Biking back home over the infamous Nesciobrug (you know, that long, high bridge you have to cross when you’ve got so many clients in IJburg, like me) is a necessary evil. Especially when you’re cycling straight into the wind... like is most days. I dread that stretch. It’s always such a slow, sweaty ordeal! Halfway up today, I see a man who’s stopped his bike right around the middle. Just standing there, sunglasses on, looking around like he’s a bit confused. I’m struggling t

Willa was one of my kitty clients. A nervous, elusive little soul who shared her home with an older cat named Xena. Despite living together for years, they had never bonded. I had been told that no sitter had ever managed to approach Willa, let alone touch her. And when I first met her, I understood why. She would vanish the moment anyone unfamiliar entered the house. I am very respectful when it comes to space and cats, so I let her be. Aside from the basics, I naturally spe

The human in the photo with two of my lovely kitty clients is my partner. From time to time, he may come with me on visits, and there’s a good reason for that. As a solo cat sitter, clients sometimes ask a very reasonable question: what happens if something unexpected prevents me from doing my job? Emergencies are rare, but when you care for animals professionally, you need to have a plan. Your cat should never be left without care, even if something unusual happens. Here’s h

My favourite part of any visit? Playtime! I make it a personal mission to figure out what games your cat will love most, and I carry a cat-sitting bag with many play options to all my visits. Sometimes I get an instant thumbs-up. Sometimes it takes a little experimenting — the right toy, the right movement, the right intensity, the right spot in the house, even the right time of day — but there is always something. Playtime mimics hunting — and cats are built for it. Every si

Don’t let her angelic looks fool you: Lily was a force. She was the wild half of a beautifully mismatched duo with her teddy bear of a “brother,” Louie. Where he was softness and open-hearted devotion, she was sharp edges and sideways glances. He offered endless cuddles and kisses; she offered a well-timed smack (even the neighbourhood dogs knew better and crossed the street to avoid her!). And yet, they moved through the world side by side — grazing on fresh grass, exploring

We were having a chat earlier today between colleagues about how we need to stop romanticising cat-sitting. It may seem like we spend our days cuddling and playing with kitties—and that’s true, there’s a lot of that—but those moments come hand in hand with others. Like when a kitty doesn’t want to eat or take medicine from you. When you open a litter box you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy, let alone the cat you care for and love. When a cat is sick, their parents are far a

My relationships with the cats I care for are like waves—each one unique, with its own rhythm and energy. No two are the same. Some greet me with wide eyes and tails held high, eager to share the day. Others linger in the shadows, curious but cautious. A few vanish the moment they hear the key in the door, and that’s fine. I meet each cat where they are and let the bond grow at its own pace. With time and a little patience, even the shyest ones come to understand that I mean

Saying goodbye is part of the job—but that doesn't make it any easier. Every time I close the door behind me after a cat-sitting period, I can't help but wonder if it’s the last time I’ll see those sweet, furry, little faces. There are so many reasons why it might be: maybe their humans won’t travel as often, or a friend or neighbour will take over the care, or the family may move out of my service area. Sometimes another sitter might be a better fit—which is totally okay. An