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

I have cat sit for friends, family, and co-workers on and off for about 20 years. I love getting to meet new cats and learning all about them. Cat personalities can definitely vary, and can be challenging to learn their quirks. - but, also very rewarding when the sweet kitty gives you a slow blink💜

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

Meeting new cats of course! Cats can have widely varying personalities. It can be challenging to learn all the kitties quirks…. But so very rewarding when a kitty finally gives you a slow blink💜. I feel so accomplished and honored when I gain the trust of a super shy kitty, and the kitty allows me just a simple scratch or pet💜

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

My current favorite cat sitting reservation was a giant ginger kitty who is part main coon! He weighs about 25lbs, and all he wanted to do was snuggle on my lap while rubbing his head all over! As soon as I would sit down to write my notes in the app and send a message to the client, this fluffy giant ginger would immediately demand my attention by jumping on my lap! I got a great arm work out as I had to hold my phone above my head to type notes to the client! This is one lovable and huggable giant ginger! I’m excited for an upcoming opportunity to be his cat sitter again! 😻😻😻🐈

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

I have one cat named Lucy. She came into my life 2 weeks after my 21 year old cat Holly died in 2023. I kept seeing a cat, covered in weeping sores run across my yard. I trapped her, took her to the humane society for treatment. The vet wasn’t sure if her fur would grow back from the massive weeping sores……but after months of care , her fur came back! Lucy is a TNR (trap, neuter, release) cat indicating she has, at sometime, been caught, spay, and given rabies shot. For the past year I’ve been working to domesticate Lucy. She has definitely taught me lot! I thought domesticating a feral cat would be quick and easy…..Lucy reminds me everyday, this is not true…. Especially in her case! But it’s so worth all the effort when she gives me a sweet nuzzle and wants pets & scratches💜

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

Find a person who: Loves spending quality snuggle time and playtime with a cat. They enjoy getting to know a cat and gaining that cats trust. Earning a slow blink is everything💜 The sitter finds it a joy and an honor, to do all the things necessary to care for any cat by providing a safe, clean, comfortable environment. The sitter understands that making the client feel comfortable and confident about the cat care that will be provided is also very important💜

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

For a brand new cat parent: Cats need more attention than you think! -Play with them as much as possible. -Give them lots of snuggles, cuddles, & boops! -If you walk by your sleeping cat, reach out slowly and give them a gentle scratch. -Change up the kitties treats and daily food to find out what the kitty prefers. -one litter box per cat in different locations. Cats will be happier and have less “accidents”. -Yearly vet visits including bloodwork, are a must for your cats health. Cats rarely show that they are not well till it’s almost too late. -Give your cats different types of toys to choose from, this helps with stimulation of natural instincts and excercise! -Love your cat unconditionally!

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

I like to have a list that includes: regular vet and emergency vet phone number, -pet allergies, -emergency contact for the cat, -preferred foods, foods to stay away from, -if a cat needs medicine….list of meds and how and when to give the med. -Is the cat shy? -Where are their favorite hiding spots. -What are their favorite toys? -Neighbors-should be told I will be coming to house to check on cat(s). -Where are garbage bags, cat safe cleaning products, paper towels, kitty bowls, extra food/treats, vacuum, mop, etc. -Ensure cat parent I will be sending daily pics and updates through the Meowtel app so the cat parent can feel confident with my care💜

Are you usually available during holidays?

I am available during holidays.

What is your favorite cat toy?

My cats love cat nip filled soft toys, chasing a ball on a track, feathers on a stick, and chasing plastic balls that have a bell inside!

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

For shy kitties, I keep a distance from the cat when I first enter the home. I walk and talk slowly and calmly. I sit in one place with a treat at the ready in case the shy kitty curiously approachs. I have a soft toned conversation with the cat. Give the cat the opportunity to approach me first. Let the kitty sniff me, but don’t pet the cat yet. Let the cat build trust with me gradually. Practicing patience is the key! It may take some time, but the trusting slow blink is worth it!