Just like their human counterparts, pet​s experience anxiety and it comes in many ways resulting in uncommon behaviors such as ripping up furniture or defecating in strange places. They may also shut their self off to hide, become lethargic, or avoid eating. So, how can you help your best friend overcome their anxiety? First, you must know what causes anxiety in your pet.

What causes anxiety in pets
Interestingly, what causes anxiety in your pet is very similar to what may cause anxiety in you. Especially in dogs, one of the biggest anxiety concerns is separation. Dogs are inherently social animals and being alone or even being left with a caregiver can result in a variety of “acting out” forms of anxiety.

Environmental changes such as moving into a new home can be difficult for pets such as cats who are uncomfortable with change once they are set in their environment. Other environmental changes such as noise and even thunderstorms can result in fear or panic. It shouldn’t surprise you that in these events your cat will likely want to be near you for protection.

Illness and age can also play a role. Common pet illnesses are hypothyroidism, Encephalitis, hearing of vision loss, and Thyrotoxicosis. These illnesses can either concern your cat who won’t understand the changes or may affect your cat’s disposition due to hormonal imbalances.

Here are three ways to assuage your cat’s anxiety regardless of cause.

Read the situation
While some cats are easier than others when it initially comes to reading the situation, over time you should be able to identify behaviors related to your pet’s concerns. Being able to read the situation will help you find treatments to reduce your cat’s stress. For example, if your cat is not comfortable with their food, you may need to change the food. If your pet is ripping up furniture, that may mean your cat is uncomfortable being alone. If your cat whines or meows at night, they may need the comfort of being in your bed or at least the same room.

Exercise
Exercise is beneficial for so many reasons, and reducing anxiety is one of them. For starters, exercise stimulates the release of serotonin which is a chemical produced in both humans and pets that helps to make the body feel good as well as ease the mind. Exercise also helps reduce anxiety by expending energy which in turn reduces stress.

Sleep with your pet
Sleeping with your pet may not only reduce your cat’s anxiety, but research shows it may help you get better sleep too. Sleeping with your cat provides warmth, comfort, and love. These three components are also what both people and pets crave most when it comes to overcoming anxiety and depression. The bond created while sleeping with your cat is a great way to develop security for both you and your pet.

Anxiety in pets is not all too different from the anxiety you might feel. Remember, that a cat who is “acting out” may actually be looking for love and affirmation. To help reduce your cat's anxiety you need to know how to read the situation, exercise and play with your cat, and cuddle up whenever possible.

This article was written by our friend Krista Harper.

Redfin and Trupanion Name the 25 Most Cat-Friendly Cities of 2019


Feline fans rejoice: every day can be #Caturday if you live in one of the following 25 most cat-friendly cities for 2019, ranked based on data from Redfin, the tech-powered real estate brokerage, and Trupanion, a leader in high-quality medical insurance for pets.

Corvallis, OR; Spokane, WA; and Orlando, FL claimed the top three spots in a study looking at 250 cities nationwide.
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To determine the ranking, Trupanion analyzed its data on access to cat-specific services such as clinics, shelters and hospitals, as well as environmental hazards like sago palm, a tropical plant that is poisonous to cats. Redfin calculated the percentage of homes for sale with cat-friendly features such as high ceilings for room to climb, an extra bathroom for additional litter-box options, and patios for those who’d like to utilize them as “catios.” Yes, that’s a patio for cats.  To read the full article and to see where other cities ranked. please click here
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• 1. Adopting a Cat
  • 1.1. Be Picky About the Shelter
  • 1.2. What to Buy Before Adopting a Cat
  • 1.3. How to Tell How Old a Cat Is
  • 1.4. When are Cats Fully Grown
  • 1.5 How to Get a Cat to Like You
• 2.  Natural Behavior of Cats
• 3. Assessing Your New Cat and Other Pets Behavior
• 4. How to Deal with Aggressive Cats
  • 4.1. How to Calm Down an Aggressive Cat
  • 4.2. Understanding Cat’s Body Language
  • 4.3. Spending Time with Your Cat
  • 4.4. Ask for professional Support
• 5. Jackson Galaxy’s Way to Introduce Your New Cat to the Other Cat
  • 5.1. Setting up a basecamp
  • 5.2. Other Side of the Door Feeding
  • 5.3. Introducing the Two
  • 5.4. Play Together with Both Cats
  • 5.5. Warning Signs when Introducing Cats and Resolving the Conflict
• 6. Introducing New Cat to the Resident Dog
  • 6.1. Pet’s State of Mind
  • 6.2. Setting Up a Safe Haven
  • 6.3. Introduction
  • 6.4. Reward for Calmness
  • 6.5. Play together with Both Cat and Dog
  • 6.6. Resolving Conflict
• 7.    Conclusion

