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

I assume I was looking after cats here and there since my school years. I had 3 cats myself, helped my friends with their pets during the holidays. Since 2022 my experience became more official as I was volunteering in a cat rescue center. During this time I built the structure of the cat care routines, learned to handle the most timid and difficult cats that never knew home. It was a great time of expanding my cat knowledge.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

Communication with cats is the best part of this job. They are elegant, graceful, original, funny and absolutely adorable. Being around is and making them contented and happy.. I become happier at these moments 😆🐾

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

Oh, yes! I have had kitties since I was 14. At different times I had 1 to 3 cats. My eldest, Max, was a beautiful, gentle and timid Russian blue cat. We were true friends till the very end. He died at the age of 16. My second beloved baby gave me brightest moments of joy and happiness and shaped my final love and passion for cats. Solomon was found on the parking immediately adopted. He concurred my heart with the best character and the most fluffy paws. My youngest lady Mara (former stray kitten, adopted from the village) trained me to love tricky and independent cat type. Her grace, energy and funny manners fulfill my father’s house.

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

Starting a new partnership is a lot about gathering information. On my meeting greets I focus on how You take care of your baby cat, what is the daily routine. So I ask a lot of organizational aspects and questions about feeding, litter box, toys, any specific preferences, how it is better to interact with your cat, gather emergency contacts. All this helps to reduce stress and anxiety during your absence. Plus, I try to make first communication steps with a kitty to be sure that he or she is ok with my presence on their territory and get familiar with my smell.

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

Cats are curious creatures, so it is very important to be attentive with doors and windows. Hot weather during the summer requires some extra AC adjustment. Every cat is an individual and has its own habits. But some passions are not safe (even though have a lot of fun). Rubber band, for example, should not be left unattended as it can cause bowel obstruction as well as other tiny “toys” from human belongings. Food should be taken seriously - no unauthorized treats as you never know what can cause an unhappy stomach. And the last, but not the least, I search for mood and behavior changes to be sure that the tail is healthy.

Are you usually available during holidays?

I am pretty often available during the holidays. We can always discuss possibilities.

What is your favorite cat toy?

Laser! Most of kitties absolutely love it. Try it, if you have not yet! Feather toys would be probably my second choice. Plus, cats are very creative😊 they enjoy pens, hair bands and a lot of rustling stuff..

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

As we are all different so do our pets. And I respect that. So sometimes when I meet spicy cats I do not rush to the direct contact. Giving some time and space, using soft voice and smooth movements usually brings results and helps to build the trust with them. Also knowing and doing what the cat parent usually does helps to earn some points in their eyes.