I'm James | Cat Sitting in Portland, OR

I have a unique ability to connect with animals, especially cats! ❤️ I've had dogs and cats most of my life. I grew up with kitties as a child, but it was when I was in about the 7th grade that I realized I had a special relationship with Kitty, my Calico! I noticed how she responded to me when I talked to her. She would come to me when I called her just like a dog would. I was her person. She was an indoor/outdoor kitty and sometimes would loudly call for me from outside my bedroom window to show me her latest "present!" Throughout the years into adulthood, I became known in my circle as one who will house/pet sit and take great care of all the things! I was also the designated airport shuttle! I have always had a knack for connecting rather quickly with kitties who don't normally warm up to strangers. I currently have 2 cats, Jack and Puppy, and have had up to 4 at one time. Puppy Cat earned her name for her watchdog skills and a little bark-like squawk she uses when she talks to you. Jack is an immensely gregarious Tuxedo with a huge personality. He is highly communicative and intensely passionate. He adopted me last year and now has convinced me to leash train him so he can go outside to explore. You may see him riding in a carrier on my e-bike sometime next spring cruising around Portland and meeting people and their pets! Or maybe on the trails hiking Portland's amazing trails! I believe he would love to be with me wherever I go. I would love to meet you and your kitties and become your Reliable and Trusted Cat Sitter! When I come to visit if there is a cat in the room, I tend to address them right away so don't be surprised if I start talking to them while we are visiting. This allows me the opportunity to see how they respond to me. We will pick up the conversation where we left off. I always introduce myself with a hello and sweet words for them. I get down on the floor to talk to them. I don't try to get very close at all. I will let them come to me, whether it takes minutes, hours, or sometimes days or weeks, and months. In other words, I let the kitties dictate the nature of the relationship on their terms. I respect their boundaries and am always prepared to be watching for what they are communicating. You can count on coming back to well-cared-for kitties and a home that is in at least as good of a condition as you left it, but likely better. I intend on creating an experience that relieves as much anxiety for you and your kitties as possible while you are away. I love cats and they love me! I talk to them like I would a person. When they answer, I continue the conversation with them with words, not meows. Well, sometimes meows or both. Cats love to be sweet-talked. I have rehabbed behaviors multiple times to where cats who were terrified of people have come to me on their own seeking pets and cuddles. I understand how cats communicate, can identify their wants and needs, and respond to meet them accordingly. I talk to cats out on the street, and sometimes they will come to me, and we will chat for a few minutes. I take pictures of random cats I encounter while they sit in windows or wander around. I am self-employed in business helping others with their House/Pet Sitting with doggies, and now kitties with Meowtel! I enjoy learning and experiencing new things, drawing sketch art, riding my bike, hiking, traveling, fishing, and the mountains. I have worked for over a decade each in Residential Treatment for kids, and then in Emergency Communications dispatching for police, fire, and EMS, and taking 911 calls. I was a trainer and a supervisor in both careers and am very proud of my service to families and the public. I was awarded Trainer of the Year in 2016 in addition to being awarded for saving a life over 911.

I have a unique ability to connect with animals, especially cats! ❤️ I've had dogs and cats most of my life. I grew up with kitties as a child, but it was when I was in about the 7th grade that I realized I had a special relationship with Kitty, my Calico! I noticed how she responded to me when I talked to her. She would come to me when I called her just like a dog would. I was her person. She was an indoor/outdoor kitty and sometimes would loudly call for me from outside my bedroom window to show me her latest "present!" Throughout the years into adulthood, I became known in my circle as one who will house/pet sit and take great care of all the things! I was also the designated airport shuttle! I have always had a knack for connecting rather quickly with kitties who don't normally warm up to strangers. I currently have 2 cats, Jack and Puppy, and have had up to 4 at one time. Puppy Cat earned her name for her watchdog skills and a little bark-like squawk she uses when she talks to you. Jack is an immensely gregarious Tuxedo with a huge personality. He is highly communicative and intensely passionate. He adopted me last year and now has convinced me to leash train him so he can go outside to explore. You may see him riding in a carrier on my e-bike sometime next spring cruising around Portland and meeting people and their pets! Or maybe on the trails hiking Portland's amazing trails! I believe he would love to be with me wherever I go. I would love to meet you and your kitties and become your Reliable and Trusted Cat Sitter! When I come to visit if there is a cat in the room, I tend to address them right away so don't be surprised if I start talking to them while we are visiting. This allows me the opportunity to see how they respond to me. We will pick up the conversation where we left off. I always introduce myself with a hello and sweet words for them. I get down...