Article submitted by our friend Lily Clark
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You’ve finally taken the plunge and adopted yourself a new cat. It’s both exciting and a little intimidating because for every sweet story you hear about a cat’s behavior, you may have heard a horror story as well.

It may feel like a lot of pressure to suddenly take on this responsibility. How much food and water should the cat get? Where should you put its bed? Is it going to scratch everything in its path? These are all reasonable things to consider when bringing home your new cat, but take comfort in knowing there are small things you can do to ensure you have a nice, well-behaved pet. Here are some tips to help make that happen.

1. Learn How To Groom Your Cat Safely
Unlike other animals, cats typically aren’t fond of baths. Cats are really great at keeping themselves clean—in fact, they’re kind of neat freaks. Still, you’ll want to have some basic items around the house to help your cat stay as clean as possible, such as a brush/comb, nail trimmers, and teeth cleaning kits. If you find your kitty won’t tolerate your grooming, take it to the vet and see if they can give you pointers or schedule an appointment at a local grooming facility.

While kittens have a reputation for being little curious yet adorable pets, as a new owner, you might be amazed by just how much time they spend sleeping. You will be shocked to know that much like their ancestors, these feline creatures, especially in their younger stages can spend nearly 20 hours  a day snoozing!

How much sleep is considered normal?
If you are a new pet owner, one important piece of advice to go by is that the younger the kitten, the more sleep that is required. A new-born cat will spend up to 90% of their day getting sleep while as it grows older, this duration gradually reduces.
This makes it nearly 22 hours of a new-born’s day. However even at around six months of age, they would still continue getting around 16 to 20 hours of shuteye!

What is the reason behind their prolonged hours of sleep?
While it may seem that your new pet is taking a lot of time off, the truth is far from it. When the kitten is asleep, it’s body is in full work mode. Development of the brain and the central nervous systems are dependent on these frequent periods of sleep.
The time spent napping helps to strengthen the muscles that give this species the athleticism it is known for. Additionally, cat naps help in keeping the immune system efficient and running in top shape. Without it, the feline is likely to grow irritable and stands at higher risk of illness and infection. 

This kind of extensive sleep pattern has evolutionary roots. Like its feline ancestors in theAfrican plains, these cats too have some of its genetic traits still intact. They slept for most of the day and hunted for short periods of time to conserve energy.
Your kitten’s sleep patterns are reflective of this. As wild cat cubs, sleeping would keep these defenseless beings quiet and away from any lurking predators.

Pets are part of the family and, although your furry family members may lead pretty simple lives, animals can still get sick or hurt. Your pet could face many different health challenges, from needing hip surgery to deal with joint issues to swallowing a squeaky toy and requiring emergency pet care. And the costs of these issues can quickly become expensive for owners.

