Animal Lover who finds Cats Charming

I have been a Zookeeper at the Safari Park for over 10 years, but worked as a veterinary assistant for 5 years before that. I also worked as a pet sitter part time for several years before taking a hiatus to focus on my zookeeping career. I am excited to begin pet sitting again, and am really looking forward to working only with cats as I tend to resonate more with cats than dogs. When I first started pet sitting I watched mostly dogs, but then a friend of mine asked me to take care of her two cats while she traveled for work. I enjoyed it so much that I started cat sitting regularly after that. I just really find cats to be fun and charming and spending time with them is very therapeutic for me.

Unfortunately, my husband is allergic to cats and we cannot have one of our own, so I have really missed getting to have that feline bonding time. Before getting married, I have always lived with and been co-owner of indoor cats. The last cat I lived with, Sucha, was very shy at first. But after dedicating a few minutes each day brushing her, she warmed right up to me. 

Experienced with:

✔️ oral medication administration - pills

✔️ oral medication - liquids

✔️ eye medication

✔️ ear medication

✔️ transdermal medications

✔️ topical medication

✔️ subcutaneous fluids

✔️ inhaler administration

✔️ insulin injections

✔️ bladder expressions

A Quiet and Gentle Approach

I am patient and able to understand and interpret cat body language easily. If a cat is not comfortable with me when we meet, I know the importance of giving them time and space to acclimate to me on their terms. I lean on a quiet and gentle approach with shy kitties, offering treats (if allowed) in order to associate myself with positive things. I continuously watch the kitty’s body language and adjust my approach as needed to minimize stress for them.

With my veterinary experience, I have worked with a variety of different kitty needs from giving oral medications and injections, to giving subcutaneous fluids, and even doing bladder expressions from time to time on a kitty we saw regularly for hind end weakness. My neighbor also fosters cats regularly, so I have been able to help bottle feed little kittens as well. I feel comfortable working with kitties with different needs and am thrilled to have the opportunity to get back into cat sitting again. I look forward to meeting you and caring for your cat kiddos! 

- Luis