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

I have been cat sitting since I was a teenager, but have continued even as a professional, usually for folks in my circle who go out of town. I have cared for single cats, but mostly multiple cats, from 2-6 of them at a time, from older shy cats all the way to rambunctious little kittens. I understand that cats have their own routines, personalities, and moods, and work to adapt to their needs and have them feel safe and calm while under my care.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

I love meeting new cats and taking in all their different personalities, and also knowing that kitties get to stay in their home instead of being boarded. The best part is when a shy cat realizes I'm a safe person and approaches me. Earning the trust of an anxious or timid cat is the ultimate compliment. I put in effort to keep things calm and predictable and never force interaction, letting the cat set the pace.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

I had a house with multiple cats - old cats, middle aged cats, disabled kitty, and a very rambunctious kitten. It was so much fun seeing all the different personalities, from shy hider, social butterfly, the talky cat and the sweet senior kitty who needed extra TLC. The kitten jumped on my back as I was cleaning the litter boxes and it just cracked me up. She was just this fun little firecracker zooming around - so much energy! It was good seeing the kitties come by for pets and scritches, even the shy ones.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

I have two cats currently, a 10-year-old shelter-born rescue who is the calmest sweetheart and a 5-ish year old extremely soft and fluffy orange rescue cat who is our sweet little chaos goblin. We are normally a one-cat household but the cat distribution system had other plans - our orange kitty was in a dire situation and we could not turn him away.

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

I would say look for someone experienced and calm, it's already stressful for some cats to have someone new in their space. I aim to be as consistent and calm as possible and let the cats come to me, there is no forcing a kitty to like you - they do it on their own terms. Also consider someone who's worked with all ages and types of cats.

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

I meet ahead of time and find exactly how you care for your cats with detailed notes. I've found every single cat owner has their own routines and ways they care for their cats, learning as much about them helps me get as close to what you do as possible for your cat's maximum security and comfort level.

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

Very careful entry to make sure no one bolts out of the house. I check to make sure they are drinking water and eating their usual amounts and make contact with the cats, they usually say hello when I arrive but if shy, they sometimes warm up over several days. Take a look at the contents of the litter box, check for any fluids or hairballs and look to make sure no one looks sick. If they are social butterflies and approach me, I also talk to the cats and ask how their day was. Some cats meow back and I love those little back-and-forth kitty convos. If they are playful zoomers we definitely get in some play time. I check in on my sweet older kitties and make sure they are comfortable. Very careful exit to make sure no one bolts.

Are you usually available during holidays?

Yes, I live here and don't have family out of town, so I do not usually travel out of town for holidays and am usually called to care for kitties most often around the holidays.

What is your favorite cat toy?

We have a little plush fish on a wand that our cats go crazy for. It has shiny scales. When we stopped finding it locally we had to go online to get a replacement.

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

I have a soft spot for timid, anxious kitties. I am really big on not forcing interaction and letting cats come to me. I usually arrive and talk softly to let them know I'm there and they learn quickly that I am not going to chase them down. I get busy washing food bowls, cleaning the litter, and getting fresh water and talk to them in a soft voice, but if they are particularly shy or anxious, I am more quiet so they don't get spooked. I get feedback from their kitty mom/dad beforehand so I can do what the cat prefers. I think patience and understanding that cats approach you on their terms is key. When they are ready, they will come.