Kitty in NY - blog - Kitty in NY

Ian provides cat sitting services in BedStuy/Bushwich

8/25/2023

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, I'm Ian! I am a multimedia artist and illustrator from Oklahoma, living in Brooklyn since 2015. My partner and I started boarding cats with Kitty In NY as of this past Spring, which has been such a great experience modifying our brownstone apartment into a cat hotel. As a cat sitter now, I'm excited to meet even more cats around town!

I'm a gentle giant, conscientious to the dynamic personalities in all types of kitties: playful, shy, or anywhere in between, I’m mindful of their boundaries and respectful of their space. I also have an eye for photography, so you can be rest assured you'll receive the best cat photos an iPhone can take :

If you live around BedStuy/Bushwick in Brooklyn, Ian could be available to visit your cat/s while you're away. Cat sitting visits is the perfect solution for your short term needs. Contact us and send more details about the service you need, we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Sophia provides cat boarding services in Jamaica, Queens

8/24/2023

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, my name is Sophie.
I simply adore cats! The day I found out about Kitty in New York, I just couldn't believe it.
I currently work remote for an environmental startup and provide cat-boarding services. I have a lot of experience with kitties and pups growing up and enjoy getting to know their different personalities. I live in a spacious, cozy one bedroom apartment in Queens. If you have any specifications or instructions, rest assured, I will give your cat(s) all the love and attention as if they were my own.

If you need a temporary home for your cat/s, Sophia might be available. She will welcome your beloved felines in the comfort of her apartment. They will be the only pets! You will receive periodic updates during the service. Contact us and send more details about the service you need.

Play time - build a bond with your cat

8/22/2023

Interactive play time is a very powerful tool to build a strong bond with your cat. It is great for trust-building, exercise, release of energy, avoid cat boredom and depression. A cat who receives a daily dose of play time is a happier cat. Don't overlook the importance of activity, it can avoid many behavior issues.

A key ingredient in interactive activity with your cat is YOU. You may have a variety of cat toys in your apartment but they are dead toys without you. The concept behind any cat toy is to allow your cat to act like the hunter she was born to be. When you move a fishing pole type toy as a prey, the target at the end of the string will slide, dart, creep around the room, waking your cat's hunting instinct.

Photo by Sarah Shull on Unsplash

How you move the toy is important. Don't move it too fast or right in front of her face. That's not how felines hunt in the wild. They stalk their preys. Move the toy slowly across her visual filed. Cats cannot run for long periods of time, you should make her run but allow her time to catch her breath. You should always let her catch her prey at least once per session. The game needs to be fun for the cat, not a frustrating experience. End the game slowling down the speed of the toy and letting her play with the "dead" prey for a minute.

You should have a play session every day. It doesn't need to be long, once or twice a day for 15 minutes will do. The benefits are much greater than the time you invest. Your cat will be a healtheir/happier feline. Those sessions develop her confidence, increase trust and relieve stress.

In between games, you should always store interactive toys. Do not leave them out. You want it to be special and most imporant, you don't want your cat to chew on worn out parts that could be dangerous if swallowed. There are some "solo" toys your cat might enjoy on his own (mice, puzzle feeders, those that are safe when you're not around).

Cats are low maintenance pets but neglecting playtime and attention to your cat can result in obesity and other behavior or health issues.

Kitty in NY provides loving caregivers for your cat while you're away. They will play with your cat and make sure she gets the activity she needs. Contact us to book your next cat sitting or boarding service.

Kim provides in home-boarding services in the East Village, NYC

8/21/2023

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 Kim. I'm an interior designer that recently relocated my design studio in my two bedroom apartment. I recently created a new business "the curated home office" that is completely virtual. Now I have time to be home and not running around or directing a design staff. Cats are the style queens and kings so I will have to ask them if the paint color is the right shade.

My first cat appeared out of nowhere on the roof of my house, two weeks after my father and grandmother died suddenly. I realized at the tender age of 12 that cats were always going to be part of my life. They always find me.

Living in Tokyo a cat appeared in my window . I found Bee Bee, Chi Chi and the Boo under similar circumstances, abandoned and in need of a home . I also rescued a dog from a dumpster with cigarette burns . Her name was Pitunia (yes a tiny pit bull ) She was more like a cat than a dog living with two other felines. She lived to be 14 years so now you know I am not spring chicken. Like I said they find me.

My Millie cat , renamed Millie Vanili had a lot of health issues at 15. I recently had to put her down during the height of the pandemic. It was traumatic .

I am not ready to adopt another cat quite honestly and I miss them so dearly ... why not show that love to another's sweetie pie. I am the perfect aunt I always have gum and tissues in my bag and I always have catnip and toys in my house.

If you're located on the Lower East Side or East Village, Kim will provide a perfect home for your furry friend until you're available. In-Home Boarding is a good solution for long term or very social cats. Contact us and send more details about the service you need. We'll be glad to help you.

