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

When I moved into my own place at 19 I took in a cat who wandered up to my door. From that point on I've shared my home with cats. They have been consistently in my life ever since. That's 39 years. I have watched other people's kitties off and on for that whole time. People have always pointed out how easily their animals trust me. Maybe it has something to do with being vegan since the '90s. 😹😹

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

The best part for me is the cats themselves. I've always been a cat lover. I love getting to know them and their personalities. One of the best things is when I have a bond with an animal. There's nothing like being trusted by a cat. Feeling that there is genuine love between both of us. As well, it's a great feeling when cat parents want you to come back because they see the trust I've build with their kitties. When it puts them at ease I know I'm doing a good job. That means so much to me.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

Yes! Right now I only have one cat. Her name is Maggie Mae. Sadly, she does not like other animals. She loves people, but she will not share the house with another animal. So, that keeps our home consisting of Maggie and myself. I guess her plan is to receive 100% of the attention herself. I've lived with more than one cat in the past and have absolutely adored it. For now though, it's just Maggie Mae and me.

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

First off you have to trust the person. You never completely know until your kitty has met that person. You want to find somebody who is not just doing this for the money or because it seems easy to take care of cats. There has to be real love for cats. There are plenty of people who say they love animals but don't love cats. To me cats are the best. You want to find somebody who's passionate about felines. Somebody that your kitty can trust and you can trust. You can usually tell pretty quickly if the person is on the level.

Are you usually available during holidays?

Yes, I am. I live alone and I never have holiday responsibilities. I am most happy to spend the holidays with your kitty cats. I have worked the holidays for the past four years at my current job and my prior job. Working holidays is never an issue for me. I have friends I can spend the holidays with if I choose to. However, I tend to work on the holidays when most people can't.

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

You have to build a cat's trust. That takes patience. Cats tend to not like change. For some cats a stranger walking into the home can create massive anxiety. You have to allow the cat to go at his or her own pace. Don't ever force your will on a cat. Space is big in the beginning, especially, between a cat and a human. We can build trust with treats, slow deliberate moves about the house, and speaking in a calm lower tone voice. The biggest takeaway is that you have to allow the cat to make the decision. It may very well take longer to have a bond with a cat then you want. However, it's very important that you build trust by allowing the cat to make the first move. The cat must be comfortable!!