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

I have been cat-sitting for over 20 years! I have worked with cats of all ages as well as cats with special needs.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

Meeting different cats is always so fun! I enjoy the detective aspect of learning a cat's likes and dislikes as well as the way to earn the cat's trust and affection. Cats are truly the best companions.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

I once cat-sat for a litter of 6 kittens and a mother cat. When I tell you it was chaos, it was CHAOS (but the best kind). The kittens used me as a tree and I successfully convinced their mother that I was indeed up to the task to care of her babies. Each of the kittens was named after a different North American cryptid (ie. bigfoot, mothman etc.), and it was so fun to learn about each kitten's personality.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

I have a senior ragamuffin named Theodore who is an introverted gentleman, and a client of Meowtel on occasion! He was my first and only "foster fail," and I'm so glad to be his person. He loves belly rubs and head scritches, and is the best alarm clock a girl could have!

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

Stick with a cat-sitter who is going to be consistent with the times they show up. Cats thrive on routine, and come to expect certain things at certain times. A cat-sitter that is on-time and consistent with their care is the one to choose. (It also helps if the cat-sitter sends good pictures!)

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

I'm a notetaker, and like to take notes on every thing that the cat parent mentions to me. I always ask about the timing of meals, what kind of play a cat enjoys, if the cat has any special needs, and what the cat does NOT enjoy so that I get the full picture of what caring for the kitty looks like.

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

I always lock the doors after entering the home and when I'm done cat-sitting, leave the windows closed, put away any potentially harmful play-time toys when they're not in use, and keep a general lookout for anything that could cause harm to the cat when I'm not around (ie. cords, appliances, precariously placed dishware).

Are you usually available during holidays?

Occasionally, yes!! Please ask me!

What is your favorite cat toy?

Wand toy with a feathered plushie on the end. A classic.

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

I do not approach timid cats head-on; I take time to let them get used to the idea of sharing a space with me. I get on their level, avert my eyes, and if the vibe seems right, extend a finger or hand for them to sniff. From there, I ascertain what their comfort level is, and then potentially use some BRIBERY (aka treats)! Having worked with many anxious and timid cats through fostering, I've developed a skill for helping cats relax around me.