Responsible, reliable cat-visitor sought

[leafshimmer.livejournal.com]

Dear Davis Square,

Can anyone recommend a reliable (and, if that's not the impossible dream) reasonably priced pet-sitter? I am going to be out of town from the 24th through the 28th, and I need a responsible individual to come in, give kitty fresh food and water, and change her litterbox if possible. (Pet sitters may refuse to change litterboxes--I admit I'm on terra incognita here.)

I'm about to go looking on Craigs List, but thought I would inquire if any of you have recommendations. Thanks and may your holidaze be tranquil (or a wild blitz of nonstop crazy fun 'n' games, if that's your trip).

Comments

[in-water-writ.livejournal.com]

I personally don't think it's unreasonable to request at least cleaning the litterbox. It's something I've always done when I cat-sit; kitties deserve to have their toilets flushed too! I've never emptied the litterbox entirely and filled it with brand-new litter, though. Unfortunately, I'll also be out of town during that time, or I would offer!

[oneagain.livejournal.com]

This. I was going to write something almost identical to this. It's enough that the cat is going to be without her person, no need to add insult to injury.

[thapsychlone.livejournal.com]

I just sent you a message.

[dphilli1.livejournal.com]

kerry from Pawsitive Pleasures might be able do it -- she mostly does the Medford area, but an email won't hurt.

ffpaws@gmail.com

[genevra-mcneil.livejournal.com]

I dont' know if she's still in business, but I can't say enough good things about the ladies at Cat Happiness ((781) 322-6075). I had a cat who was really a one-woman cat and had a tendancy to attack other women (previous abuse) but Cathy was awesome with him and won him over very quickly. Her daugher, who also takes care of cats, we similarly awesome. She cleans litter boxes, feeds, and administers medication, including insulin, if that's what you need. The only reason we haven't used her in a year is because our cat died.

However, I will tell you that most reliable, good cat professional cat sitters are going to be booked up over that period. I used to book Cathy in October for our holiday trips.

[clevernonsense.livejournal.com]

porter square vet referred me to someone once, but i ended up finding a friend in time. it was something like $30/day, but included 1 hour of time playing with the critters, cleaning all their messes, and making sure they are fed.

[sparkgrrl658.livejournal.com]

hi, i pet and house sit and am actually currently doing so over in arlington by the theater. i'd be happy to add your kitty to the mix as well. i charge $20 per visit.

i typically scoop litterboxes once a day and add some fresh litter each time, but can do a full change before you come home if you want.

if you're interested, email me at shh[dot]designs[at]gmail :) i do have happy customers to back me up!

In Praise of Pets

[ellenita.livejournal.com]

My fabulous friend Miranda is a pet sitter and has a pet sitting business. She works at City Cats in Arlington so also knows a bit about cat health. Unlike some other sitters, she sticks around and cuddles with your cat if that's what the cat is wanting. She definitely does litter boxes. She lives in Arlington.
Here's her website: http://inpraiseofpets.wordpress.com/

Re: In Praise of Pets

[upsidown.livejournal.com]

I second this-- Miranda is great!

[jenskot.livejournal.com]

Darn, if I still lived in the area I'd be happy to sit - I have great references and do so love kitties! :) But I just wanted to add that whoever you go with should definitely change the litter (no reason not to, won't be gross if they come every day), and have at least 1 reference to make sure they're the type of person to really come every day and not skip out - sometimes people can get lazy with self-reliant cats, but it's not good if kitty knocks the bowl and runs out of water. :(

[leafshimmer.livejournal.com]

Many thanks for these excellent suggestions and recommendations. I have an individual tentatively lined up to take care of kitty while I am away, but if it fails to work out, I will gratefully turn to what you have offered here. Many thanks!

[veronique4.livejournal.com]

I have been using Peg Evans, owner of Peg's Cat Care, for eleven years (and have recommended her to several friends who have also loved her). She can administer meds, is extremely reliable and knowledgable, always goes the extra mile to make our cats happy. And, her fees are very reasonable. If you want her number, just contact me. I'd rather not do a general posting.