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

I professionally cared for cats as the manager of a cat cafe for a little over five years! I am also a lifelong cat owner. I have done cat sitting for friends and referrals from friends for about four years.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

I love getting to meet new cats and form bonds with them! Each cat is unique so I enjoy getting to know them, their likes and dislikes, and knowing that I'm helping to care for them is really personally enriching.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

My favorite cat sitting reservation was caring for two kitties named Leon and Yuki. Yuki was somewhat standoffish around me at first but over time I won her over and now she purrs when she sees me! Leon is just a big goofy love bug. He does have asthma so I appreciated getting to learn a new skill by administering his inhaler.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

Yes! Their names are Jolene aka JoJo and Quentin. JoJo is a tortie point with the prettiest blue eyes and Quentin is a white and grey kitty with light tabby stripes in the grey. They are both rescues. 🫶

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

I would definitely give the advice to look for someone with patience since not every cat is social. I would also suggest looking for someone with high attention to detail because cats are very adept at hiding pain (and honestly hiding in general).

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

My typical process is to set up a meet and greet before the first care appointment to introduce myself to the cat, get to meet the owner face to face, and get familiar with their environment. I like to ask about the cat's preferences on food and toys as well as ask to be shown their preferred hiding spots. I also ask if there are any behavioral quirks to be aware of. Of course giving the cat plenty of pets is a must as long as they permit it!

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

I have an eyes-on policy that entails making sure I lay eyes on the cat even if they are a shy hider (which is why I like to be shown their favorite hiding spots). Having worked with cats professionally, I like to do full body pets and checks if the cat permits. At the very least, I like to visually scan the cat for anything amiss. I am very careful with entering and exiting doors to prevent potential escape.

Are you usually available during holidays?

I would say yes to most holidays! I do travel for Christmas sometimes, but if my calendar is open, I'm available!

What is your favorite cat toy?

I really like using cat dancers. It's literally just a piece of cardboard on wire but they go nuts for it! I appreciate the simplicity of it.

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

I don't ever try to force them into unwanted interaction unless it's required for purposes like medication. I allow them to sniff me thoroughly and will quietly sit with or around them so they can get acclimated to me. If they're responsive to food or play I will utilize toys or treats and always practice positive reinforcement.