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

I’ve lived with and cared for cats since I was three years old, which gives me over 30 years of experience understanding their personalities, boundaries, and body language. Caring for cats has always been a natural part of my life, whether it’s my own cats, my sister’s cats, friends’ cats, or pet sitting for clients. I’ve also cared for cats through Rover (even though the platform is often dog-focused), and many of my cat sitting clients come to me directly through word of mouth. Spending time with a wide range of cats over the years has made me very comfortable with different temperaments and routines. One thing I hear often from owners is that their cat “never comes out for strangers.” Those are usually the cats that end up greeting me at the door or asking for belly rubs by the next visit.

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

One of the best things you can do is watch how your cat responds to the person. Cats are excellent judges of character, and they usually let you know pretty quickly if someone’s energy feels comfortable to them. If your cat is shy, that’s completely normal. In that case, I’d pay attention to how the sitter adapts their body language and approach. Someone who understands cats will move calmly, respect their space, and allow the cat to set the pace for interaction. It’s also important to find someone who asks thoughtful questions about your cat’s routine. Even though cats are independent, they really thrive on consistency. A good sitter focuses on keeping their environment and schedule as normal as possible.

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

With timid or anxious cats, the most important thing is making sure they feel safe in their own home. I always ask where their preferred hiding spots or safe spaces are, and I make sure to respect those areas so they know they have somewhere they can retreat to without being disturbed. From there, it’s really about patience. I move calmly, give them space, and let them observe me at their own pace. Just because a cat is shy doesn’t mean they don’t want attention. Often they simply need a little extra time to feel comfortable. By respecting their boundaries and letting them approach when they’re ready, most timid cats begin to relax and show their personality much sooner than expected.