Kitty in NY - blog - Kitty in NY

Katie and Scott provide boarding and cat sitting visits in Crown Heights, Brooklyn

4/29/2024

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!

Hey there! We're Scott and Katie, your friendly cat lovers located in Brooklyn. Having moved into our apartment with our beloved Oliver, ensuring a cozy cat haven was of the utmost importance. However, we unfortunately had to say goodbye to our sweet boy at the age of 21. In addition to the years of wonderful memories, we gained valuable experience at caring for elderly cats including administering medications orally and intravenously.

Our flexible and remote work schedules give us flexibility scheduling drop-off/pick-up and providing extra playtime and cuddles. As previous clients of Kitty in NY we recognize the value of having a worry-free experience when away from your cherished furry family members including pictures and wellness reports.

If you are located in the Crown Heights area of Brooklyn and need help with your cat/s, Katie and Scott might be available. Boarding is recommended for your long term needs, you bring your cat/s to the caregiver's apartment where they will be the only pets. Cat sitting visits are perfect for your weekend trips or holidays, a caregiver will come and visit your cat/s in your apartment. Contact us and send more details about your cat/s and the service you need, we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

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REVIEWS

Philippa - by survey 04/29/2024
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Scott and Katie were amazing! So kind and thoughtful and communicative.

How much sleep do cats need?

4/24/2024

Kellen Smith contacted us to share one of his articles. You can read more of his articles at tuck.com.

Curled up, stretched out, or with fluffy tails across their face, no one can deny that cats are professional sleepers. Spending more than half the day asleep, our feline companions can count themselves among the ranks of sleepiest animals.

Keep reading to learn more about feline sleeping patterns and how you can help your cat get better sleep.

How much do cats sleep? Cats sleep between 12 to 16 hours a day on average. Domesticated cats hail from those in the wild, who as predators can enjoy the luxury of sleeping more. For prey animals, on the other hand, staying awake is literally a matter of life and death.

Your particular cat’s sleeping patterns may vary, depending on her age and health. Kittens need more sleep – up to 20 hours – because they are spending so much energy growing into cathood. On the other end of the spectrum, older cats start to slow down around age 7 and need more rest, especially if they have arthritis or joint issues.

Are cats nocturnal? While cats do spend a lot of time awake at night, they are more properly categorized as “crepuscular” than “nocturnal.” This refers to them being most active at dawn and dusk.

In the wild, cats do much of their stalking at night, so domesticated cats still have it in their instincts to be active in the twilight hours when their prey are out and about. They are more likely to spend time dozing during the day, conserving their energy to hunt at night. Cats also have to eat multiple small prey in order to satisfy their appetite, so they catnap in between their hunts.

However, like dogs, domesticated cats are prone to adjust their sleep schedule to fit their owner’s schedule – sleeping more when you’re not around and less when you are.

Do cats experience sleep stages like humans do? Cats do progress from slow-wave sleep to REM sleep like humans and other mammals, but the time they spend in each stage, as well as a full sleep cycle, is much shorter.

Cats spend about 6 minutes in REM sleep, while humans will spend between 90 to 120 minutes in REM sleep per night. Look for twitching whiskers and eyelids to catch your cat dreaming. Outside of REM, the majority of the time they’re in a sort of light sleep where their noses and ears stay on alert – ready to wake at a moment’s notice to hunt or protect themselves. During this stage, cats are able to sleep in an upright or sitting position simply by tensing their muscles.

Is my cat sleeping too much? Cats with less toys and playtime will sleep more out of pure boredom. However, if your cat seems excessively sleepy or lethargic when they are awake, it could be a sign of a health problem such as anemia or hyperthyroidism. They could also be in pain from feline arthritis.

Cats also tend to sleep more when they are overweight, so feeding your cat a healthier leaner diet can increase their energy and reduce their tendency to oversleep.

Don’t be alarmed if your cat snores. Some short-nosed cats, such as the Persian, Himalayan, and Exotic Shorthair breeds, are prone to snoring.

How can I help my cat sleep better?

