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

I’m a Certified Professional Pet Sitter with over 14 years of experience, including running my own full-time pet sitting business for the past 5 years (and 10 years part-time before that). I’m also a Fear-Free Certified professional and a certified Pet CPR & First Aid instructor. Beyond sitting, I volunteer with cats at my local Humane Society, giving me valuable hands-on experience with a wide range of personalities and needs. As a lifelong cat parent myself, I deeply understand feline behavior, stress signals, and how to create a calm, comfortable environment that keeps cats happy while their humans are away.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

What I enjoy most about cat sitting is discovering each cat’s “high-value reward”—whether that’s treats, catnip, toys, brushing, or simply love and companionship. Earning a cat’s trust is the heart of what I do, and there’s nothing more rewarding than when a shy kitty finally chooses to come out and say hello after days of hiding. For those extra-shy friends, I offer a pet cam service so their families can still enjoy peace of mind while I patiently work at their pace. I also love capturing those candid moments when a cat doesn’t even realize I’ve snapped a photo—it’s always such a joy to share their personality shining through.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

At home, I share my life with two wonderful cats, Reggie and Persephone. Reggie is my 11-year-old black domestic shorthair who is a total lovebug and rarely leaves my side. Persephone, my 10-month-old torti tabby kitten, is playful, social, and a joyful addition to our family—she even plays with my dogs and helps bridge the gap for Reggie, who has never been the biggest fan of dogs but tolerates them for his people. Both cats have their own “cat room” upstairs where the dogs aren’t allowed, giving them a safe retreat whenever they want it. Most of the time, though, they choose to be part of the family action, which I believe comes from respecting their need for their own space.

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

When looking to hire a cat sitter, I recommend finding someone who not only has experience and certifications but also truly understands cat behavior, stress, and individuality. It’s important to ask how they handle shy, anxious, or even territorial cats, what safety measures they use, and how they communicate while you’re away. I recently wrote a 4-part blog series on “How to Choose the Right Pet Sitter,” which dives into these questions and more—you’re always welcome to ask me about it if you’d like some extra guidance as you explore your options.