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

Outside of caring for my own cats, I have been cat sitting for most of my life. I started as an early teenager, and have done it both privately and for other companies and apps over the years. A couple of the photos I have in my profile are from reviews online from some of the apps I have done Dog and cat sitting for over the last 10 years.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

What I enjoy most about cat sitting is building trust with each cat and getting to know their unique personality. Every cat is different, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see a shy or cautious kitty start to feel comfortable and safe with me. I also love giving pet parents peace of mind while they’re away, knowing their cats are being cared for with the same attention and affection they would give themselves. Spending time with cats, whether it’s quiet companionship, playtime, or simply keeping their routine consistent, is something I truly enjoy and take pride in.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

My favorite cat sitting experience was with a family with a senior dog and two cats. I watched them with drop in visits daily for nine days. During our meet and greet, the owners had told me that of the two cats, one was very shy and I probably wouldn’t see much of them during the visits. Well, to make a long story short, by the fifth day this cat was sitting in my lap! I felt very honored to have been able to run the kitties trust over so above and beyond with the owners thought I would ever do.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

I have three cats. Dexter, who I inherited from my son and his girlfriend after they moved out. He is 10 years old. He got out from their apartment and disappeared for six months, and then came back and they already had adopted other animals and we’re over their pet limit. He is the cutest fuzzies little kitten ever, and he doesn’t play hide and go seek anymore! Then I have Chrissy, who is nine years old. I’ve had her since she was a kitten. She’s my little white shadow. And last but not least, is Mary, queen of purrs. She came from a hoarding situation. It took a few weeks to earn her trust, she lived on the top shelf of my linen closet. I slowly was able to work my way into her heart with toys and treats. Now, she gets in my lap every night!

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

I would recommend doing at least one in person meet and greet. It has to be a good fit for both of us. You need to feel comfortable with the sitter being around your animals, and seeing how they interact with your cats. Granted, it may take some animals time to warm up to a new sitter, but you can definitely see how the person is better in person. If in person is not available, at least a Zoom or FaceTime meeting, just to see how you interact.

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

I like to start with a thorough “getting to know you” visit before booking any cat sitting services. This gives us a chance to go over your cat’s routine, preferences, and any special needs, while also allowing your kitties to become familiar with me. My goal is to care for your cats exactly the way you would—respecting their personalities, habits, and comfort levels. Taking the time to understand both you and your cats upfront helps ensure a smooth, stress-free experience for everyone.

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

I take the safety & security of both your cats & your home very seriously. I am feline & canine first aid & CPR certified, so I’m fully prepared to respond quickly & calmly in the event of an emergency. For your cats, I follow your care instructions closely, monitor their behavior & health at every visit, & make sure doors, windows, & any potential hazards are secure. I’m especially mindful of escape risks & always double-check entry points when arriving & leaving. For your home, I respect your space as if it were my own. I ensure doors are locked, alarms (if applicable) are properly managed, & I maintain a discreet presence while you’re away. I’m also happy to bring in mail, adjust lighting, or follow any additional routines that help keep your home looking lived-in & secure, giving you complete peace of mind that your cats are safe & secure

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

I have extensive experience working with anxious and timid cats, including many who have come from hoarding or high-stress situations. I understand that trust takes time, and I always move at the cat’s pace. I give fearful cats the space they need and never force interaction. Often, I’ll sit quietly nearby so they can observe me and feel safe approaching when they’re ready. As they become more comfortable, I use gentle encouragement like treats and interactive play to help build trust and positive associations. My approach is patient, calm, and respectful—focused on helping each cat feel secure and cared for in their own environment.