than the expensive toy you bought 😂). I love learning each cat’s personality and figuring out what makes them excited, playful, and comfortable. 🐾

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

For shy or anxious cats, I quietly settle in a comfortable spot within their view. If they’re a food-motivated cat, I may offer treats to help build trust, always letting them approach on their own terms.