I’ve been living with my roommate’s cat, Leo, for over a year and a half, and it’s been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. In that time, I’ve developed a deep understanding of feline behavior. I have learned when to give space and when to invite closeness. Since then, I have taken care of several cats while their owners are away. In some instances where there were two cats in the same house, I was able to identify exactly how much time and attention each one needed. I visited twice a day, feeding them, cleaning out cat litters, refilling water, playing with them, and cleaning up. I was able to recognize that even in the same setting, one cat preferred having more physical contact, whereas, the other one loved chasing shadows. In another instance, I was taking care of cats that refused to come out of their hiding at first, but in a few days' time, started becoming more comfortable. Initially to build trust, I try to sit with them, let them approach at their own pace, and offer a hand (and the occasional nose boop!) once they are ready. As a graduate student working with animals, I've been trained to be detail oriented, observant, and maintaining the best hygiene. I work well with people and love learning, so I am extremely open to learn whatever you can teach me about your cat. More importantly, I treat every cat with empathy, respect and love—just as I would my own!