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

I’ve been caring for cats for many years through helping friends, family, and people in my circle while they travel or need extra support with their pets. While I haven’t worked as a professional cat sitter full-time, animal care has been a major part of my life and career for over 20 years through my background in veterinary medicine. My veterinary experience has given me extensive knowledge in feline health, behavior, handling, and stress reduction. I’m comfortable recognizing signs of illness or discomfort, administering medications and performing basic grooming and handling cats safely. My handling skills include shy, anxious, senior, or more difficult personalities. Because of my vet med background, I understand how important routine, observation, and gentle handling are for cats, especially while their owners are away.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

What I enjoy most about cat sitting is earning a cat’s trust and helping them feel safe and comfortable while their owner is away. Cats are very individual in their personalities, and I like taking the time to understand what each one needs—whether that’s space, quiet companionship, play, or a consistent routine. I also enjoy the responsibility of making sure everything is done the way the cat is used to, from feeding schedules to litter box care and medication if needed. My veterinary background makes me very observant, so I like being able to notice small changes in behavior or appetite that might matter. Most of all, I enjoy knowing that I’m giving pet owners peace of mind, because they can trust their cat is being cared for calmly, safely, and attentively in their own home.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

My favorite cat sitting experiences are typically the longer reservations where I get to build a routine and relationship with the cat over several days. I especially enjoy caring for cats who start out shy or cautious and gradually become more comfortable and trusting. It’s rewarding to see them settle into their routine, start greeting me at visits, or relax enough to play or seek attention on their own terms. I also enjoy situations where I can use my veterinary background, such as monitoring a senior cat’s comfort level, supporting medication schedules, or helping maintain consistency for cats with special needs. Those types of reservations feel meaningful because I can combine reliable care with real peace of mind for the owner.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

I have 4 cats. Sam is a domestic long-hair and 3 years old. Charlie is a domestic short hair that is 2 years old. Kitty is a domestic short hair that is 9 years old and Sophia is a domestic medium hair that is 11 years old.

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

A good cat sitter should feel like someone who will treat the home and pet with the same level of care the owner would. Reliability is non-negotiable, showing up on time, following instructions exactly, and not improvising care routines without permission. Cats are sensitive to change, so consistency matters more than personality.

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

Good sitters don’t just “watch the cat”—they actively prevent problems. Be observant, check for signs of illness and stress. Monitor litter box activity and appetite. Be sure the cat has access to neccessary spaces. Keep the home safe by double checking doors are locked.

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

I provide calm, attentive cat sitting with a focus on safety, routine, and stress reduction. I understand that many cats, especially timid or anxious ones, need patience and consistency to feel secure. I respect each cat’s needs allowing them space rather than forcing interaction, and I prioritize maintaining their normal feeding, litter, and care routines exactly as their owner outlines. For shy or anxious cats, I use a quiet, low-pressure approach: I move slowly, speak softly, and avoid overwhelming them with attention. I pay close attention to body language so I can recognize stress early and adjust my approach accordingly. My goal is to create a stable, predictable environment where the cat feels safe enough to relax over time. With a background in animal care and a strong awareness of health and behavior signals, I’m also attentive to subtle changes in appetite, litter box habits, or demeanor, and I communicate promptly.