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

I’ve been caring for cats for many years, both through pet sitting and extensive fostering work with rescue organizations through fostering. I’ve cared for everything from bottle-fed kittens to energetic adolescents to senior cats, medical cases, and shy former strays learning to trust people again. That experience has taught me that cats are wonderfully individual creatures: some meet me at the door like old friends while others prefer to conduct all interactions from beneath the bed until you’ve proven yourself worthy. I’ve learned to read feline body language, recognize subtle changes and behavior and adapt my approach to each cats personality. As a sitter, I provide attentive, in-home care, that prioritizes routine, comfort, and respect for your cats preferences: whether your cat wants an energetic play session, gentle companionship, medication administration, or just a reliable human to keep things running smoothly while you’re away, I meet them where they are.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

I love earning a cat's trust—especially the cats who initially decide they'd rather pretend I don't exist. There's something incredibly rewarding about watching a timid cat slowly become curious enough to peek around the corner, accept a treat, or eventually decide that maybe I'm not so bad after all. By the end of a reservation, the cat who spent the first visit hiding under the bed may be supervising litter scooping, demanding wand-toy sessions, or flopping over for belly-adjacent admiration. I also genuinely enjoy the variety. Every cat has their own routines, quirks, and strong opinions. Some are tiny comedians. Some are dignified librarians. Some are convinced they are mountain lions trapped in suburban split-level homes. Being able to provide stability and comfort while their families travel—and giving cat parents peace of mind through thoughtful updates and photos—is one of my favorite parts of the job.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

One of my favorite reservations involved a very shy cat, whose owner warned me than I would probably never see her. She explained that her cat hid from everyone and then I shouldn’t take it personally. On the first visit, I saw two cautious eyes peering out from beneath the bed. I talk softly while I refreshed food and water, scooped litter, and sat quietly in the room for a few minutes before leaving. By the third visit, she ventured into the doorway. By the fifth, she accepted treats. By the end of the reservation, she had decided that sitting next to me while I read her report card into my phone was accept acceptable behavior for a cat of her stature. Her owner was thrilled by the photos I sent. It wasn’t dramatic or flashy, but it perfectly captured why I love cat sitting.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

I do! Ginger Grant is our senior orange rescue, and she dislikes everyone and everything except 1) me and 2) chicken. ☺️ Tama is 3, our first foster fail, and this deeply beloved gray/white shorthair weirdo has his own beloved weirdo foster fail: 2-year-old Siamese, Ronan.

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

Look for someone who genuinely likes cats for who they are—not someone who simply tolerates them because they're easier than dogs. Ask questions about how a sitter handles shy cats, medication routines, emergencies, and behavioral changes. Find out whether they'll adapt to your cat's personality or expect every cat to interact the same way. A good sitter should ask plenty of questions during the meet-and-greet. They should want to know your cat's routines, favorite hiding spots, eating habits, quirks, fears, and what "normal" looks like for them. I also encourage cat parents to trust their instincts. You're inviting someone into both your home and your cat's daily life. Choose someone who makes you feel comfortable, communicates clearly, and treats your cat as an individual rather than a checklist item. And always leave more food, litter, and medication than you think anyone could possibly need. Cats have an uncanny ability to create surprises.

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

I start with a meet-and-greet in your home so I can meet you and your cat in their own environment. We review routines, feeding instructions, litter preferences, favorite toys, medications, emergency contacts, and any special considerations that will help me provide the best possible care. I also like to learn about your cat's personality. Are they social? Reserved? Food-motivated? Secretly running the household? Knowing those details helps me tailor each visit. Once everything is set, I confirm the reservation and make sure I have all necessary access information and emergency contacts before your trip begins. During your time away, I provide updates with photos and notes about how your cat is doing. I monitor appetite, litter box habits, behavior, and overall well-being, and I communicate promptly if I notice anything unusual. My goal is simple: to maintain your cat's routine so seamlessly that your return home feels calm and familiar for everyone involved.

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

Safety and security are my top priorities. Before each reservation, I conduct a meet-and-greet to review your cat's routine, medications, veterinary information, emergency contacts, and home access instructions. I also learn your cat's unique personality and favorite hiding spots—because some cats prefer to supervise from a distance. During every visit, I make sure your cat is safe and well by monitoring appetite, water intake, litter box habits, behavior, and overall well-being. Years of fostering rescue cats have taught me that subtle changes can sometimes signal that something needs attention. I also take your home's security seriously. I follow alarm instructions, ensure doors and windows are secure, and keep all keys/codes/client information strictly confidential. If an emergency arises, I'll follow the plan we've established together and communicate promptly. My goal is simple: to provide thoughtful, attentive care so you can travel with confidence, knowing your cat and home are in capable hands.

Are you usually available during holidays?

Yes! Holidays are one of the busiest times for pet sitters, and I do my best to accommodate holiday travel whenever possible. Many families travel during Thanksgiving, winter holidays, spring break, and summer vacations, and cats still prefer the comfort of home while their people are away. Because holiday reservations fill quickly, I encourage clients to book as early as they can, especially if they know their travel dates well in advance. I understand how stressful it can be to coordinate holiday plans while ensuring your cat receives consistent, attentive care. My goal is to provide reliable service so you can enjoy your travels knowing someone familiar and cat-focused is looking after things back home.

What is your favorite cat toy?

Easy: a classic wand toy. There's something delightful about discovering each cat's preferred hunting style. Some launch themselves into the air with Olympic enthusiasm. Others stalk like seasoned predators before a perfectly timed pounce. A few prefer to supervise from a comfortable distance while silently judging my technique. Wand toys provide fantastic mental and physical enrichment while allowing cats to engage in natural hunting behaviors. They're also a great way for me to build trust and interaction on a cat's terms. That said, I've learned never to underestimate the appeal of a crumpled receipt, a cardboard box, or the packaging the expensive toy arrived in. Cats keep us humble.

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

Slowly, patiently, and without taking it personally. Timid cats don't need someone to convince them to be outgoing, they need someone who respects their boundaries and allows them to feel safe. I never force interaction or attempt to pull a cat out of a hiding spot. Instead, I focus on maintaining their routine, speaking softly, moving predictably, and creating positive associations through treats, play, or simply sharing quiet space. My years of fostering rescue cats have taught me that trust is built through consistency. Sometimes that means a shy cat warms up quickly. Sometimes success looks like confirming they're eating well, using the litter box normally, and observing them from across the room. Both outcomes are perfectly okay. My priority is always your cat's well-being.