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

I’ve been cat sitting for over 40 years. I think the amount of time is less important than the quality and variety of time invested.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

I love learning about each cat’s personality. Watching how they watch me. Watching them try to too busy or preocuppied with something to look at me or walk over. I am and have been fascinated by cat psychology. I enjoy hearing the purr when it just fires up. I love watching the head reach for my hand to have my hand rub and pet its head with eyes half closed and as close to a smile as a cat can have. I love the frisky moods- tail twitching and the moments of batting at something imaginary on the ground with ears pulled back before darting off with tail up in the air. These are the moments I enjoy the most… to see from the same shy cat who would not even come out from under the bed the first day.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

Well the story of Boo is my favorites probably because it was when I first discovered I wanted to work with the shy ones. The ones who require more time and patience.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

I don’t have cats of my own right now, which is actually part of what led me to offer cat sitting. Cats have been part of my life for over 40 years, and I genuinely enjoy spending quiet time with them and learning their personalities. Angel and Princess and Gray and Willis and Rocky who was a Hemingway cat.

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

My advice is simple and based on what many of my clients say they were really looking for. Find someone you trust in your home. Find someone you’d feel comfortable leaving your house with overnight if needed. If you have shy indoor cats, choose a sitter who understands their pace and temperament. And make sure the sitter is extremely careful about doors so your cat never accidentally gets outside. That focus on door awareness is actually where my name DoorWiseCats comes from. At the end of the day, what people are really buying is peace of mind for both their cat and their home.

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

New clients start with a short conversation about your cat’s routine, personality, and any concerns you have as a cat parent. As a local cat sitter providing in-home cat care in the Ocoee area, I focus on routines that help shy cats and indoor cats feel safe. During each visit I move slowly, observe your cat’s signals, and let them set the pace. My goal is calm, predictable care that protects your cat’s routine and your peace of mind while you’re away.

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

Safety and security is essential. Indoor cats, especially shy cats, can become stressed when routines change, so safety guides every visit. As a calm, experienced cat sitter providing in-home cat care in Ocoee Neighborhood Sawmill and other neighborhoods in Ocoee near the West Orange Trail , I stay highly aware of doors, enter and exit carefully. I never rush a visit. I follow your cat’s routine. I observe behavior closely. With your permission, I send updates so you always know how things are going. Your indoor cats stay safe, calm, and exactly where they belong … at home.

Are you usually available during holidays?

Many returning clients reserve holiday care well in advance, so availability fills quickly. I keep my calendar updated to reflect current openings. If you see dates available, reserving early is best. If the calendar is full, feel free to reach out about waitlist or backup options.

What is your favorite cat toy?

My favorite cat toy is the toy your cat enjoys most. Each cat is different. It’s not about me. It’s about the cat. I will likely be able to tell you what your cats favorite toy is after a few visits.

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

Cats that are shy, timid, or anxious need something very different from typical pet care. They need calm, patient in-home cat care from someone who understands how sensitive indoor cats can be to unfamiliar people and changes in routine. As a cat sitter, I let the cat set the pace. Many shy cats prefer distance at first, simply observing from a safe place. I respect those signals and create a quiet, predictable environment where trust builds naturally. With 40+ years around cats and 20+ years teaching yoga, I bring a calm, regulated presence that animals respond to. I move slowly, speak softly, and give timid or anxious cats the space they need to feel safe while their cat parent is away.