1. Feed your cat a healthy diet.Cheaper foods tend to contain fewer nutrients. As a result, your cat will be less frisky and more lethargic. Give your cat better food to ensure more restful sleep.

2. Give your cat plenty of playtime. Cats like to play. If you don’t give them what they want, don’t be surprised when they wake you up at 2:00am by pawing at your face. You can keep them engaged during the day by placing a bird feeder outside a window. Then, place her kitty condo by the window at night so she can be entertained while you sleep.

3. Make a firm decision about inviting your cat into your bed.If you choose to let your cat sleep with you, like 62% of cat owners do, get a mattress large enough and with decent motion isolation so you’re not roused by her collar jingling during a dream. Cats are also very territorial, so think hard and know for sure you want to let her sleep with you. Once you allow cats into your bedroom, they’re not going to leave without a fight.

4. Do not give in to your cat’s pawing. If you want your cat to learn to leave you alone during the night, ignore her pawing. If you give in and start playing with her, she’ll learn that she can win and consider herself the dominant one in the house.

5. Feed your cat at night. Cats tend to sleep well after a feast. If your cat bother you while you sleep, you can use a timed food bowl to feed in to her natural instincts.

Great people we have met! - Anna

4/24/2024

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!

Hello All, my name is Anna and I am a part time teacher and grad student who lives in Hells Kitchen New York. My hobbies include yoga and martial arts and exploring new book stores and libraries, in New York City or anywhere else in the world! I also love cats and find them to be majestic creatures. I live alone with my 9 year old son who loves adventure and Manga, and karate.

If you are located in the UWS and need a temporary home for your cat, Anna might be available. Boarding is the best solution for long term, if you only leave the city for a few days, cat sitting visits are recommended. Contact us and send more details about the service you need.

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REVIEWS

Rebecca - 04/23/2024 (client's feedback sent by email)
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I picked up Bonnie on April 22, 2024 from Anna Lokken. Anna did a fantastic job caring for Bonnie during the two months he was with her. He put on a little weight, which is good because he was a little scrawny looking when I dropped him off in February, and is coat is shiny and silken instead of flat and dull as it was in February. Anna kept me updated on Bonnie’s well-being and sent photos which his owner thoroughly enjoyed.

I highly recommend Anna to anyone in search of a caring and thoughtful cat sitter. An example of Anna’s care was immediate the day I brought Bonnie to her apartment. He yowled all the way from his home on West 86th Street and was quite agitated when he arrived at Anna's. To soothe him, she played calming music and within minutes he quieted down.

Thank you for your help finding a great temporary home for Bonnie—and at such short notice. I will gladly refer anyone looking for a cat sitter to your agency.

Chris - by survey 02/21/2024
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She was easy to reach and communicate with, and her apartment was clean and easy to access for drop off/pick up. Our cat seemed to be healthy and happy when we returned from our trip - he’s seemed stressed after some other hosts so I appreciate her and her family keeping him happy. She had everything packed and ready to go on pickup day making this a simple process. My only (minor) suggestion would have been to receive a couple of photos/updates via email with how things were going during the stay rather than just near the end - other caregivers we’ve used have done this every 2-3 days and it’s appreciated.

Laura provides boarding services in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

4/22/2024

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 grew up with two Maine Coon cats in the beautiful state of Maine and have fostered frequently over the years. I also worked for 3 years part-time at an animal daycare. I am comfortable giving medication, performing animal CPR, and handling aggressive cats, amongst normal activities! Please let me know if your pet is reactive, allergic to anything, or has any particular likes & dislikes! I'd love to know as much about your cat(s) as possible, so he/she feels comfortable and safe with a new companion!

In-home boarding is perfect for your longer trips. You can enjoy your vacation or holiday knowing your cat will be in good hands. Laura will be glad to help you! Contact us and send more details about your cat/s and the service you're looking for, we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

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REVIEWS

Gregory - by survey 4/22/2024
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Laura sent pictures of Sunny throughout the stay and provided status updates on his wellbeing. Very satisfied with the service she provided.

Elizabeth provides boarding and cat sitting services in Forest Hills, Queens

4/17/2024

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!

