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

I've been cat sitting for 2 years, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I started on Rover, where I've completed dozens of bookings and earned over 87 five-star reviews along the way. Over the years I've cared for all kinds of cats — playful kittens, shy rescues, senior cats with health needs, and everything in between. I've become comfortable administering daily medications, managing multi-cat households, and handling unexpected situations like a malfunctioning water fountain or a last-minute schedule change. Every booking has taught me something new about feline behavior, and I genuinely love getting better at what I do with each cat I meet.

What is your favorite cat toy?

Honestly? A simple piece of rope! It's not even technically a cat toy, but cats absolutely love it — and that's exactly what makes it so charming. There's something so pure about watching a cat go wild over the simplest thing. I'll drag it slowly across the floor, flick it around a corner, or dangle it just out of reach, and even the most reserved cats can't help themselves. Of course, I always supervise playtime closely when using a rope — some cats love to chew and could accidentally swallow pieces, so I make sure it's only ever used as an interactive toy with me present, and I put it away safely after each play session. It's a great reminder that you don't need fancy gadgets to make a cat happy — just a little creativity, a willingness to play, and always keeping their safety in mind!

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

Patience is everything. When I meet a shy or anxious cat, I never force interaction — I let them set the pace completely. I'll sit quietly on the floor, avoid direct eye contact, and just exist in their space until their curiosity takes over. I've had cats who hid for the first visit but were rubbing against my legs by the second. I also make sure to keep their environment as calm and consistent as possible — sticking to their usual routines, not moving their things around, and keeping noise to a minimum. I always communicate with the pet parent beforehand to understand their cat's specific triggers and safe spots, so I'm never going in blind. Over the years some of my most rewarding experiences have been earning the trust of a cat who was initially terrified of strangers.