Gretchen A.
Gretchen A.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Professional Cat Lady
Since 2018, I have had the honor of visiting many majestic and fun feline family members while their human parents are traveling. I have spent most of my working life selling home furnishings to Interior designers and started cat sitting as a fun way to make money while I transition my career into a different field, but it has turned into my full-time passion and primary source of income. I also work as a travel advisor which is a great complement to my cat sitting since I set my own hours, etc, and my days are filled with the two things I love most: spending time with cats and talking about/planning travel! I grew up with cats and have had a life-long infatuation with them. I also have experience with bird care and well-behaved small dogs. NOTE: I am accepting new cat requests on the West Side approximately south of 68th street and north of 42nd street, (I am at 52nd and 9th) At this point in my "professional cat lady" life, I consider myself to be an expert on all things related to cat litter and boxes. I keep my opinions to myself, but please let me know if you are interested in any suggestions.
Qualifications
Pets
Safety, trust & environment
I wash my hands constantly during visits. It is helpful to me if you leave a kitchen or hand towel for me to use, but I also bring my own. If you have recently adopted a young purebred cat, please confirm if your kitten was tested for FCOV. In general, I take my shoes off at most of the homes I visit. Because young purebreds are susceptible to developing FIP, I will want to wear socks that will only be worn in your home since I am around a lot of cat boxes and the FCOV is very contagious as the virus sheds through fecal matter and cats often like to smell the other cats on my socks. Sometimes I will also wear disposable booties over my shoes, (I reuse the pair only in your home). I am happy to do the same for non-purebred older cats, too. The Cat Health Center at the Veterinary School at Cornell is currently researching FCOV/FIP and offers good information if you would like to learn more about this. I will look out for poisonous flowers - mainly daffodils, tulips, and lilies. I am ok with and cameras you place around your home, (maybe not the bathroom, LOL).
Ratings and reviews
Gretchen is trustworthy and attentive whenever we go away, and is very helpful with updates each visit. Thank you!
Gretchen is hands down the best cat sitter we’ve ever had! Our cats are notorious for being tough to engage, but she worked absolute magic with them. She went above and beyond every single day figuring out what they liked, staying well past the booked time just to make sure they got quality playtime, and sending tons of wonderful photos and videos that gave us total peace of mind. She kept everything spotless, was super communicative, and made our trip much easier. It’s rare to find someone who genuinely cares this much. We cannot recommend her enough and will definitely be booking her again!
Gretchen was excellent with my kitty and very attentive with him and his needs. Would definitely rebook.
As always, Gretchen took care of my babies with so much care and love that I didn't have to worry when I was away.
Gretchen did a great job taking care of my energetic kitty. I will be happy to book her again.
As always, Gretchen took fabulous care of our boy Kevin. We appreciate so much how she accommodates his neediness and preferences to make sure he is happy while we’re gone.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I am available for drop-in visits every day and consolidate my weekends into two-month-long breaks, (taken during the Spring and Fall). In general, it is challenging for me to visit your cat at an exact time of day. I schedule visits in a 2- hr window, but may need more flexibility during peak holidays. If your cat requires insulin shots or medication at a specific time, I can see if I can accommodate the dates requested.
- Cats0 to 15 lbs16 to 40 lbsGretchen can host up to 8 drop-ins per day
- I love learning all about your cat! Notes are always appreciated, but I also can learn about your cat during a meet and greet before the booking is confirmed. This is also a great opportunity for us to make sure we are the right fit as humans.