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

I’ve been cat sitting for as long as I’ve been pet sitting (since 2022). I’ve pretty much seen it all with cat personalities, and I’m perfectly comfortable scooping boxes, accommodating specific feeding needs, playing with them, petting them, etc. I’m good about making sure escape artists remain secure as well, as I have an escape artist of my own whose attempts I’m used to thwarting!

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

I enjoy how chill cat sitting is. Even the most playful cat is usually still pretty chill to entertain! Interacting with cats is super intuitive for me, so I find it very easy to care for them. I think every cat is adorable, as well, which helps. I have this visceral desire to befriend all of them. 😂

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

My favorite cat sitting reservation of all time was with a sweetie named Amber. She was a very shy girl, I don’t think I saw her more than once the first time I stayed with her. Over time, though, she grew to recognize me, and eventually she would come out of hiding to look at me. Then one day she approached and rubbed against my leg, and let me pet her. Extremely rewarding after many sits exercising a lot of patience! Amber was the hardest to bid adieu to when I moved cities for a couple of years. Now that I’m back, I hope I’ll have the opportunity to suit with her again!

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

I have two indoor kitties, Whiskey the tuxedo tabby and MooMoo the calico. Outside, there is a pair bonded wild duo, who I have been friends with for years, the smoky gray Nova and pitch black Little Kitty.

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

First and foremost: DO MEET & GREETS! They’re a very good way to gauge comfort levels for everyone. It’s important that your cat, you, and the sitter are comfortable. Be sure you’re honest. Don’t hide potential difficulties with your cat. Observe how patient they are. If they seem disappointed If your cat ignores them or particularly determined to get your cat to acknowledge them during a meet and greet, they may not be a good fit. How they enter and exit your home during the meet and greet is also a clue. Do they seem aware of how wide the door is opened? Do they look down to their feet to check for escapees? If they don’t seem to have any door awareness, I might choose someone else, unless your cat is not an escape artist.

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

To start with, I will not sit any un-spayed or un-neutered cat, as females in heat are serious flight risks and intact males tend to spray. Beyond that, the safety and security methods are as varied as the cats and the owners themselves. In all things, I defer to the owners to show me how they prevent their cats dashing outside, whether multiple cats in the household need to be fed in a particular manner to prevent squabbles, whether their kittens or elderly cats need specific care to ensure nobody is stuck anywhere or harmed, and so on.

Are you usually available during holidays?

I’m available to sit through most holidays, but not Thanksgiving, Halloween, or Christmas, as those are the big ones in my family.

What is your favorite cat toy?

My favorite cat toy is a standard string on a stick type toy. I’ve rarely met a cat who can resist a dangling, wiggling string, especially if there’s a toy or feather on the end of it. 😂

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

I meet them where they are. There is no need to pressure, I will not attempt to make any nervous or uncomfortable interact with me. I am not offended when I am ignored, I simply ensure that they have everything they need according to the owner and go about my business. If/when they show interest, I sit on the floor and offer a hand low to the ground for them to investigate. If allowed, I will give treats to encourage them to approach, but again, it is never forced. If I can get them close enough I’ll test a scritch along the side of the face to test, and that usually signals a level of friendliness, from there, it’s usually a quick slide to full fledged friendship! However, if they never warm up, that is okay! Repsect and patience are truly the key.