Cat Behavior Enthusiast with a Patient Approach

I met my first cat in middle school when I started feeding a stray kitty outside. I have loved cats ever since! I am now a cat mom of two and have been cat sitting since 2016, mainly for friends and family. I enjoy meeting different cats and love getting to know their unique personalities, so I am excited to start cat sitting professionally.

I've been very interested in learning about cat behavior; watching videos, reading, and learning about psychology in general. That has helped me to become friends with cats that are normally antisocial, shy or territorial. My partner is always jealous how cats always choose to sit on my lap and not his. I've spent a lot of time with my own cats trying to make them happy and well adjusted. 

I've also used what I've learned to ensure a great experience for kitties when I cat sit. For example, when working with shy cats, I keep a comfortable distance to give them time and space to acclimate to me, allowing them to get used to my scent. I stay calm and quiet to show them I'm not a threat. While they are getting to know me, I allow them to touch me instead of initiating interactions myself, so that we are getting acquainted on their terms. Once kitties are comfortable with me, I like to use play techniques, enrichment activities, and types of toys that keep the cat interested depending on their personalities and what they enjoy.

Experienced with:

✔️ oral medication administration - pills/tablets/capsules

Detail-Oriented and Compassionate Cat Care

I have two cats, Shadow and Shio. Shadow is a very shy and anxious black male cat. Shio is a gray tabby we rescued more recently that's more social with people but less enthusiastic with other cats with a ravenous appetite. I've done a lot of work with my two cats such as positive reinforcement training, enrichment activities, and playtime. I’ve learned about cat body language and implemented techniques that helped Shadow poop in the litter box again. I’ve also used techniques I’ve learned to help our cats achieve a more equal and sustainable relationship. Our household has improved drastically from the initial bullying Shio was inflicting on Shadow when we first got her. 

As a former EMT and future medical school student, I always deliver care with the thought of "how would I want my family/pet to be treated?" in mind, whether working with people or animals. I am very patient and enjoy thinking of different ways I can adjust my techniques to better bond with the kitty and achieve desired outcomes when it comes to behavior training. I also love sending nice and/or silly photos of cats to their owner that make them smile and assure them that their kitty is doing well while they’re away. I look forward to getting to know you and your cats. I am excited to spend time with them, ensuring they receive the best care possible. 

- Alyssa