5.0

I'm retired so am readily available as a cat minder to fit in with both your, and your cat's needs anywhere in Central and Greater London areas. I have loved and lived with a variety of cats (all rescues) over many years. They have now all gone over the Rainbow Bridge (the last three at ages 17.5, 18 and 22.5 years). I take a great interest in supporting the emotional and physical welbeing of all cats. While living in Sicily, I volunteered with felina-sicily.org, a super organisation which aims to reduce the number of abused, stray, abandoned and feral cats in various colonies, get them extensive veterinary care, and improve their health through vaccination, Trap Neuter Release (& fostering or finding forever homes, where possible). Where post-surgery care was needed, (not provided by ANY Sicilian Vets!) I nursed them in my home until they were fully recovered and ready to be released, either back into their colony, or to adopting humans. This has given me a lot of experience as a cat carer for a range of cat personalities from terrified, apprehensive, shy, frightened, aggressive and timid, through to confident, bouncy and friendly kittens and adult cats. I believe in nurturing each cat's personality and needs through fun, creative play and careful, gentle and respectful interaction. I make and bring a variety of interactive toys to each session for their enrichment and stimulation. I offer gentle grooming with Resco® professional tools, and am aware of superior, natural dietary foods to improve the cat's condition. When necessary, (e.g. if cats have had 'accidents' or when their fur is coated in unwanted substances), I have many years of experience in gently bathing them with safe, natural organic products. Stress-free claw clipping (front paws only) is offered free of charge solely by owner's request and consent. "The Natural Cat: The Comprehensive Guide to Optimum Care" book by Anitra Frazier and Norma Eckroate (ISBN 9780452289758) is my 'bible'. Following her recommendations I significantly improved my own as well as the feral cats' physical and emotional health. This truly comprehensive book is an invaluable treasure of information for all cat owners and well worth acquiring: you won't regret it, and will wonder how you ever got along without it. Want to know why your cat behaves in certain ways? I've just been introduced to an exciting new book which has increased my knowledge of cat behaviour. I recommend this wholeheartedly to all cat owners: "Decoding your cat: the ultimate experts explain common cat behaviors and reveal how to prevent or change unwanted ones" The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, edited by Meghan E Herron, Debra F Horwitz and Carlo Siracusa. (ISBN 9780358566045) My personal experience in past years of having my cats cared for by cat sitters and catteries has convinced me that personal care in their homes is by far the best for cats' happiness when their human has to be away for a period. I respect that humans and their cats have routines and likes and dislikes so I scrupulously follow owners' instructions to ensure minimal disruption in the cats' lives. I give continual feedback and news to cats' humans while they are away from home. My visits with each cat sit client are a minimum of one hour in duration so that they and I can get to know each other in a relaxed setting without pressure of time. Where I don't have other bookings on the same day, I often extend the duration to two or three hours at no extra cost. Apart from conversing with each cat, I have a repertoire of 323 songs in English, French and Afrikaans that I sing to my cats, tell them stories, and also recite dozens of nursery rhymes. Sounds crazy, but they like the rhythm, even though I'm not a great singer, so we're all happy. Some meow along, some come close and some sit on my lap. To date, none has retreated in horror or disdain. Playlist available by request! When it's too hot to exercise the cats with play, so they don't overheat, I entertain them with Cat TV videos of fish, birds, squirrels, mice, chipmunks, etc. for a short while. Great fun - many circle the laptop to 'find' the animals featured. To relieve the silence when I'm not there, I play Classic FM quietly on my portable radio. I also play them cat-designed music composed and performed by David Teie. Regretfully, I do not accept bookings for cats with Diabetes Mellitus. As an experienced organic gardener, I am more than happy to water your indoor and outdoor plants. N.B. I send texts and emails with updates during the catsit, with photos and videos attached. If for some reason (e.g. if I am out of range of a Wi-Fi signal), or can't answer the call immediately, please either send me an SMS, or call back later. I will always get back to you! I am also happy to travel into and out of the city as well as the two other catchment areas wherever public transport is available. I am an experienced and careful driver, (I have a clean licence) but don't have a car.