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

I have been a cat owner and family proclaimed "cat whisperer" my entire life. I have been sitting for friends and taking care of my own medically complex cats for 10-20 years. I have been an active sitter on another platform since Jan 2024, 5-stars with 44 reviews. I have about 20 repeat pet parents on and off the other platform.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

Cat sitting is such an amazing find for me. I love spending time getting to know the querks and special personality traits of each fur baby I meet. My favorite part is seeing a cat relax and watch the stress fade even though their person is not there. Being accepted as the surrogate "person" by them is the biggest honor! I also love seeing their parents go from nervous and worry to peace and relief as they realize that this little furry peice of their heart is well cared for in they absence. I have loved cats my entire life, and dream about opening working with cats more... And cat sitting goes hand in hand with this dream.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

I really do love all the fur babies I've met asking the way! My favorite would have to be Noel & Maverick. I first saw them in 2024 and I loved them from that moment on. Noel had a lot going on medically - but his personality was so spunky, fun and awesome and he really loved people. He was such a trooper when I gave him Subq and all his various medicines and special diet needs. His sister Maverick is shut and timid and took a lot longer to warm up to me, but she still melts my heart when she greets me with her little meep.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

My sweet girls are named Lovie and Roxie. They are 3.5-year-old sisters that I adopted together when they were 4 months old. But I have had cats all my life. I have also had a very complex medical kitty, who crossed the rainbow bridge after 16 short but sweet years. He was my inspiration for becoming a professional cat sitter. I just know what a difference it makes to the fur babies and parents alike.

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

Do the meet & greet, ask questions, read their profile, and read reviews from past bookings. Most importantly, trust your gut! A good fit means a good fit for your family and situation. If you get a bad feeling, or a good one...trust it!

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

I like to meet & greet right away to spend time with the cat(s) and parents. I like to take my time and get to know all the quirks, concerns, favorites, and norms. I will ask for a written sheet, but will make my own if not. I will ask all the things, and encourage my pet parents to ask me everything too! I want to make sure we are all on the same page and comfortable with the plan for the visit. If the booking is far out, I sometimes come back again right before the booking, to remind the cat(s) that I'm mom/dad approved! :) I believe that more communication is better, and this especially goes for first-time bookings.

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

First, I treat entry/exit like I may have a mini escape artist waiting to come running out. I have had cats my entire life, and I know how fast they move. I will ALWAYS communicate if I notice someone has been in the home, or if something is amiss. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Most importantly, I keep an eye out for changes in any behaviors that may be signs of trouble with your baby. Things like changes to litter box use (no poop/pee, loose poop, going outside the box), not eating, excessive grooming, vomiting, hiding, etc. I'm in close contact and follow the parents' lead. Observation and communication are essential when it comes to the health of the kitties in my care.

Are you usually available during holidays?

I am almost always available for drop-ins on holidays. I am frequently available for overnights on holidays, but it varies. I keep my schedule updated.

What is your favorite cat toy?

The one the cat I'm playing with likes the best! Nothing is more fun than really seeing them motivated and engaged in a good round of play - and every cat has their own favorite.

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

I do several different things. Lots of communication with the parent to see what motivates the poor, shy kitty. I try to follow the kitty's lead. I just spend time near them, enticing them to come to me. Often that's with play, sometimes it's with treats, sometimes catnip....and sometimes just time to adjust is what's needed. I speak to them with a calm, happy voice. I try to make usual sounds in the house (tv, or music at a low volume). Sometimes owners will have me put on music or cat-tv while I'm away, which seems to ease their stress. I'll also use a calming spray on myself or in the area if there is no diffuser, and the parent is open to this. Patience and tenderness are the key to winning over stressed-out kitties.