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

I’ve been cat-sitting on Meowtel since October 2024. Prior to that I cat-sat and dog-sat with a professional pet-sitting company in Washington, DC when I was in college, which included being trained by the cheetah-keeper for the US National Zoo! In 2019-2020 I started getting trained to volunteer with the ASPCA in NYC and had to stop due to relocating for the pandemic. I’ve started the process of volunteering at local cat shelters or working at one the past few years.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

I love cats so much and always have! I’ve always felt a natural connection to cats, they are so special, calming, and I feel I learn so much from every cat I meet. I wanted to cat-sit to give back to cats, learn more about them, and to have something that feels natural and doesn’t feel like work to me.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

I love all cats, and all cat-sitting reservations! Each cat has their own unique personality and needs, I feel everyone could learn from every cat!

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

I grew up with cats since I was born, for my entire childhood until I was 21 years old. A decade later I started living with a couple of cats for about a decade and eventually helped take care of them off & on.

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

Find a cat-sitter who you connect with, feel is a good fit for your cat, their needs, and also yours.

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

I start by reaching out to schedule a free meet-and-greet to go over everything the cat and family will need during the reservation, then once the reservation starts I send daily updates and pictures/videos, answer any questions, and observe the cat to make sure everything is going well, then towards the end of the reservation or just after it I go over anything else that’s neccessary.

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

I check the whole house for any possible toxic plants, rodent bait/traps, human food or any items that could harm a cat’s health or life, make sure all windows & doors are closed & secured, that there’s no harmful food, liquids or products that may intrigue a cat to get into, make sure all animals are secure in a way they all feel/are safe with each other, make sure cats have multiple hiding places in case they feel anxious, that their litter box is clean, that they have clean water dishes, food dishes, clean water, fresh food, & that the temperature is comfortable for a cat. I am happy to wear gloves/mask if the owner wants, wear both on my own & a change of clothes if I think I may have come into contact with a cat that may have anything contagious, such as kitty colds/respiratory infections/herpesvirus outbreak/etc.

Are you usually available during holidays?

Yes - I am available to cat-sit on holidays, my schedule is flexible & I am happy to accommodate your needs.

What is your favorite cat toy?

Whatever your cat loves to play with! I find most cats simply love a piece of string or something very similar!

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

Growing up I had cats that were timid & anxious, I’ve also cared for anxious cats as an adult. I handle this by staying calm, respecting their space & boundaries, making sure they have a comfortable & clean environment, fresh food, clean water, clean litter box, and make sure there’s nothing that’s causing them immediate stress. I will slowly see if they will sniff my hand or let me pet them. If they seem open I will gently pet them, see how they respond then take it from there. I gradually let them get to know me & take things slow.