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

Cats (and their people) have been my world for a long time. Most of my career has been spent pet sitting or working in veterinary medicine, and I've run a full-time pet sitting business for 20 years so you can say I'm very used to earning kitty trust.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

Getting to meet all the different cat personalities from the social butterflies to the please admire me from across the room types. I love the couch cuddles, the purr sessions, and figuring out what makes your kitty feel safe and happy while you're away.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

One of my all-time favorites was a very serious little guy who was convinced no one belonged in his house except his parents. He'd follow me from room to room while I did my chores staring, stalking, and occasionally offering a dramatic growl for emphasis. But with time (and lots of respecting his boundaries), we became friends. We eventually got to the point where we could peacefully hang out in the same room during visits. I cared for him for many years, and I still have fond memories of that job.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

We've been lucky enough to share our home with a whole crew over the years! Some past and present names include Bootsie, Roo, Wombat, Barney, Bubba, Bittermen, Brucie, and Lotie and several of our kitties have made it to their late teens and early twenties, which always feels like such a gift.

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

My #1 tip: make sure your sitter is insured. After that, ask how they protect your personal information especially things like keys, alarm codes, and door codes. Trust and security matter just as much as scooping and snuggles.

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

It starts with a meet-and-greet where we go over everything that helps your cat (and your home) feel cared for while you're away. We'll cover contact info, vet info, diet and medications, health notes, favorite hiding spots, favorite toys, and litter box habits. I also like to have two ways to access your home so an extra physical key is really helpful in case of a power outage or any issue with a door code.

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

Safety is always my top priority and a lot of it comes down to the little details. Entering and exiting is a big moment in any visit, so I use careful door habits to prevent escapes. I'll make sure exterior doors and windows are secure, check that your cat isn't accidentally closed into an interior room, and keep an eye on food and water intake and litter box use. If your cat has medication, I double-check doses and make sure they're actually getting it (especially if it's mixed into food). I also help your home look lived-in with things like lights, blinds, mail, and trash and I'll confirm alarms are set and cameras are functioning. In case anything unexpected happens, I know where the breaker box and water shutoff are. Before you go, we'll make sure we are both on the same page about expectations.

Are you usually available during holidays?

Yes I do holiday visits. Holiday spots can fill up quickly, so if you know you'll need care, just reach out as early as you can and I'll get you on the schedule.

What is your favorite cat toy?

I'm a big fan of the classics: little catnip mice (and all their cousins fish, pickles, bananas), plus feather wands and Cat Dancers. If it skitters, flutters, or can be proudly carried around the house at 2 a.m., I'm in.

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

With the shy ones, I keep it calm and low-pressure. I'll come in, say a gentle hello, and get a quick visual to make sure they're okay then I'll settle into a main room and let them decide if (and when) they want to say hi. Some cats want attention right away; others just want a quiet, predictable human nearby. Both are totally okay.