Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

I have 7 cats myself. 4 indoor and 3 barn cats. I have a orange tabby named Cheeto. I have a tuxedo cat named Lucky. I have a calico named Lola. I have a black cat named Agatha. I have a orange tabby barn cat named Caroline. I have a domestic shorthair barn cat named Leo. And a domestic longhair barn cat named Maggie.

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

My advice would be to choose a cat sitter who not only has experience caring for animals but also takes the time to understand your cat’s individual personality and needs. Every cat is different, so finding someone who is patient, attentive, and respectful of your cat’s boundaries is important. I recommend looking for someone who communicates clearly, follows your instructions carefully, and makes you feel comfortable leaving your pet in their care. A great sitter should provide regular updates, photos, and videos so you can have peace of mind while you’re away. Most importantly, choose someone who genuinely enjoys spending time with cats and will treat your home and your pet with the same care and respect they would give their own

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

My process starts with a meet and greet so we can get to know each other and make sure it’s a good fit. During that visit, I’ll learn about their cat’s vaccine/medical history, routine, personality, feeding schedule, favorite toys, hiding spots, medications (if applicable), litter box routine, their likes and dislikes and any quirks or behaviors I should know about. I’ll also go over home access, emergency contacts, their primary veterinarian’s information, closest animal ER, and any house instructions.

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

My top priorities for the cats I’m pet sitting is safety and trust. I make sure every door and window securely closed before entering and leaving the house. I carefully follow the cat’s routine, feeding schedules, medications, and other special intructions. With my experience in veterinary medicine, I’m also attentive to any changes to behavior and health and contact the parents immediately or go straight to the ER. I also make sure the litter box is clean and the food and water is refreshed daily and that the parents space is respected. I do a final walk through to make sure everything is cleaned and tidied up and every cat is accounted for and make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked. I also provide frequent updates and photo/video updates to give parents an ease of stress and worry.

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

I understand every cat adjusts differently so I let them set the pace and allows them time and space for them to earn my trust. I will never disrespect their boundaries and I use a calm quiet approach whether that means sitting nearby or speaking softly or playing with their favorite toy or offering a treat. I never want to add additional stress so I will go as slow at the cat wants me to and go about their normal routine without disrupting their nervous system