So, many know I got married last weekend. Leading up to it, Tom and I were very concerned about who was going to watch out two kitties. Since we got the 2nd cat, more than several years ago, we have not been on a proper vacation at all. Plus a few weeks back I learned of a very sad story from someone I follow who had one of her cats pass away while she was on vacation. Had hired a professional sitter from a well known local company and well, he dropped the ball and something terrible happened. So this became my greater fear. I wanted someone who we know well, and we weren't about to board them since there aren't very good facilities in my area (even our vet's boarding is dismal looking for cats).
We interviewed one sitter but wasn't overly impressed. We felt he wouldn't give quite the amount of attention our cats need since Casper has kidney disease. His appetite at times is poor, and he sometimes throws up rather unpredictably of course.
Tom suggested his two "besties", who he met at college, to watch them. Young women, in their early 20's. I met them some weeks back and was quite impressed with both of them (they are a couple). Both of them still live at home and we offered them our home for the 2 nights we intended to be gone, with pay of course, so that they could actually be home with the cats.
Well, it could not have gone better. The girl who was mostly in charge grew up with cats so she was quite well versed in their care. She understood about Casper's eating problems, and potential barfing and didn't seem too fazed. She understood that Cocoa might not want to be handled too much at first but once she got comfortable would be fine. Her partner, never had a cat but was interested in learning about them - she's quite the intellectual so from a behavioral standpoint she was fascinated by the prospect of a couple of days of hanging out analyzing them LOL.
We got a few updates while away, photos of the kitties obviously enjoying their company. The cats even slept with them! It doesn't get any better. Everything went great, they were very careful about making sure they weren't near by the door when coming and going, and enjoyed staying in our home as it was almost like a small vacation for them too. They were clean as can be, made the bed before leaving, wrapped up their garbage, cleaned up the kitchen. Seriously, mature behavior from them.
Best was the girl who never had a cat said she now wants one!
We were both so relieved and happy it worked out for all of us, cats included. Perhaps we can now plan a longer trip for the future, knowing we have 2 very competent people to watch Casper and Cocoabean
We interviewed one sitter but wasn't overly impressed. We felt he wouldn't give quite the amount of attention our cats need since Casper has kidney disease. His appetite at times is poor, and he sometimes throws up rather unpredictably of course.
Tom suggested his two "besties", who he met at college, to watch them. Young women, in their early 20's. I met them some weeks back and was quite impressed with both of them (they are a couple). Both of them still live at home and we offered them our home for the 2 nights we intended to be gone, with pay of course, so that they could actually be home with the cats.
Well, it could not have gone better. The girl who was mostly in charge grew up with cats so she was quite well versed in their care. She understood about Casper's eating problems, and potential barfing and didn't seem too fazed. She understood that Cocoa might not want to be handled too much at first but once she got comfortable would be fine. Her partner, never had a cat but was interested in learning about them - she's quite the intellectual so from a behavioral standpoint she was fascinated by the prospect of a couple of days of hanging out analyzing them LOL.
We got a few updates while away, photos of the kitties obviously enjoying their company. The cats even slept with them! It doesn't get any better. Everything went great, they were very careful about making sure they weren't near by the door when coming and going, and enjoyed staying in our home as it was almost like a small vacation for them too. They were clean as can be, made the bed before leaving, wrapped up their garbage, cleaned up the kitchen. Seriously, mature behavior from them.
Best was the girl who never had a cat said she now wants one!
We were both so relieved and happy it worked out for all of us, cats included. Perhaps we can now plan a longer trip for the future, knowing we have 2 very competent people to watch Casper and Cocoabean
Definitely have to plan the next trip knowing you can rest assured your cats are in good hands.