Nice to meet you, I am Elizabeth...a big animal lover, former pet parent to Persian kitties. I have always enjoyed interacting with cats and dogs alike, but have about 20+ years of experience and affinity caring for felines! Persians, Himalayans, Maine Coons and everything in between. I am a native New Yorker that loves the outdoors and communicative/social by nature and feel our pets provide unconditional love, support and companionship. The key to a healthy pet is a happy pet who feels at ease in their environment. I look forward to meeting and caring for your furry pals.

If you live in the Forest Hills area and need a boarding or a cat sitting service, Elizabeth could be available and happy to help you with your cat/s. Contact us and send more details about the service you need. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.
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REVIEWS

Avery - survey 04/17/2024
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Elizabeth went above and beyond to take care of Atticus. She sent many updates, was very responsive, and Atticus didn't seem anxious when I got back. She also helped clean the place up a little bit.

Vivien - survey 01/11/2024
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Having Elizabeth care for my cat Freya while I was away with my fiance for a few days was nothing but easy and comforting. She explained the process thoroughly and told me her experiences with other cats while she listened very intently to my explanations on Freya's quirks and needs. I appreciated how often she sent pictures of Freya without question and it proved that Freya also loved to be in her company because of how cuddly she was being with Elizabeth. I would be absolutely thrilled to board with her again next time as she has been very accommodating and kind.

I'm very glad you referred me to her and I will continue to use Kitty In NY services for future plans to make sure Freya is well taken care of.

Danielle - survey 09/09/2023
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She was very caring and considered how my cat has so much anxiety and honored his space. This was my first time boarding my cat and being without him since I adopted him at 15 weeks old. He's 2.5 years old now. She is very caring and we felt that we left Marshmellow in good hands. Her apartment is very clean and organized and feels safe for any pet to stay. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for boarding services especially if it is your first time.

Anna - survey 08/30/2023
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Elizabeth was boarding my two cats for two months and really created a wonderful home away from home for them. She stayed in touch with me and regularly sent updates on how they were doing, gave them a lot of care and attention. I would definitely use Elizabeth again and highly recommend her services to anyone in need of car boarding.

Great people we have met! - Kirsten

4/14/2024

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!

People know me as KJ. I grew up with Animals most of my life. I don't currently have any fur babies but I love to welcome them into my apt. I live in a doorman, spacious 1 bdrm apartment in Hell's kitchen. I have lived in the neighborhood for the past 20 yrs. I have been caring for animals, mainly cats for the last 8 years. I am attentive to their needs & Love playing and cuddling with them. I have experience caring for both kitties as well as elderly cats; whom I am able to administer meds, if needed.

Professionally, I work full time for a healthcare union and fortunately am able to work hybrid during the week. I look forward to meeting your Kitty.

Cat sitting visits are recommended for short periods of time, if you are leaving the city for a few weeks or months our in-home boarding service is a better option. Kirsten can provide both, contact us and send more details about your cat/s.

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REVIEWS

Winston - by survey 04/14/2024
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Kirsten was very friendly and sent us lots of pictures and updates.

Katrin - by survey 05/24/2023
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I felt immediately comfortable leaving Zulu on Kirsten’s care. Her love for cats is obvious and Zulu warmed quickly up to her. She is very attentive to the cats needs, and kept me abreast at all times, letting me know how Zulu is doing.

9 Ways to Build Trust and a Relationship with a Shy Cat

4/11/2024

It takes a lot of patience and hard work to make a shy cat accept you. Some cats are shy when they meet humans. It is not clear why, but often rescue cats who have had unpleasant experiences with humans will develop into shy cat. Innate nature, stress, and lack of interaction with humans are also other reasons they are difficult to approach.

If you currently have the same problem as this, it's a good idea to first read these 9 tips to build your cat's confidence. Because the wrong or too much approach can only make your cat more aggressive and afraid. Here are some ways you can help your cat:

1. Understanding that it's not your cat’s fault for being timid or shy.
As mentioned above, when you bring a new cat home, that cat may have had unpleasant experiences or lacked interaction with humans. Hence, your cat becomes difficult to approach.

