With 25+ years of cat care experience, I'm knowledgeable about a wide range of cat issues and bring this depth of knowledge to all my cat interactions. I'm an animal advocate who cares deeply about ensuring animals get the best care possible. What does this mean for you? I will be extremely attentive to your cat's unique needs and preferences. • I have a Master of Social Work degree with a focus on human-animal relationships. • I spend a minimum of 40 minutes with your cat(s) at each "30-min" visit. • I bring in mail, water plants, and adjust shades & lights upon request. • I don't accept tips – you'll know upfront how much you'll be paying when you book with me. Experience My cat experience began with caring for my own cats as well as cats of friends, family, and neighbors. Through my volunteer work, I developed a special interest in cats who need extra care, including cats who have experienced trauma and senior cats with health challenges. I’ve cared for cats at The Humane Society of Greater Akron (Ohio) and the Fort Collins Cat Rescue & Spay/Neuter Clinic (Colorado). I also have experience doing community cat care (Trap-Neuter-Return) with Northern Colorado Friends of Ferals. From 2017–2018, I worked for the largest companion animal welfare organization in Asia—Soi Dog Foundation—located in Thailand. While there, I regularly spent time with cats receiving treatment in the on-site cat hospital. That’s where I met my current cat, who is totally blind. In 2019, I began offering professional cat sitting services in California. Now I’m excited to provide cat sitting services in the Seacoast, having moved here in early 2023 to be near family. Education My interest in animal welfare prompted me to pursue and earn a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver in 2014. I tailored my coursework to focus on intersections of human and animal welfare. I love learning and I’m committed to ongoing cat education. I've attended Colorado State University's Cat Care Conference and completed the University of Edinburgh’s Animal Behavior and Welfare course. In June 2023, I received training and was certified in Cat First Aid & CPCR from the Pet Safety Crusader. Strengths I bring to cat caretaking include: • Familiarity with common temperament and behavioral issues related to stress, including change in routine (e.g., family being away from home), fearfulness, and shyness. • Comfort administering medication. In addition to oral medicine (pills and liquids), I have experience giving subcutaneous fluids, as well as insulin and anti-seizure injections. • Comfort with special needs. I’ve cared for cats with anxiety, arthritis, cancer, chronic upper respiratory infections, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, gastrointestinal issues, and kidney failure. I've also cared for three-legged cats, cats with ataxia, and cats that are blind. • Attention to detail. I will notify you of any behavioral changes in your cat(s). I will follow your instructions carefully, and you will receive detailed updates and clear photos at each visit. It's important to me that you feel totally at ease while you're away. • Cleanliness. I will keep your cat’s living spaces as clean as possible. This includes regularly washing food and water bowls, sweeping up litter, and putting away wand and/or string toys after playtime.