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REVIEWS

Sarah - by survey 08/21/2023
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Kim was wonderful! She took great care of Phoebe and she sent us photo and video updates every day. We would love for her to watch Phoebe again.

Neil - by survey
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Caregiver was very communicative and based on her videos I could tell me cat was very happy with her.

Aaron - by survey
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Kim is above and beyond the kind of person you want to leave your cat with while you’re away. Could not have asked for a better experience. Thank you for your care and kindness!

Carleigh - by survey
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Loved Kim!! Meeko came home very happy and loved the many photos and texts about how she was doing. Definitely will request Kim again.

Bethany - by survey
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I can’t even begin to express how amazing Kim was and how happy our kitty, Little Bits, was staying with her! We could tell from the second our zoom meeting with her started that she was going to be an amazing caretaker for our new family member. It’s obvious how much Kim loves kitties and how warm and fun she’d be as a sitter. She updated us on our little girl with pictures and videos and emails. It was really hard to leave our new addition in someone else’s home so soon after rescuing her, but Kim made it so easy and comforted us the whole time we were gone. I couldn’t imagine a better cat sitter exists out there!

Lexin - by survey
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I am so lucky to have met Kim.
Kim is a very friendly lady, she is gentle and enthusiastic, and smiles all day. She took great care with my little boy cat I named Draco, more then I could have imagined. She cared for Draco like a mother to a son. She used to have experience with several cats and dogs, and she knows very well how to take care of a cat. She knows what cats like, what they need, what their behavior and emotions are like, and how to take care different kinds of them.

Half a year ago, I had to leave Draco along in New York City, and my heart broke, but thankfully, I found Kim. The first time I saw her home through the video, I felt like I can trust her—her room is very warm and clean, with wood floor, carpets; it all felt very peaceful. Her windows were well protected and it just felt like the best place for my cat to be.

In the last half year, she is just like what I felt and even better. Thanks to her, I was not that worried about Draco’s wellbeing (although I worried for him and missed him dearly). She treated Draco as a friend and family member. She combed Draco’s hair every day, and let Draco stay in his favorite spot on the carpet. She gave him premium wet food. Draco was getting sunshine and look out to the street every morning, sleeping with her at night. I realized that I hadn’t been treating him to the level that Kim was - I learned many good habits from her.

She also sent me Draco’s photos every week, which gave me the chance to see what he was up to and how he looked. In the video and photo, I could see Draco trusted and loved her. Under her care, when I got Draco half a year later, I found out he become more gentle and soft, kinder, leaner and stronger.

Draco is back in my arms right now, I hope Kim can find another little friend to keep company. And Hey! Believe me, she will be your best choice.

I saw four families on Kitty in NY, met all of them, and have one experience with another lady two years ago. No one was as good as Kim. She has great experience, friendly, kind, and so caring. She will take very good care of your cat, because she is their friend and keeps them company.

Who can resist those eyes?

8/17/2023

Siamese is one of the most recognisable of cat breeds. They have an interesting history.

The first cat with Siamese markings appeared on an engraving discovered by a Mr. Pallas on his journey into Russia in 1794. There is no record of Siamese cats as a breed until the 1800s. In 1884 the departing British Consul-General Gould was given a Siamese cat by the Siamese king as a gift. It was a great honor since the cat came from the royal family. The progeny of this cat given to Consul-General Gould was exhibited by his sister, Mrs. Lilian (Gould) at the Crystal Palace Show in October 1885. These cats were so extraordinary that they captured immediate attention. The first Siamese cat club was founded in England in 1902.

Siamese cats arrived to the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. The Siamese Cat Society of America was founded in April 1909. Its popularity reached a peak in the 50's and 60's when Siamese cats appeared in movies such as "That Darn Cat", "The Incredible Journey", & Disney's classic "Lady and the Tramp".

The Siamese is an very intelligent cat. They are talkative and tend to become very close to their human companions. Their meow is quite unique (deep and loud).

The Siamese coat pattern is beautiful. The face, ears, paws and tail have darker colouring, the body is light. Their amazing eyes are blue and almond shaped. The most commonly known colours are seal, blue, chocolate and lilac.

New Yorkers love Siamese cats. Many of our clients contact us with lovely Siamese kittens. If you need to book a cat boarding service try to contact us at least two weeks before your departure. Kitty in NY offers the best in-home boarding solutions in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. We would love to help you find the perfect temporary home for your cats while you're away from the city.

Five Steps to Creating a Home Environment fit for a Senior Cat

8/11/2023

Pets are a special part of our lives, and they are a lifelong commitment. As a cat owner, you already know the joys they bring, but there are extra challenges you’ll face as they age. Yet, you can take steps now to make your home a safe and comfortable environment for them.