For pet parents looking for a way to protect themselves financially, buying pet insurance could be a good option. High-quality pet insurance companies with comprehensive policies will cover most of the medical issues your animal faces so you don’t have to empty your wallet if your pet experiences illness or injury. Unfortunately, these pet insurance policies do have some limitations — and one of those limitations focuses on pre-existing conditions.
Although some policies do provide at least some coverage for pre-existing conditions, finding pet insurance for pre-existing conditions can be difficult. Here’s what you need to know about your coverage options in these complicated situations.
On this page:

• What is a Pre-Existing Condition?
• Does Pet Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
• Pet Insurance That Covers Pre-Existing Conditions
• Should I Get Pet Insurance if My Pet Has Pre-Existing Conditions?​

What is a Pre-Existing Condition?
A pre-existing condition is any medical issue your pet has already developed before the policy waiting period has passed — even if you don’t notice the condition until later.
Read More: Pet insurance with no waiting period
For example, if your pet has had a heart murmur since age 3 and you don’t buy a pet insurance policy until age 5, generally anything related to your pet’s heart would be considered a pre-existing condition. So, if it turns out your pet’s murmur is an indicator of heart disease and your pet has an enlarged heart and needs costly medications, your pet’s condition would be classified as a pre-existing condition even if you simply thought your animal had a murmur and no other problems.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
Thanks to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (more commonly known as Obamacare), insurance policies sold to humans cannot exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions. However, there is no such regulation in place for pet insurance policies.As a result, there’s essentially no pet insurance provider that will provide broad coverage for pre-existing conditions. This makes sense because otherwise, you could wait until your pet gets sick with an expensive ailment and then go out and buy insurance coverage.

However, although insurers typically won’t pay for medical issues your pet had before you got covered, the specific coverage limitations can vary substantially from one policy to the next.Many pet insurers refuse to provide any coverage for a pet with pre-existing conditions, other than accident-only policies. Others, such as PetFirst, still allow you to insure your pet, but any health issues related to the pre-existing condition won’t be covered. Finally, some insurers are even more generous when it comes to providing coverage and will cover illnesses related to pre-existing conditions that can be cured if your animal has been symptom-free for a certain period of time.
Other Pet Health Issues That Aren’t CoveredIn addition to coverage exclusions for pre-existing conditions, there are other types of health issues that are often excluded from coverage, sometimes because there’s no cure for the condition.
Examples of situations where your pet may not be covered include:

• When treatment is considered experimental*
• If a condition is hereditary or genetic
• Treatment that is considered cosmetic
• Costs associated with breeding
• Procedures performed outside of the United States

Some pet insurance policies also exclude treatment for specific conditions such as cancer. However, better and more comprehensive policies will offer coverage even for costly health problems. For example, Complete Coverage from ASPCA carries a higher price tag but covers cancer and a variety of other serious medical issues for which you might not expect your pet insurance to pay.

*PetFirst is one company who covers some experimental and holistic treatments and medications for covered pets. These include things like acupuncture, chiropractic care, aqua therapy, and laser therapy.

Pet Insurance That Covers Pre-Existing Conditions
Although many pet insurers simply don’t want to give you a policy at all if your pet has a pre-existing condition, we’ve found some companies that carve out exceptions and allow you to buy a policy even when your animal is already sick. Here are some options pet owners should consider when seeking pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions.

Pet Assure
Pet Assure isn’t technically an insurance policy, so it doesn’t pay for part of the care your animal needs like an insurance policy would. Instead, it is a membership program that allows you to get discounts on pet care.
With Pet Assure, you can save 25% on in-house medical services, including office visits, diagnostic services, vaccines, dental cleanings, and specialty services such as surgeries. You’ll need to visit a participating veterinarian.
Pet Assure does not have any exclusions for animals with pre-existing conditions, so you can sign up your animal even if your pet has some serious chronic conditions. Becoming a member is affordable and enrolling your pet takes minutes. Just be sure there are participating vets in your area so you can benefit from the savings membership provides.
Learn More

Embrace
Unlike Pet Assure, Embrace actually is a pet insurance provider, which means you can buy a policy and get part of your care costs covered. Unlike many pet insurers, however, Embrace makes a distinction between pre-existing conditions that are curable and those that aren’t when reviewing your pet’s medical history.
If your pet has a curable condition and has not shown any symptoms of that condition for 12 months, your animal can be covered for that medical condition with Embrace pet insurance if a problem arises again in the future. For example, if your pet had kennel cough, has been symptom-free for two years, and gets kennel cough again after you have Embrace pet insurance, your pet should be covered for the diagnosis and treatment of this illness.
Learn More

Trupanion
Trupanion is another pet insurance plan that will provide coverage for animals that have had past health problems. When you get covered with Trupanion, the insurer looks for any condition of which your pet presented symptoms within the 18 months prior to the time you enrolled in coverage, as well as for any conditions of which your pet developed symptoms during the waiting period.
If your pet had an isolated illness more than 18 months prior, this wouldn’t be considered a pre-existing condition and your pet should be fully covered.

