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

I grew up with my best friend Minka. She comforted me and cared for me. I love her so much. I’ve had cats since. I’m never without a cat. So I certainly invite all the kitties to pet. Watched friends cats for vacations. One being disabled requiring medication and ointments. Professionally I’ve been cat sitting since 2021. Cats are my life.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

I absolutely love when a shy timid cat warms up to me quickly and next thing you know they’re in my lap purring. Makes me feel special.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

My absolute favorite reservation has been watching a sweet client-kitty named Spud (my favorite little potato!) and his sister grow up over the last year. We formed an unbreakable bond incredibly fast. I can’t show the love we have for each other via text. But he looks at me with pure love in his eyes. I am excited to watch them any chance I’m asked. No matter what. Every time I walk through the door, he gets so genuinely excited to see me … he starts rolling around on the floor, chirping, and demanding cuddles. Seeing a cat completely light up and trust you like family is the most rewarding feeling in the world. I mean. He’s also my family. I just don’t have custody. lol. Kidding but love that booger soooooooo much. We just chill lap cuddles and time flies.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

Yes! I am a proud parent to 5 incredible felines who are my absolute world, and every single one of them came from a stray life. My amazing boy Otis originally showed up on my back porch and eventually climbed up my window begging for cuddles; he now rules the household despite having no teeth! Dexter was found hiding under a truck, and today he is my ultimate cuddle bug; the second he sees me roll over in bed, he immediately runs to be my "little spoon." I also have my precious baby girl, Sookie; whom I rescued from death's door. I bottle-fed her, helped her go potty, and successfully nursed her back to perfect health. I am so incredibly proud of her resilience, and they all bring so much joy to my life!

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

I typically like to meet and greet. Learn habits. Routines. Etc. get use to entering the home. It prepares me and I love meeting new kitties.

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

Knowing cats, I always make triple sure they won’t escape. Never had it happen yet. Never will. I’ll make sure they aren’t sick or hurt. They always have max filled fresh water. And always a clean litter box.

What is your favorite cat toy?

Honestly; I’ll go according to my cat, my best friend’s cat as well as so many people I’ve suggested this to. Catnip Banana. It’s amazing.

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

I approach timid or anxious cats with complete patience and strict respect for their personal boundaries. I understand that a cat's belly or space can be a "danger zone" if forced, so I never push myself onto them. I sit quietly, speak in a calm voice, and let them come to me when they feel invited. Because I am highly attuned to their subtle body language, shy cats quickly realize I am safe, and I often find them happily curled up in my lap before the visit is even over! Helps that I’m quite in general. DON’T startle them. They will come to you when they feel safe. That’s okay. Just marinate. Be inviting. Calm. I talk to them liken humans so that helps. Say kind things. Soft spoken. And bam. In my lap. It doesn’t take much time.