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

I've taken care of friends' cats many times but through this platform, I've now done this four times (5 cats total) so while I wouldn't say I'm new to taking care of cats, I'm fairly new to using this platform for cat sitting.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

Every cat is different and I love it when they start feeling more and more comfortable with me. The first cat I sat through this app was named Freddie. He was very playful and during the course of the 5 or so days I took care of him, he started from more and more comfortable with me. When I first started out, he would be hiding under the bed or in the closet when I walked in... But by the end of it, he would come walking out, meowing, when I walked in. It's creating this connection and having this little creature trust me to take care of them - that's my favorite part of it all. I also don't get that far with every cat, usually due to your length of the reservation or the number of days but I really appreciate it when I form that connection.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

Without a doubt, it's the first two cats I took care of through this app - Freddie and Sage. Maybe it's the number of days I took care of them but I definitely felt sad and missed them after the reservation ended. They were also very talkative cats so I felt a connection. I also got to play with them and their toys a bunch, and that helped as well.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

Yes, 4 boys, ages 3, 4, 5, and 7! The names are, from youngest to oldest, Manchas, Marley, Fozzie, and Binx. Marley is the OG - I've had him since he was 1, so for over three years now. As for the other three - Manchas was my partner's foster cat through his friends and when we moved in together, we decided to officially adopt him. Then it became M&M (Marley and Manchas). And just two months after that, Fozzie and Binx joined - they were my partner's OG cats.

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

This is my first time using a platform to catsit for others. In addition to taking care of my own cats on a daily basis, I've also helped take care of friends' cats when they are out of town, although it's usually just once or twice a year for a week or so.

Are you usually available during holidays?

Not always but sometimes. For example, I won't be available during the 2026 Labor Day weekend but I'll be around during the Thanksgiving weekend and possibly over Christmas and New Year's as well (TBD on this)

What is your favorite cat toy?

Not sure the exact name for it but the rod/wand with the feathers hanging from the end. My cats love it and I've found that it's also a good way to keep them active without having to let them out - I'm in a 2-bedroom apartment so letting them out is not an option. They also provide a way for you to be active with them and observe them.

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

I always let them come to me. Be gentle and avoid loud noises. I've also noticed that sitting on the ground versus standing around seem to make them feel a bit more comfortable.