A cat that hasn't been properly socialized can get scared and can even scratch the surrounding people. Therefore, you must understand the position of your cat.
Keep accepting your cat as it is.

2. Give your cat a quiet space.
Shy cats will need time to adapt. So try to give them space where they feel safe. Thus, they can build their self-confidence while exploring the place.

You can start by placing the cat in a room that is safe from the reach of people passing, of course, with all the necessities it needs such as a litter box, clean food and water, a comfortable bed, and other necessities.
After they get used and comfortable with his small space, you can teach him to adapt to a larger space.

3. Patience and Compassion are key
Building a shy cat's self-confidence cannot be done quickly. Therefore, patience is the main key. It may frustrate you because your cat can't adapt, but remember that each cat is unique and has its personality. So don't give up! Keep loving your cat.

4. Stay calm.
Shy cats are very sensitive to things around them. Sudden movements or loud noises can cause him to run away in fear. Try to stay calm when the cat is around you.

5. Talk to your cat.
Maybe it sounds silly if we talk or meow back to our cat. But by frequently inviting the cat to talk, your cat will get used to our presence and our voices. Try when we speak, use a soft tone and volume so as not to scare him. You can also just hum softly while sitting near your cat, it can help to get used to your presence.

6. Food is also a great way to motivate.
Food motivates not all cats, but there's nothing wrong with trying this way. The trick is to offer food, keep your distance from your cat, wait and see if your cat wants to eat it.

If your cat wants to sniff and eat, go to the second stage by putting his food distance slowly closer to you. Do it repeatedly until your cat is comfortable.

7. Let your cat come over and sniff you.
As we all know, cats recognize their surroundings by relying on their sense of smell. Before approaching and petting a shy cat, you can put your hand in a position where they can sniff it. If they rub their face against your hand, it means they trust and feel safe with you.

8. Be playful with your cat.
The eighth way to make cats comfortable with our presence by inviting them to play. If they are still difficult to approach, you can start sitting near the cage by giving them space. Use a stick or other cat toys you have. Call out their favorite names and let them come closer as they become interested in playing.

9. Train the cat to spend time in the open room.
When the cat is comfortable in his private room or near you, invite him to spend time in an open space.

Real open spaces provide new experiences for cats, such as the sound of a telephone, people talking, or other strange things.
Therefore, always pay attention to his reaction, whether your cat is still shy or shows his confidence.

These are 9 ways you can build confidence in a shy cat. We hope it is useful.

Written by Odi from HenloCat.
Photo #1 Juan Goyache on Unsplash
Photo #2 Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash

Carolina provides cat boarding services in Long Island City, Queens

4/4/2024

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!

Hi! My name is Carolina. I grew up with cats and have been cat sitting for a while. My experiences have always been positive. I Think of myself as nurturing and enjoy their company very much. Also, I strongly believe that cats bring good luck into my home like ancient times.

If you live close to Long Island City, Carolina might be available to take care of your cat/s. She will provide the perfect boarding experience for your beloved feline/s. Contact us and send more details about the service you need. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

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REVIEWS

Abbie - by survey 4/4/2024
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Carolina was great, she sent us photo-updates of our kitten and let us know how he was doing. As this was our first time away from our cat, this really did help. He seemed very happy with her and in her home. I was very happy with the service, they were so wonderful.

Neli - by survey 1/16/2023
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Carolina was amazing, she and Slav took amazing care of Luna while I had to be away for a family emergency. I have never been away from Luna this long since I adopted her, and she can be a very finicky cat with strangers so I was nervous. But my fears were alleviated when Carolina sent photos of Luna enjoying her stay every day, which I greatly appreciated. Luna was happy and healthy when I got her back, thank you Carolina and Slav!

