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

I have cared for stray and feral cats for many years. I lived in a small Pennsylvania city the last four years and had a small house with a porch. The cats in the neighborhood knew there was food and shelter every day. I had heated shelters and plenty of food year round. A mother cat brought her kittens over when they were about 1 month old. They all stayed on my porch for 5 months until I was able to get them into fostering and adoption. I also cat-sat for people in my neighborhood on a regular basis. In one way, I've cat sat all my life.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

Taking care of someone else's cat(s) is a great joy to me because the owner doesn't have to worry about their animal companions when I'm on the job. I especially enjoy meeting new cats...all of whom have unique personalities and demands.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

My most recent one involved taking care of a cat whose owner was away for the holidays. Every day at 9 am I would arrive to feed, clean, and play. The cat wasn't sure about me at first but later left her window to play and be brushed. The owner was very satisfied with my work and he got pictures every day.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

I had two tuxedo sister cats for nearly 17 years named Mapo and Elsa. They traveled all over the US with me and finally died of old age when I was living the last four years in Pennsylvania. Shortly after Elsa died (she was the last of the two siblings), one of the stray cats who came daily to my porch demanded to come in. She was in heat and wanted to avoid all the males in the area. I took her to the vet for neutering and to see if there was a chip. I kept Grace and she now lives here with me in Eugene, Oregon.

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

Meet the potential sitter first and see how they interact with your cat(s). Does the sitter try too hard to be friends with the cat? Are they taking notes about your requirements for the sitting period? Do you as the customer feel intuitively comfortable with the potential sitter? Does the sitter feel comfortable with the cat(s) and the home?

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

After the person connects with me, we will schedule a meeting at their home. I'll then meet the cat(s) and get all the information I need for my cat sitting. Questions like: 'what does your cat like to eat?" "how about their desire for play?" Are there medical issues that need to be addressed?

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

Make sure doors and windows are shut and that there's no place where the cat(s) will be accidentally shut in after I leave. Generally, I will greet the cat first upon my arrival and spend some time with them. I'll then take care of kitty litter box before I put down food and water. I'll also check to see if the cat is having any unusual physical or mental issues during my visit. Cats prefer a predicable daily schedule so I always show up at the same time.

Are you usually available during holidays?

Yes, I am semi-retired and I live here in Eugene. I generally stay at home year round.

What is your favorite cat toy?

My cat - Grace the Tabby - loves feathers and in particular peacock tail feathers. She also loves laser lights but the peacock feather has become her absolute favorite.

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

Patience, patience, patience. Often, I will sit on the floor to be on the same level and I'll have some treats available. I also avoid looking into the eyes of a timid cat. I won't try to pet them until they make the first move. Oftentimes they will get bold enough to rub against my shoes or hands. That's a sign that they are feeling safer. I don't generally find that playing with cat toys too soon is helpful. I'll wait for them to bring the toy or sit by one. Then, it's playtime.