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

I’ve done cat sitting for friends, family, and colleagues for as long as I can remember, dating back to my teenage years. I just turned 52 years old. Generation X rules!

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

I enjoy learning, adapting, and understanding on a deep level, the unique personalities of all the amazing new cats that come into my life.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

That’s a hard one! I love caring for people and animals (with a special fondness for all things feline). I love cleaning their food and water bowls, giving needed medications, even cleaning their litter box, knowing I am giving them the healthiest, cleanest, optimal living environment.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

Naturally, I do indeed! I am the parent and guardian to three amazing and beloved kitty pies. Their names are Venus Rose, Ricki, and Bobbi.

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

I would strongly recommend reading and comparing potential sitter profiles with the goal of matching the needs of their kitty with the sitter most closely suited to provide them. All Meowtel sitters are amazing, have a special love for cats, and would certainly do right by your fur baby. However, there may be skill sets and strengths of a particular sitter that would optimally serve the needs of your cat the best. If your cat is older, requires oral medications, diabetic injections, or any type of specialized care, it would certainly be wise to select a sitter that is experienced in providing that kind of care. After you have selected the appropriate sitter for your kitty, make it a priority to then schedule an in person meet and greet session at your home before you hire them.

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

I feel that the in person meet and greet, held prior to my first official visit, is extremely valuable and important for all. This session will optimize the experience, health, safety, and peace of mind of the cat, cat parent, and the sitter. I listen to my cat parents with focused attention and take detailed notes. I ask questions if I need clarity or more information in order to be the very best kitty caregiver their cat could ever have.

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

I follow the cat parent’s instructions with strict adherence. I listen with focused attention and take detailed notes. Written notes are far superior to the best memory! The last thing before I leave the home is visually see exactly where the cat is before I will walk out the door. I check all doors, windows, lights, and assess for any potential hazards no matter how small. Throughout the entirety of my visit, I’m always assessing the cat(s) health and wellbeing. Have they eaten since my last visit? How much? (It’s a health emergency for a cat to go more than a day and a half without eating.) What was their 24 hour water intake? Has the litter box been used? Do they have any wounds, lacerations, discharges on or from their body? Be acutely aware and proactive to prevent a situation where your only choice is to be reactive.

Are you usually available during holidays?

I certainly am. As I wrote in my bio, I’ve been a frontline healthcare worker for 25+ years, working 12 hour shifts that, more often than not, turn into 13-14 hour shifts. It is routine for nurses, respiratory therapist, and all frontline healthcare workers to have 1 rotating holiday off a year. I celebrate life every day of the year and bring the holidays with me wherever I go!

What is your favorite cat toy?

The feathers on a long string. I feel it stimulates a cat’s hunting instinct, making for a happy and healthier kitty. I also love interactive toys and puzzles that stimulate their mind and senses.

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

By first being aware of my own energy, making certain I am grounded, radiating calmness and focusing (unobtrusively) on the anxious or timid cat. I follow their lead, observing their body language and behavior, as I maintain a loving presence and safe space for them to want to get to know me. Treats never fail to help the process if allowed!