Jay A.
Jay A.
Contact for Drop-In Visits
from $20 per visit
Highlights
Pet care experience
Helping anxious cat parents relax
People tend to assume that cats can just be left alone with an automatic pet feeder for days on end, but research these days shows cats thrive most with engaged play and regular social interaction with humans. They get separation anxiety and need reassurance the same way dogs do. For that reason, I choose to specialize in watching cats. I'm trained to administer both oral (pill and liquid) and sub-q injected medications and am comfortable taking on emergency vet visits in addition to watching, playing with, feeding, and just generally caring for pets from kittens to elders. And as a cat parent who knows separation anxiety, I will send tons of photos of your babies and be in regular communication to make sure you're able to relax while away from them. While I specialize in caring for cats, especially those who are elderly and disabled, I'm more than happy to take on clients who have dog siblings under fifty pounds. I worked as an in-home dog sitter for several years in Chicago, serving busy clients whose dogs needed attention while they were away. While I love dogs, I'm not a good fit for single or multiple large dogs who need a lot of activity. Basically, I'm like you: I want your pet to be safe, comfortable, and cared for with someone they can come to trust. A little about me as a person (since that's something I like to know when choosing a pet sitter!) - I'm 27, cat sit as my main job, and am obsessed with cats in general (as you could probably tell). I took about a year off cat sitting after losing my soul cat in March 2024, but I am truly so happy to be spending time with cats again as they’re so special to me. I'm happy to answer any questions you have about me as well. As for my calendar, I try to keep things updated but assume I am free unless it's specifically marked as unavailable! Safety & security are always going to be my top priority. I will actively communicate with you about your pet's routine, asking questions to ensure I'll care for them exactly as you would. Plus, I want to know any quirks of your building/home including plant care and random needs you may have. I'm happy to be a house sitter as much as a cat sitter to make sure you don't have a thing to worry about while you're away, no matter why you're traveling or out of the home. **If you feel I would be a good fit but are in need of financial assistance, please reach out to me regardless. I am currently able to take on a limited number of clients in difficult financial situations who need accommodation.** Also: As a cat specialist, I only offer drop-in visits of either thirty minutes or one hour. While owners may want think they want someone to dote on their cats 24/7 with overnights, it’s actually best for cats to have alone time in their safe environment as their anxiety is naturally higher while their parents are away. Consistent, reliable drop-ins allow the pets to warm up to the sitter on their own terms without having to feel they need to be scared of a stranger in their safe space. Cats like to feel in charge and not like someone else is trying to encroach, and drop-ins are the best way to ensure that.
Cat care experience
Jay also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Pets
Safety, trust & environment
When it comes to animals, I believe it's key to come from an approach of cooperative care and meeting the pet where they are. If your pet needs to hide to feel safe, that's okay. If they're super social and want to come snuggle, that's okay too. I prioritize the safety and comfort of each individual animal to ensure that their time away from their parents is as stress-free as possible, whatever that means for them. During drop-ins, I'll follow whatever routine you've already established for your cats from feeding to medication to playtime. I typically schedule a meet-and-greet to get a feel for both you and your pets in the days before you head out and to make sure I have all your information.
Ratings and reviews
Jay was absolutely fantastic, I genuinely don't think I could have had anyone better watching my babies. I was incredibly nervous to leave all my little guys with someone new, but the daily updates on how everyone was doing and the pictures they sent were incredibly reassuring. They were very patient with everyone ranging from a velco kitty, a chaotic orange, and even my very timid little man. They were diligent and followed even what probably sounded like very silly rules seriously. I could not recommend them more. Amazing job.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ JAY IS AN ABSOLUTE LEGEND. 💙 This was our first time leaving our four cats in someone else’s care, and as anxious cat parents, we were honestly nervous. The moment we met Jay, we knew our babies were in good hands—and somehow they exceeded every expectation we had. Not only did they take incredible care of Artemis, Luna, Gunther, and Tails, but they genuinely spent time with them, got to know their personalities, and kept us updated throughout our trip. We never once had to wonder if our cats were okay because Jay treated them like family. What really impressed us was their attention to detail. They noticed a possible issue with Artemis’s back/spine and took the time to mention it to us so we could bring it up at his next vet visit. That level of care goes far beyond simply showing up to feed pets—it’s the kind of attentiveness that every pet parent hopes for but rarely finds. Our trip itself was chaotic and stressful, but the one thing we never had to worry about was our cats. That peace of mind was priceless. If you’re looking for someone trustworthy, communicative, compassionate, observant, and genuinely passionate about animals, stop scrolling and book Jay immediately. We’ll absolutely be booking with them again. In fact, I think our cats might be disappointed when it’s us walking through the door next time instead of Jay. 😂 Thank you for loving our babies like they were your own. We are endlessly grateful. 🌈🐱💙
Jay kindly fit us in on a short notice. We needed someone who we could trust with our old, senile and finicky cat. Jay was the best we could have asked for! She was great at communicating and provided lots of pictures so we could enjoy our weekend away.
Amazing with my cat! Jay was able to save me last minute when another sitter fell through. I’m so appreciative!
really cannot imagine a better cat sitter 🙏 very very communicative
Jay is seriously the best. I love how much care she takes into finding my kitties and making sure they get the right amount of a play and attention. I also love her updates. She is hilarious! She is definitely my number one go to. ❤️
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
Currently pet sitting is my main job as I’m a at-home caregiver for my mother, which means I’m fortunate enough to make most schedules and routines work for your pets and for me. When I have other clients besides yours, I always make sure to be communicative about times and flexibility in order to make sure you’re completely comfortable.