Adventures in Cat-Sitting

A little history first.

When I was young, in Jr. High and High School, I used to pet-sit for our neighbors pets.  Sometimes it was just one cat or one dog, but often it was for our 'back-door' neighbors who had a few cats and dogs.  The time I remember most was when both dogs and the 2 female cats had litters at about the same time... wow!  Unfortunately some of the tiny kittens died because their 'not much more than a kitten herself' mom abandoned them and I could not find them until it was too late.  Boy did that upset me!

But the puppies... lots and lots of puppies!  One mom was a Wiemeraner (sp?) and the other was a Border Collie.  I remember naming them while the family was away.  I think their vacation was 2 weeks, but that was a looooooong time ago.  They were so cute!  And they'd just all climb all over me when I'd sit on the floor!  I loved it!

In my adult life, I have had only cats... I'd love to have a dog, but I don't have the time to make sure it gets regular walking and is taken out for potty time.  Cats are a little more self-sufficient - most of the time...

Rocky & Sophie hanging out on the spiral staircase

A couple of months ago, my friend Frankie & I were talking.  She had just gotten a second Rag-doll Cat - Rocky.  He had JUST joined their family, and they were headed out of town for a couple of weeks.  So, I agreed to house & cat sit for 16 days.  It was WONDERFUL!  Both Rocky and their other Rag-doll Sophie were a joy to spend time with.  And the lake-front house was like a mini-vacation.  If only I had my fishing license and rod & reel at that time, I could have practiced casting off their dock!

The view from the house

Flash forward a couple more weeks and my friend Lisa, here in town had seen my mention of cat-sitting on my Facebook page and asked if I had done it just as a favor, or if I was open to doing it again.  And, as a lover of cats & dogs, I said I would be glad to help her out if needed.

This time I am just cat-sitting, not house-sitting as well.  And the cutie I am sitting for is also named Sophie.  She is a beautiful short-hair white cat with beautiful green eyes!  She greets me with meows at the front door and loves to give kitty-kisses.  She sure misses her mom... this is the longest her mom has been away from her...

Sophie misses her mom

I miss my Max, he was my own sweetie.  But he has been gone now for over 3 1/2 years.  He lived a long life and kept me company through some good times and some bad times.  If my life weren't so crazy, I'd adopt another cat.  But I don't have the time to give one the time and attention it needs... though some day, things may be different.

And, who knows, maybe some day I'll get a dog... you never know...

My Max...

In the meantime, I am glad to help care for my friends furry families while they are away.