Centering Their Lives

Unfortunately, an older cat can find climbing stairs a struggle, particularly if they have developed arthritis. If they live upstairs, then consider putting their bedroom, together with litter boxes and toys, somewhere more accessible. A good place is an area near to your pet's favorite furniture, or where there is little foot traffic from people. After all, cats, like their humans, need peace and quiet to feel safe enough to doze off. This may exclude the living room, but there could be a corner perfect to act as the HQ for your buddy's life. Your choice will matter, as they deserve a place to relax without being put under any physical strain.

Improving Accessibility

Moving your furry friend is an important first step, but their accessories may still not be as accessible as they should be. For instance, some senior cats can stop using litter boxes if they are not adapted to their changing mobility. Likewise, standard bowls might strain joints if your buddy has to stretch downwards to drink or eat, so opted for raised bowls. Even your cat's bed can cause issues, from problems getting in and out to restlessness. Thankfully, there are accessories that you could purchase outright, such as orthopedic beds or elevated bowls, but you can also adapt what you already have. By having suitable tools, you can improve your companion’s quality of life, and move one step closer to creating the perfect environment.

Dealing with Accidents

As our felines age, they may become prone to having accidents. That doesn't have to be an issue, however, as there are pet-friendly solutions to address stains and persistent smells. As a start, use absorbent pads or add extra litter boxes in areas where there is regular marking. To deal with accidents themselves, be sure to collect as much of the urine as practical before applying an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate both the stain and odor. Once everything has been vacuumed, you could then spray baking soda freshener as an added measure against smells. Dealing with mishaps is a process, but it can be highly effective when done right.

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

Four Ways to Keep Your Kitty Safe at Home

8/5/2023

Kittens are delightful creatures that will add lots of joy and silly antics to your household. In order to keep things joyous, however, you want to make sure that your kitty doesn’t get into something or go somewhere that can be hazardous. By following these four precautions, you can keep your new furry little bundle of curiosity free from harm, as well as protect your belongings from damage.

1. Know Your Home’s Hideouts
If you’ve ever noticed how much cats love it when you open a new package from the mail and leave the empty box hanging around, you know that they are extremely curious about small spaces to crawl into. Therefore, it’s important for your kitty’s safety to inspect your home for any areas where they may seek shelter, only to be in harm’s way.

Never start the washer or dryer without checking for your kitten in its recesses—and double-check the fridge before you close the door. Make sure that you see your kitten is in a safe place before leaving the house to make sure it’s not closed in a drawer or another unsafe spot.

2. Avoid Food with Fillers
An unseen hazard, and a potentially long-term one, that is all too common in cat owners’ households is cheap food with fillers and by-products that offer little nutrition (not to mention, these foods can sometimes cause allergy symptoms in pets). Some of these foods may even contain toxins and heavy metals.

Read cat food labels carefully to ensure that your kitten gets plenty of protein and little to none of “empty” (or even harmful) calories from ingredients like corn gluten, corn syrup, and MSG. This will also help protect your kitten from diseases later in life, such as kidney disease.

3. Eliminate Things that Dangle
Anything that dangles is a potential cat toy and a possible hazard to your kitten. Examples of “danglers” include drawcords for window blinds and electrical cords. Not only do you not want your kitten to be strangled, but he or she could chew on a cord that’s plugged in, pull the object down on top of them, or choke on partially chewed pieces. According to House Method, make sure all wires, electrical outlets, and other safety hazards are secure or hidden to protect your kitten.

4. Remove Poisonous Plants
If you enjoy the organic decor and other benefits of indoor plants, check to see if you have any poisonous houseplants that your kitty might think are a snack to hold them over until you get home. It’s best to remove these plants from your home altogether rather than try to find a safe place for them in your home. Your kitten will undoubtedly find a way to get to them—don’t underestimate their determination or ingenuity when something catches their attention.

Adding a new member to the family is an exciting time, but it’s important to plan ahead and do everything you can to “cat-proof” your home before your furry friends ends up in trouble. Take a look at the tips above and create a space that allows both humans and pets alike to thrive.

This article was written by our friend Kay Carter.

Amerasia provides cat boarding services in Park Ridge, NJ

8/2/2023

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 I’m Amerasia the purr-fect cat sitter! With a passion for felines and years of experience, I have become a trusted companion for countless furry friends. Known for my gentle touch, patience, and keen understanding of cat behavior, I create a stress-free environment that cats adore. Whether it's playful antics, cozy cuddles, or attentive care, I definitely ensure each cat receives personalized attention and love. With a knack for anticipating their needs and a commitment to maintaining a safe and clean space, pet owners can rest easy knowing their fur babies are in the best hands. When you need a reliable and compassionate cat sitter, It's me you should be calling :)

If you are looking for a long term service to board your kitties, Amerasia might be available. Her large home can host up to eight kitties! (all of them from one single owner, we do not mix cats from different owners). Your cats will be the only pets in the house and will receive all the love and attention they deserve. Our boarding service is perfect for very social kitties or cats who require a daily care routine. 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.