Samantha provides cat sitting visits in Midtown East (Murray Hill)

4/4/2024

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 currently work in fashion wholesale sales and am an avid animal lover. I have always thought about cat sitting as I have a deep love for cats and their well-being. I have had cats since I was a child and all throughout my life. My family always rescued cats, specifically black cats as those were the ones that had the hardest time finding homes. I have had 5 cats with my family over my life and considered them my best friends/siblings. We raised them till they were elderly and lived long, full, happy, and loving lives. I do not have my own cat at the moment, but would love the opportunity to care for someone else's cat while they are out of town. It is a win-win situation as I would treat the cats as if they are my own and in turn, get to spend quality time with them, which is a dream. I wish I got to spend more time with animals as I am a true animal lover and want the best for them. My family conditioned me that the animals always came first as they cannot care for themselves. That would mean cleaning the litter multiple times a day, finding their favorite foods (as cats often change their mind and are very picky), playing with them, brushing them, and cuddling (that is my favorite part). I hope one day I can have a cat of my own, but for now I would love to be able to spend time with cats through cat sitting and take care of them that way.

Cat sitting visits are perfect for your short term trips and holidays. If you live in Murray Hill, Samantha could be available to help you with your cat/s. Contact us and send more details about your cat/s and the service you are looking for.

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REVIEWS

Sofie - survey 4/4/2024
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Samantha sent thoughtful photos and videos of Hemingway every visit and provided the best care I could have asked for. She stayed longer than 30 minutes each time - close to an hour each visit. She was thorough in his care and I look forward to working with her again. She is a wonderful asset to the Kitty in NY community.

Sphynx are cool cats!

4/3/2024

You could think, from the name, that this is an ancient breed, hailing from Egypt and the time of the Pharaohs, but their history is quite short. In 1966 a tuxedo domestic cat gave birth to a hairless kitten in Toronto. This cat and a few other naturally hairless cats have been found worldwide; they are the foundation for this unusual breed. When properly bred, the Sphynx is a robust breed with few serious health or genetic problems.

All colors and patterns are possible. The color and pattern of the cat are seen in the pigment of the skin and the few hairs that are present. Sphynx are medium sized cats and not fragile in any way. As with most cats, males are larger than females. Sphynx have sturdy bones, good muscle development and a firm belly as if they just finished a nice dinner. They have a intelligent expression with extra wrinkling on their head which some see as a worried or inquisitive look. Care should be taken to limit the Sphynx cat's exposure to outdoor sunlight, as they can develop sunburn and skin damage similar to that of humans. In general, Sphynx cats should not be allowed outdoors unattended, as they have limited means to conserve body heat when it is cold. One of the most often questions asked about Sphynx is, “Don’t they get cold?” If it is too cold for you, then it will probably be too cold for a hairless cat.

Because of the lack of hair that would normally absorb body oils, Sphynx need regular bathing. A bath is not difficult with Sphynx, as most cats have been acclimated from kittenhood with bathing. Grooming should take place once a week (or every two weeks).

Some people allergic to cats can tolerate living with Sphynx. There is no airborne hair to deal with and the reactive chemical in their saliva is lower than many breeds. Regular bathing also helps to keep the dander at bay.

The Sphynx is a true extrovert. It will demand your undivided attention and hates to be ignored. Sphynx cats cannot be left alone for long periods of time, they demand attention and seek human company.

Our clients know their cats will receive all the attention they deserve from our caregivers when they are away. Contact us to book your next cat boarding or cat sitting service. Kitty in NY has nice options in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. We would love to take care of your cat.

Lindsay and Joann provide in home boarding in downtown Manhattan

4/2/2024

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!

We’re 2 sisters that live together named Lindsay and Joann. Lindsay’s background is in eCommerce in the luxury/beauty space. Joann’s background is in buying and planning in apparel. Lindsay has watched cats, dogs, ferrets, and bunnies in middle school and high school. Now, the 2 sisters are caregivers at Kitty in NY and have been with Kitty in NY since 2016. Cats get double the fun with us!

If you live in downtown Manhattan, Lindsay and Joann will be delighted to take care of your cat. 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.

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REVIEWS

Aditi - survey 4/1/2024
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They updated me on my cat’s well-being every 2 days. It was so nice for me to travel stress free knowing that my cat was cared so well and loved. Thank you so much.