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

6 months of paid experience , although I have cared for cats off and on over the last five years in unpaid capacities.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

I adore bonding with each cat. I enjoy learning each cat’s personality and preferences. Perhaps my favorite thing to do is take silly pictures!

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

I genuinely don’t have a favorite. There are little things I like about each catsitting experience. Proactive communication from the cat owner is probably my favorite quality, but I’ve done catsit for people who have had medical procedures out of town who could not communicate with me, and I adapted accordingly.

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

Be communicative or list an alternate contact that I can send daily reports to and ask small questions. I will be extremely detailed if you would like me to be, just let me know. There’s also never too much detail you can give me, personally. I prefer to know exactly what you want me to do. Always offer a date and time for the meet and greet, preferably at your home with your cat, before the catsitting appointment if you are able to. It makes it much easier to bond with your kitty!

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

I will work with you. It is important that clients provide gate, door, or alarm codes, name the location of any keys, and specify if they would like me to arm the security system when leaving the home. I follow instructions to the letter and to exact specifications for your peace of mind.

Are you usually available during holidays?

This is my primary source of income, so I am available during all holidays. I am interviewing for full time jobs, but I block those dates and times off in advance.

What is your favorite cat toy?

The cool thing about cats is that they can turn anything into a toy. I’m a big fan of the cardboard box, especially when modified to be a “top secret cat tunnel.” I am quite picky about dangling toys. I prefer for them to hang from fishing line if possible, as they are more durable this way. I never like a toy coming loose in a cat’s mouth. I have a laser that cats absolutely love to chase. I do use this in a safe way by never keeping the laser on when the cat is looking in my direction, to protect their eyes.

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

Crouch down to the cat’s level, this makes you less intimidating. Give them the “pss pss pss” and offer your hand. Most cats will sniff. If the cat does not sniff, just allow them to gaze at you from where they feel safe. Most house cats are super friendly. My most timid clients always lose the initial timidity when they find out I open the food cans. :)