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

I started caring for cats when I was a young girl, and turned it into a business about 20 years ago. While I do have a short list of regular clients through my job, I am excited to meet more kitties.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

I love meeting new cats and getting to know their unique personalities. One of my favorite parts is meeting a shy or aloof cat and becoming their friend. There is no greater rewarding feeling.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

I have an ongoing kitty that I watch named Mojo. His owners were originally worried that Mojo may be aggressive towards me as he is a bit spicy. Before long, Mojo and I were fast friends. He greets me at the door at 6pm sharp during each visit with a series of meows and his favorite activity is curling in my lap while we watch a show or read a book. I even taught him how to sit and catch treats.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

I am owned by my seven cats. Their names are (Tom Cat) Sawyer, (Hucklefurry) Finn, Silas, Furby, Beanie Baby, Sid, and Diego. I adopted Sawyer first and after that, the Tom Sawyer names turned into a theme.

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

Trust your instinct! If you get a bad vibe about somebody, don’t trust your precious babies with them. Even if they are perfectly nice people, sometimes you just don’t vibe with everybody.

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

I like to schedule meet and greets to introduce myself to the cat parent and also to the cat. This will allow me to get a feel for the home, the routine, ask and answer questions. After that, constant communication is the key!

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

I am a little purranoid when it comes to my own kitties, much less anybody else’s so I always double, triple check that everybody is present and accounted for, that nobody is locked up anywhere, that all of the windows and doors are securely closed and locked before I leave, and nothing is left behind that they could swallow.

Are you usually available during holidays?

I’m usually always available. I don’t usually take a three week vacation during the months of June and July when my exchange daughter flies in from Slovakia but I try to always provide plenty of notice to my extended family!

What is your favorite cat toy?

Anything that moves! My cats absolutely love the little roller ball that drives around the house with a feather on the top. I also have a cat toy with a feather that pops out of little divets and other that waves in a circle at the top. Definitely top hits in my house!

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

Patience, patience, patience. I do not chase them around or force them out of hiding, but I will track down their favorite hiding place and speak to them softly to let them know that I’m a friend. Sometimes, sitting quietly and reading a book works too. Usually their curiosity will get the best of them and they will learn I’m not a threat.