Registered Vet Tech & Community Cat Advocate

I have been an RVT since 2005 and have worked in various veterinary settings including shelter work at the Humane Society, Dermatology at VSH and TNR clinics at Feral Cat Coalition. I have also been a very active volunteer at animal organizations including 15+ years at The Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago working almost exclusively with cats. I also was part of the Cat Transfer Team networking cats to rescues for Chicago Animal Care & Control. I currently volunteer at the Feral Cat Coalition assisting with high volume feral spay and neuter efforts.

I have been a cat lover my whole life and currently have two kitties. Cleo is a senior Bengal who was rehomed to me when her owner developed health issues. Valentino is an adult FIV+ friendly former stray that was a patient at Feral Cat Coalition with whom I fell in love (fat face FIV+ male cats are my favorite). I also care for a small feral colony around my apartment. 

Experienced with:

✔️ oral medication administration - pills

✔️ oral medication - liquids

✔️ eye medication

✔️ ear medication

✔️ transdermal medications

✔️ topical medication

✔️ subcutaneous fluids

✔️ inhaler administration

✔️ blood glucose home testing

✔️ insulin injections

✔️ injectable medications

Quiet & Attentive Purrsonality who Encourages Enrichment 

Working as a vet tech didn’t allow me to spend much time bonding with our feline patients, something I really enjoy, so I am excited to get to do that more often as a cat sitter! I allow cats to set the tone and pace of the visit and won’t force interactions if they prefer not to engage. I am a quiet person, as cats are, so I am careful not to make loud noises or stomp around. I am attentive to changes in cats’ behavior and/or physical condition and have advised owners when I think there might be an issue that should be addressed with their veterinarian. Because they need mental stimulation, I look for ways to provide that, even if it is as simple as rotating out their toys. While you are out of town, I will do my best to be the fun (yet responsible!) aunt who comes to visit.

- Rene