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

Before working at the cat cafe, I would often house-sit for a developing, local farm in Fuquay Varina. Here, I would take care of both domestic and feral TNVR-program cats. Then, after meeting a plethora of other cat-guardians in cat rescue, I began to assist other pawrents with their sitting needs, too! It was then when I discovered a newfound love for stepping-in and assisting my community, with the added benefit of (re-)meeting a kitty friend each time!

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

My favorite part about sitting is getting to meet or revisit kitty friends! Every cat is unique, making every moment with a kitty special. It's incredibly fulfilling to find new likes and dislikes for each kitty, with each discovery feeling like a revelation that can be used to further strengthen our bond.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

Yes! I have one kitty in my care right now named Rhoda. She is a floofy medium hair brown and orange tabby (torbie) with a missing section of her upper lip and lower nasal tissue due to a previously severe condition called Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex, or "rodent ulcers," which caused degradation of the area. Despite her hardships, she radiates happiness, courage, and silliness. She is both my inspiration and my best friend!

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

The more time you can allocate for your kitty, the better! Longer sessions are preferable, as they allow ample time for both tidying up and kitty play/snuggle time. This is especially true for multiple-cat households, where certain cats may need different forms of enrichment due to their preferences. Additionally, if your cat requires any medications, longer sessions allow for me to wait until your kitty is most calm and willing before administering. I also recommend that pawrents restrict their cat's access to inaccessible or hard-to-reach locations. This includes under couches, behind heavy structures, or other nooks and crannies that a kitty may tuck themselves into. Cats may act unpredictably when their routine is changed in any way, including when their favorite humans leave! ‼️Ensuring that your sitter can reach your cat at all times is critical to a successful visit and the safety and well-being of your kitty in all situations‼️

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

During complementary meet-and-greets, cat parents and I will work as a team to assess if your kitty crew and I make a happy pair! After greeting the cat parents and reviewing their conditions and expectations, I like to meet the cat(s) to get an understanding of their personality and temperament. If the cat has special conditions, I like to review and demonstrate my treatment method with the cat parents so that you can ensure your kitty is in the best hands possible, despite your kitty's challenges.

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

I ensure that all barriers setup by the parents for the safety of their kitty and/or property are securely fastened during the visit at all times. I will also store away or remove high-risk objects and toys from your kitty's environment, especially when no longer being used with supervision. This includes, but is not limited to: elastic bands (including hair ties), plastic grocery bags, toys with small, loosely attached pieces, strings, and Q-tips.

What is your favorite cat toy?

My favorite cat toy is PURRfect Cat Toys' "Go-Fur-It" wand toy. This toy features a bird-like body at the end of an elastic coil. This coil is attached to a long, bending pole, adding further elastic force to enhance the ease-of-motion for the user. This unique combination easily gets cats immersed into a hunting routine that is necessary for mental health and overall satisfaction.

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

Each cat is different, requiring a unique approach each time with a constant necessity to adapt based on what the cat is communicating with its body language. However, my general procedure is to first, begin with reducing any threatening body language. To achieve this, I minimize my body size via crouching down, sitting criss-cross, or with legs tucked to appear smaller, and speaking in a softer, slower voice. Next, I will begin with a treat to test food motivation. If a cat is willing to accept treats directly, I administer them directly to the cat while slowly working in physical touch. If a cat rejects the treats or regresses during this process, I will typically leave the treat and back off to give the cat space, while still rewarding the kitty for their bravery. I’ll repeat this process each visit until the kitty begins to feel comfortable and confident!