What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

To me, cat sitting is a bonus extension of what I already do each day, caring for our own kitty, Bel Bel. The things I love the most about having a cat companion-- and would be the same for cat sitting-- are the time spent caring for them. Seeing the kitty come to me when I arrive, trying to make them happy and to purr as much as possible-- with favorite petting, head scratching, and reassuring "slow blinks". When she jumps up on my lap on the couch, or plays "catch" with her favorite jingly ball toy, where she just races after it, and I'm the one getting most of the exercise!

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

We adopted our sweet kitty Annabelle in 2019, but around here she goes by “Bel Bel” – plus about a dozen other goofy nicknames like “Belbalicious,” “Belbalonia,” and “Purrflurr” (we’re definitely that kind of household). She’s our one and only fur baby right now, and she knows she is the Queen of the castle here. Over the years, I’ve had the joy of caring for other kitties with names like Miss Dee, Miss Match, Son, Lucky, Brownie, and Angus. OK, maybe not the most creative names – but they all made perfect sense in the moment and definitely matched their personalities.

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

I’d love to meet you and your kitty a few days before you go away—no charge for this first visit. It gives us a chance to talk through your needs and for me to meet your kitty. If you decide to move forward, you can show me where the litter box, food, toys, and supplies are, as well as your cat’s feeding routine and favorite spots. We’ll also go over vet and emergency info, how to access your home (keys, gate codes, etc.), and any extras like bringing in mail or taking out the trash. I do prefer to have written notes from you—something I can keep on hand and also see while I’m at your home—so nothing ever gets missed.

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

When I arrive, I’ll lock the door right behind me—and do the same when I leave. I’ll only go into the areas we’ve agreed on, unless you message me through the Meowtel app to direct me otherwise. I’ll make sure all kitties are accounted for and that everything I’ve accessed is secure. If your kitty has a habit of trying to get out the door, please let me know in advance so I can be extra careful when coming and going.

What is your favorite cat toy?

Our kitty Bel Bel has an overflowing toy box, but her go-to favorites are the classic jingling plastic balls and the crinkly foil ones that she bats around the house like a pro soccer player. But one of my all-time favorite toys is incredibly simple– a thin coiled wire with a little piece of rolled cardboard on the end. You’d twist it between your fingers, and it bounces and zips unpredictably through the air. Every cat I’ve introduced it to has gone wild for it. Proof that the best toys don’t have to be fancy, they just have to be fun!

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

With timid kitties, I let them take the lead. This is their home, and I want them to feel safe. If they seem curious, I’ll sit on the floor at a distance and offer slow blinks or gentle gestures—it’s always amazing when they blink back. For anxious cats, I keep my distance but still talk to them until they’re more comfortable. Over the years, I’ve gotten good at reading kitty behavior, so I know when to approach and when to give them space.