Conditions are not considered pre-existing with Trupanion if the claims specialist finds a “medical disconnect” between the prior health problem and the current health condition. The example Trupanion gives is if your dog sprained his knee before getting covered and then developed hip dysplasia after enrolling. Since there’s a medical disconnect between the knee injury and the hip dysplasia, the hip dysplasia isn’t considered pre-existing and would be covered.
Learn More

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

​I’ve always been strongly drawn to animals, especially cats. It all started with me fostering a pregnant cat named Snooks while I was in high school. She was shy and timid at first, but we quickly became close friends and it was such an amazing and eye opening experience to help raise all of her eventual kittens. After I managed to get them all adopted by loving families and Snooks went back to her original owner, I couldn’t help but miss them. But I also couldn’t wait to start again. It soon became a common sight seeing 5-6 cats/kittens scampering around my house.

Ever since then I’ve fallen in love with looking after and taking care of cats.  

I’ve been fostering cats 2011, and I’ve been a cat sitter for independent clients and professional agencies since 2016. I occasionally look after my roommate’s twin kitties as well. I’ve experienced cats with all different types of personalities and quirks, from the super outgoing to the super skittish, so I’m prepared for anything. I have experience with dogs and reptiles too, so don’t feel afraid to ask!

I’m originally from LA and came to NYC for school, and decided to stick around after I graduated. I’m an aspiring graphic designer and illustrator who happens to also have a strong fondness for furry animals! I love caring for cats and making sure they ultimately receive the care and affection that they require to continue living happy and healthy.

If you live in Queens or the Upper East Side and are looking for in cat sitting services we recommend that you connect with Mia. Contact us and send more details about your cat/s and the service you need.

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REVIEWS
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Lori - survey
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Mia did a great job; she responded quickly and sent daily updates, which included what tasks for the cats she did that day, their behavior and several photos. My husband and I never felt so comfortable leaving our cats before but we were confident they were being well taken care of.

 
We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

​My name is Patti and I live in Jersey City with a rescue cat named Jason. He is the boss and he allows me the privilege of living with him. I'm a retired emergency room nurse and can give your cat medications including Insulin, eye medications, and oral medications. I'm a California transplant and moved here to be close to Manhattan and all the wonder that is NYC. If you live in Jersey City, Hoboken, or lower Manhattan I would be happy to take care of your cat while you are away. You will receive daily updates and photos of your baby while you are away. Happy tails!

4. Temporarily Change the Type of Litter
If your cat has a wound that needs bandages, you want to use a litter that is unlikely to get caught in the incision. The best kind to use after surgery is a pelleted or shredded paper-based litter. If you have an office shredder, you can shred printer paper or tear up paper towels or newspaper. Since this type of litter is not very absorbent, it’s a good idea to line the bottom of your cat’s litter box with a training pad.
 
5. Follow Vet’s Medication Orders
It can be tempting to lay off the pain meds when your cat begins to act like they’re feeling better after surgery, and it’s also easy to forget about administering antibiotics. It’s very important to protect your cat from infection, however, and antibiotics are the best way to do that. Additionally, easing their pain will allow them to rest and recuperate more effectively. Don’t try any home remedies during this period unless you have talked to your vet about it ahead of time.
 
6. Protect Your Cat from Other Pets
Other pets in your home will probably be curious about your cat’s odd behavior and may want to investigate. In particular, kittens and puppies may try to encourage your cat to play. Gently remind other pets that they need to give their recuperating friend some space and keep them separated from your recovering cat altogether.

