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

I have had on and off experience cat sitting most of my adult life (I'm currently 39 years old). I have had one consistent client for the last five years. This is the first time I'm setting forth to pursue catsitting as a major part of my income, so I'm excited to learn and build up my reputation!

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

Getting to know the personalities of my kitty clients. There is nothing more satisfying than when a new furry friend comes to accept you as a trusted human!

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

It's so hard to choose! I love my two nibblings Elora and Cosette (my sister's cats). But I have a special soft spot for the ten-cat "colony" I've been watching for the last several years. It was such a treat the first time the clowder matriarch Stormy came out from behind the TV to receive scritches. I still have yet to earn the trust of holdout Sebastian though lol!

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

Bandit is my pride and joy; a brown short hair tabby. They are an expert cat hugger, able to melt your heart anywhere within line of sight with their artful poses. Bandit's image would not be out of place on the ceiling of the sistine chapel moonlighting as a cherubim. However, they are also true to their name, performing daring heists whenever the pantry door is opened, attempting to get their pica fix on any plastic within reach!

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

Definitely look for a sitter who understands and embraces an individualized care mindset with their kitty clients, and is patient, kind and motivated to gain a cat's trust, no matter the individual circumstamces.

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

Open and honest communication is key. I want my cat parents to feel assured that I will honor their fur babies needs to a T. I also want to offer a non judgmental atmosphere; cat parenting/caretaking is not easy, and every cat family deserves careful consideration and empathy. I find meet and greets to be an absolute delight; I look forward to seeing my new kitty buddies at their most comfortable, so that I have a benchmark to work toward establishing my own relationship with my paw pals. I also hope to learn from my parent clients to improve my relation with my own fur baby!

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

First, I test the key during the meet and greet to make sure access to the home goes smoothly. I also make sure to ask if any feline is a flight risk. I always enter a home cautiously, checking for escape artists. I also make sure to learn my charges unique propensity for mischief, so I can keep the environment free of pitfalls. A kind and patient demeanor is also essential so as not to raise the stress levels of little ones already coping with a new situation.

Are you usually available during holidays?

I am a homebody and staycations are far preferable to me. I would much rather spend time with a feline companion than risk a sunburn on the beach. Like our furry friends I also find it safer to remain indoors. I can always enjoy time off between reservations, so I am very flexible apart from my part-time job.

What is your favorite cat toy?

I absolutely love the drama of a teaser/chaser toy. Awakening the primal hunter inside every cat is so much fun. I'm a firm believer of hunt-catch-kill as set forth by YouTuber Jackson Galaxy.

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

Patience, kindness and consistency go a long way. I'm willing to work for years if need be to earn a cat's trust. Mimicking familiar behaviors of the cat parents I also find to be a useful tool. If parents have a way to refer themselves to their fur babies, I like to use that language so cats can pick up that I am a trusted helper. My favorite thing to say is to count down the blessed return of mommy/daddy/renny!