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

I’ve been caring for cats for more than 40 years and have extensive hands-on experience with both everyday feline care and special medical needs. Cats have always been part of my life, so understanding their personalities, routines, and behaviors comes naturally to me. In addition to caring for my own cats, I regularly provide cat-sitting services for repeat clients while their humans are away. My experience includes feeding, litter box maintenance, playtime, companionship, administering oral medications, topical treatments, and injections such as insulin. I’m also skilled at handling shy, nervous, or stubborn kitties—including the occasional “under-the-bed extraction” before vet visits. Many clients jokingly call me a “cat whisperer” because I’m very attentive to feline body language and behavior, which helps me quickly earn a cat’s trust and recognize when something may be off. My goal is always to make your cat feel safe, comfortable, and loved while you’re away.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

What I enjoy most is getting to know each cat’s unique personality. Every kitty is different—some are playful and outgoing, some are shy and cautious, and others rule the house like tiny furry CEOs. I love earning their trust and making them feel happy, comfortable, and secure while their humans are away. I love seeing a nervous or reserved cat slowly warm up to me. By the end of a visit, it’s incredibly rewarding when they’re greeting me at the door, or curling up nearby like we’ve been friends forever. I also enjoy giving pet parents peace of mind. I know how stressful it can be to leave your fur babies behind, so I make it a priority to provide reliable care, updates, and photos so owners can relax knowing their cats are safe, loved, and well cared for. And honestly… spending time with cats all day is pretty much my dream job.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

Yes — I currently have four fur boys of my own (Benny, Huey, Dewey, and Louie), and they definitely run the household. They each have their own personalities, routines, and favorite ways of demanding attention, so life is never boring around here. I also have a few neighborhood cats who regularly stop by my patio “kitty café” for snacks and social time. Living with multiple cats for so many years has given me a lot of experience understanding feline behavior, personalities, and care needs. Cats have truly always been part of my family and my life.

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

I’d recommend someone who understands cats. Cats are routine and sensitive to changes, so having a calm, patient, and observant sitter can make a difference in how comfortable they feel. A few things to look for: - Experience with cat personalities — shy, senior, or needy cats. - Communication — you should receive updates and photos. - Comfort with medications or emergencies — even healthy cats can need extra care. - Attention to detail — litter boxes, food routines, water, and behavior. - Someone your cat responds well to — cats are excellent judges of character. I also encourage a meet-and-greet. It gives your cat a chance to interact with the sitter, allows you to explain routines and preferences, and helps everyone feel comfortable. Most importantly, hire someone who will treat your cat like family. Cats may act independent, but they still need companionship, consistency, and loving care while their humans are away.

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

My process starts with a meet-and-greet so I can get to know both you and your kitty. We discuss your cat’s routine, personality, feeding schedule, medications (if needed), favorite toys, hiding spots, and any concerns. During that visit, I’ll also go over practical details such as: - Emergency contacts and vet information - Entry instructions and home security - Feeding instructions and treats - Medication or special care needs Once services begin, I focus on keeping your cat’s routine as normal as possible. Depending on your kitty’s personality, that may mean playtime, quiet companionship, or simply respecting their space. After each visit, I send updates with photos and notes so you know how your fur baby is doing. I pay close attention to behavior, appetite, litter box habits, and overall well-being. My goal is always to make both you and your cat feel relaxed, confident, and cared for from start to finish.

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

Safety and security are my top priorities when caring for your cat and your home. I treat every visit with the same care I would expect for my own pets and property. For your cat’s safety, I pay close attention to routines, appetite, hydration, litter box, and overall health. I’m also very careful with doors, windows, and escape-prone kitties—especially those talented little “door dashers” who think every open door is an adventure opportunity. I make it a point to keep your cat’s environment calm, clean, and stress-free while maintaining their normal routine. I also double-check everything during every visit. For home security, I respect your home as if it were my own. I carefully follow all instructions regarding locks, alarms, lighting, packages, and blinds. Communication is also part of peace of mind. I provide regular updates and photos so you always know your kitty is safe, happy, and well cared for.

Are you usually available during holidays?

Yes — I’m typically available during holidays, including major holidays and holiday weekends. In fact, holidays are one of the busiest times for cat sitting since many people are traveling, so I understand how important it is to have a reliable and experienced sitter you can trust during those times. Because holiday bookings tend to fill up quickly, I do recommend reaching out as early as possible to reserve your dates. My goal is to make sure your kitties stay comfortable, safe, and stress-free at home while you enjoy your travels and celebrations with peace of mind.

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

I handle them with lots of patience, calm energy, and respect for their boundaries. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that nervous cats usually do best when they’re allowed to approach on their own terms rather than being forced into interaction. I pay close attention to body language and behavior so I can understand what helps each cat feel safe and comfortable. Sometimes that means quiet companionship in the same room, gentle play, treats, maintaining their exact routine, or simply respecting their personal space until trust develops. I also try to keep their environment calm and predictable, since routine is very important to cats. Over time, many shy cats begin greeting me at the door, asking for pets, or following me around the house, which is always incredibly rewarding. My goal is never to “push” a nervous cat, but to earn their trust and make them feel secure while you’re away.