​This article was written by our friend Kay Carter
​

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

Jessica is a cat mama to two very spoiled Devon Rex babies called Molly & Peach.  In fact, Jessica has been surrounded by cats since she was a little girl.  Her grandmother was a 'crazy cat lady' who raised Siamese, Sphinx, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex and American Short-hairs.  If her husband would allow it, Jess would have several more cats but unfortunately city life has limited her to only two. 

An avid marathon runner, Jess completed her 15th marathon last fall and can usually be found clocking miles up the Hudson River.  She is a supporter and fundraiser for Tusk Trust, a charity that initiates and funds wildlife conservancy, community development and education projects in Africa.  Over the last three years, she has helped to raise over 50K for Tusk and ran the Safaricom Marathon as their US Ambassador in 2018.  Jess is also a co-founder of 41Wildcard, an online boutique of curated home & jewelry collections inspired by travel.  When not searching the globe for local artisans to partner with, she lives in Tribeca with her husband and two kitty babies.  

Jessica is a kind and caring person who is also an experienced cat sitter. She will come to your home to care for your cat while you are away. Jessica will customize a care plan for your cat & provide daily updates with photos so you can enjoy your trip knowing your cat is well cared for. If you live in downtown Manhattan, book Jessica today for your next trip out of the city.

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

I love cats and I would love to kitty sit your cat. I grew up around many animals, a german shepherd, two cats, and geckos. I have a deep understanding of all animal’s needs. I've watched my sister’s cat growing since she was a kitten and now she's a big beautiful orange cat with a loving and cuddly personality who loves to show off. All cats have different personalities and need to be catered to differently. It's important to gain a cat's trust and let them come to you. 

​I grew up here in the city for most of my life, and all my friends have cats that I play with. I’m currently an art student. I love painting and sculpting. I also work at an art supply store. 

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!
​
I have been spending time around cats my whole life. First, a Siamese cat named Humphrey, then two named Hugo and Bella. I have grown up with cats, and absolutely love spending time with them! I have been petsitting since I was about 10, when I posted flyers around my neighborhood offering my services each summer. These days, I don’t get to spend so much time around animals, as I am a college student and haven’t had the opportunity. I have fostered several cats, one of which was very sick who I successfully nursed back to health through administering medication and syringe-feeding food and water. I find that looking after animals is so rewarding, and have a deep appreciation and love for all animals.

I am currently a student at NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study studying Film Criticism through a Feminist Lens. It is my final semester, so I have lots of free time to spend looking after kitties! I live in DUMBO, and a, happy to serve the surrounding areas such as Brooklyn Heights and Vinegar Hill. I look forward to meeting your pets!

If you live in or around downtown NY or Dumbo/Boerum Hill, Brooklyn and are looking for in cat sitting services we recommend that you connect with Olivia ​ Contact us and send more details about your cat/s and the service you need.

Keeping Them Active

Regardless of your cat's age, staying active is vital to their physical and mental well-being. Getting them moving might involve toys or towers, but a “catio,” or cat patio, could also be beneficial. A catio is located outdoors and safeguards your furball from escape attempts and outside dangers without being too restrictive. It can provide a space to counter boredom and might stimulate instincts by letting them observe birds or play around in fresh air. You could make your own catio, but there are pre-assembled kits which can be set up quickly. With the right environment, your senior cat can stay active and secure.

Making Floors Safer

Carpet-free flooring has become increasingly popular, but it could make it harder for your senior companion to get around. So, consider how well your feline walks on surfaces like laminate, vinyl, or hardwood; if they are struggling or lose balance, you could use slip-free rugs. In fact, some carpet is now designed to diminish odors and be stain-resistant. Of course, you must factor in your feline's habits before choosing flooring, especially if they have a tendency to scratch. This issue can affect other materials, such as cork, which can also be easier on arthritic pets. When choosing suitable flooring, you help your buddy navigate the home safely.

