Hello!

Welcome to Cat Sitter. I cover a large rural area encompassing northwest Essex, south Cambridge and west Suffolk.

Background

After founding a successful local cat rescue charity; Toe Beans Cat Rescue, I realised my full potential could be put to business use. Set up during the tier system of lockdown, my specialised skills and diverse experience were tested not simply on caring for cats in stressful situations, but also dealing with people.

Experience

My previous animal related experience has been mainly charitable, through conservation work (more info in Other Details tab) and more specifically as a foster carer, trapper and online marketer with Friends of Felines, a kennel hand at Jaybeth's and a dog foster carer with Mutts in Distress over 25 years ago!

"So why cats?" Well, I've always had cats and have often been called upon by family and friends to care for their feline overlords, but it was whilst caring for foster cats that I realised my calling was to care for cats specifically (although I am insured for dog walking too).

In previous employment I have been a keyholder for the premises eg primary school, nursery and forecourt roles. I know that site security is paramount to business and will have the same attitude to your home. Confidentiality has been a key part of my employment too, so your secrets are safe with me ;)

Qualifications & DBS

My qualifications include a Level 3 Diploma in Animal Behaviour, Level 4 Vet Consult Assistant, BSc Conservation & Environment and MSc Animal Welfare & Conservation.

But I also have qualifications in childcare because I worked with children in primary schools and nurseries. Due to this I have had many DBS checks over my working career. I even have one for this job (please do ask to see my certificate).

Services

The basic pop-in service lasts between 30-45 minutes. Within that time I clean and refill food bowls, water bowls and litter trays and more eg spending time with your cat(s) playing, checking them over and making sure their collars fit correctly.

I know that many cats miss human companionship during the day. This became more evident when lockdown restrictions were lifted and people returned to the office for work. If your cat is comfortable with me then I will play with them and generally spend time with them.

During my time fostering cats I was taught how to administer various medicines eg giving diabetic injections, administering eye drops and pain relief, and I'm qualified in microchipping cats (I do not offer this service).

Work Ethos

Have moral standards and professional conduct as expected in the workplace.
Do everything to the best of my ability using acquired experience and knowledge.
Arriving on time, taking designated breaks and giving notice of holiday requests.
Communicating the right information to the right people in a professional manner.
Confidentiality at all times.

Core Values

Honesty and trustworthiness
Kindness and caring attitude
Professionalism and respect

Quirky Fact

The name Cat Sitter was used in my business plan when I was drafting. It kind of stuck.

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