Gretchen A.
New York, NY
Gretchen A. has Star Sitter status
The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.
Professional Cat Lady
Pet care experience
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.
Reviews
Gretchen was reliable as always!! She is very nice, always keeps me informed and sends the best pictures! You can tell that she really cares. So grateful!!
My cats are always in good hands with Gretchen! They’re so happy with their belly showing in picture updates that I appreciate getting while away from home. Thank you as always!
Gretchen was amazing. Really cares for your kitties - loved the videos of her playing with them.
Gretchen - thanks so much again for taking care of Mazie this week! She is in such good hands with you & I am always so at ease knowing you’re with her. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
About Gretchen A.
Communication
Skills
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).
Information Gretchen A. would like to know about your pet
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.
A typical day
I love to play with cats and consider it an essential part of care. While some cats are extreme athletes, I know other cats may just like to watch a laser dot on the ceiling. I customize the play experience to the individual cat. I will pet and brush them if they are into that. My lap is always available to lap cats. I respect that some cats a very cautious and may not want to interact much. Sometimes those cats come out from under the bed or sofa within a couple of days, but there have been occasions when the cat has hidden the entire time. I figure that my presence gives them the opportunity to ignore someone, LOL. Photoshoots of your cat are always a major part of visits. Sometimes I do not get reception in buildings, so it is often helpful to have access to WiFi so I can send them to you in real-time.
Services
Gretchen can watch in your home
Availability
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.
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About Gretchen A.
Communication
Skills
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).
Information Gretchen A. would like to know about your pet
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.
A typical day
I love to play with cats and consider it an essential part of care. While some cats are extreme athletes, I know other cats may just like to watch a laser dot on the ceiling. I customize the play experience to the individual cat. I will pet and brush them if they are into that. My lap is always available to lap cats. I respect that some cats a very cautious and may not want to interact much. Sometimes those cats come out from under the bed or sofa within a couple of days, but there have been occasions when the cat has hidden the entire time. I figure that my presence gives them the opportunity to ignore someone, LOL. Photoshoots of your cat are always a major part of visits. Sometimes I do not get reception in buildings, so it is often helpful to have access to WiFi so I can send them to you in real-time.
Location
New York, NY
Pets
Gretchen A.
New York, NY