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

I grew up around cats. We always had cats over dogs in my household, so I’ve had direct experience with them from an early age. I’m 41 now, and aside from the two years after my beloved cat Mikey passed, I’ve rarely been without a cat in my life. I’ve frequently stepped in to sit for my friends’ cats, and have experience from the shy and hidden to the fierce and vicious. I’ve been sitting with Meowtel for three years now, and became a full time cat sitter this year after quitting my insurance job in January.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

Providing peace of mind for anxious cat parents. I know how nervous I get when I’m out of town and my kiddens are in a stranger’s hands. I love being able to assure them that their babies are well-taken care of and will be happy to see them when they get home.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

I once took care of an adorable little cat named Ruthie for a week! She was so small and so friendly. Her owner taught me how to give her medication orally through an eye dropper. This was right around the time my cat Mikey died, and I appreciated Ruthie so much.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

We have three now! They’re siblings and they fight like it. We have two girls and a boy. The girls are tortie, and the boy is orange; his name is Habanero, the smaller girl is Coco, and her sister, the leader of the siblings, is Sally Reed. (She’s named after a character from a TV show. Both are total divas).

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

Pick me! But seriously, reviews and experience count a lot, but so do confidence and personality. The great thing about Meowtel is that, unlike other pet sitting apps, you can message the sitters before booking them, giving you the opportunity to get to know them and get comfortable. I definitely recommend reaching out, scheduling a meet and greet, and asking questions to rule out any concerns you might have.

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

First, I like to communicate with them through the app. After they reach out to me and express their initial needs, I’ll set up a meet and greet before they go out of town. If they don’t plan to leave detailed notes or instructions in the app, I’ll take notes on care instructions, sometimes taking videos on my phone of door codes or safety alarms. When I’m sitting, I’ll update them every time I go to the house by messaging them in the app, and I try to provide as many pictures as I can, depending on how visible the cat wants to be.

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

I’m always mindful to watch the door when I’m coming in and out, and I never let them outside, even if the owner is ok with it. I won’t bring them any treats from outside the home, or feed them anything other than pre-approved food by their owners.

Are you usually available during holidays?

Yes I am. My husband’s family is from San Antonio, and Ed usually stay close to home during the holiday season.

What is your favorite cat toy?

The laser. They can play with it for hours and never wear out. Hilariously, my previous cat Mikey is the only cat I’ve ever known who figured out the secret of the laser pointer. (He knew it was originating from a device in my hand, and would meow at me angrily).

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

I try to give them the space they need. As much as I love cats, I also understand they might not always love me. In the case of aggressive cats, I like to come prepared with thick boots and gloves, and I approach the cat on their terms. If they need me to provide dominance and direction, I do that. If they need me to just feed them and stay out of the way, I do that.