Seeing the changes that come with an aging cat can be hard, but that doesn't alter the love we have for them. So, adapt your house to give them an environment that keeps them safe and healthy. With suitable changes, you can give your cat the support they deserve.

This article was written Penny Martin at Fureverfriend
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Maura has two cats of her own whom she just adores. She understands how difficult it is to leave your cats behind while traveling. Maura will customize a care plan specifically for your cat's needs. She will visit your home & provided daily updates & photos so you can enjoy your trip knowing your cat is well cared for. If you live in Chelsea, Maura is the cat sitter you have been looking for. Book her today for your next trip out of the city.

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REVIEWS
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Molly - survey
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They were very loving towards my cat, sent great pictures and detailed updates. Took very good care of my cat-son while I was away for both times I’ve used the service.

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

Growing up, I’ve always had a cat in the family. Rosie, Luna, Goby, Louie, Otis, Marco, and Frida. Rosie and Luna were sibling kittens with very different personalities. Rosie liked to hide around the house and meow when she wanted to be found. Luna was a small ball of fluff, always curled and purring on someone’s lap. We adopted Goby a couple years later - the calmest cat I’ve ever met. He traveled with us from California to North Carolina. Goby loved to hunt in our new backyard. Louie, a quiet yet fierce black cat with vibrant green eyes and white paws, joined the family when we found him basking in the sunlight on our front porch, day after day. An outdoor cat from the start, we let him come and go as he pleased. Otis was a scruffy orange cat who loved adventure, being a goofball, and cuddling. Marco and Frida are still alive and well, living in my mother’s home back in North Carolina. 

I am a visual artist and musician, creating projects that utilize my technical abilities with drawing and painting, composing, recording, and producing music. My goal is to gain in-state residency after a year, and attend a CUNY school for a music technology degree for free tuition. 

My schedule is very flexible, and I am so excited to be your caregiver!
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​Sahra will provide daily updates & photos of your cat after each visit in your home so you can enjoy your trip without having to worry. If you live in Sunset Park, Bay Ridge, Fort Hamilton or Flatbush, Sahra is the cat sitter you have been looking for. Book her today for your next trip out of the city. Kitty in NY will help you find the best caregiver for in home boarding or cat sitting services.  Contact us and send more details about your cat and we will be happy to help you.

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

​​In 2004, I officially became a "cat person" when my wife (Monique) and I got together.  Along with Monique, two sweet cats named Felix and Milo came into my life.  I remember sitting on Monique's couch early in our dating, and Milo jumped up on my lap.  That one sweet act hooked me!  Felix and Milo were the best of buddies and gave us so much joy for years until they both passed in 2013.  They were the same age.  Within a year, we had adopted two new boys - Hershey and Nugget.  Hershey is a beautiful Bombay black cat, and Nugget is a handsome brown tabby.  At only four years old each, we are treated every day to the energy and entertainment that young cats bring.  Just yesterday, there was a squirrel on our terrace, and Hershey and Nugget were transfixed on the squirrel and talking up a storm, as if the squirrel was hearing every word they said!

My many years of caring for Felix, Milo, Hershey and Nugget have taught me exactly what cats need.  Not only food, water and litter needs, but love, affection and play needs.  I will bring this knowledge and care with great pride to looking after your cat(s).  When not cat-sitting, I am a professional musician (a trombone player) who primarily plays Broadway shows, including Ain't Too Proud, The Cher Show, and King Kong, among others, as well as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.  I am also a very avid Mets fan.

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

​I have always had kitties in my life, I can't remember a time when i didn't. I grew up with a rescue cat named Meeko (still miss him everyday!) and have taken care of friends' cats here and there since I moved to the city. To prepare to have kitties come stay with me through Kitty in NY I've moved all my plants out of the way, hidden all my cords, and picked up some mouse toys.

I am an actress who has many jobs to support myself and my art and cat sitting would be perfect because I'd get to work from home a lot more often and have the company of cuddly kitties!

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REVIEWS

Estelle
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Rosa was very friendly, communicative, and professional. And our cat, Henry, really loved his stay at Rosa's house.