Are you moving? Do you expect allergic visitors to your apartment? A dream vacation coming up? The business trip that will promote you? We know your cat is important to you. A long period of time away from NY is a challenging situation for your pet companion.

Pet-hotels? Cat sitting? They are solutions for very short term periods. Cats have the reputation of being independent animals but they need human interaction. A cage surrounded by frantic cats and dogs is stressful and not valid for several weeks.

In-home cat boarding offers you the possibility of leaving the city without having to worry about your cat. Our caregivers do not have any pets but they have experience with cats. Your cat will be the only animal in the apartment. In a few hours your cat will feel like at home. Your caregiver will send periodic updates during the boarding service. Our clients know this is the best solution for their furry friends:

• Reduced risk of catching diseases, which your cat can easily contract when exposed to many cats at a "pet hotel" or veterinary "boarding cage".
  
• An affordable alternative to kennels and pet hotels (check our rates: http://www.kittyinny.com/rates.html)
  
• Supervised care by a responsible and trusted cat caregiver. Your cat won't be alone!
  
• Individual attention. Our caregivers love cats, they enjoy cat company and will devote all their love and attention to your cat (no other pets in the apartment)
  
• Diverse, individualized placement: Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens apartments - studios to brownstones.
  
• The opportunity to follow a regular routine, such as eating schedules, grooming necessities or daily medication.

Book your next boarding service in advance. We'll be glad to help you:
http://www.kittyinny.com/contact.html

When you're leaving your apartment for a short period of time (2-6 days) cat sitting could be a good solution. A professional cat sitter would visit your apartment to take care of your cat/s. Our standard visit is 30 minutes but you may request longer visits if needed. Longer visits might be needed when there are more than 2 cats or when administering medication is required.

Our cat sitters have a lot of experience with cats. They are trained to administer medication and will make sure your cats are doing well while you're away.

Tasks included in the standard visit:

• cleaning and refilling food and water bowls: your cat sitter will clean and refill each bowl daily
  
• scooping/replacing litter in the litter box
  
• cleaning of both areas (feeding and litter box)
  
• play time: leave your cat's favorite toys and tell the catsitter what your cat loves. They will be glad to spend time playing with your cat!
  
• petting : some cats don't trust strangers but if your cat comes and requests attention we'll be more than happy to pet them. We love cats!
  
• update after every visit: you will receive a photo update (via SMS or email, you decide) after each visit

Our database of cat sitters allows us to always be able to help you. You won't have to worry about your cat sitter not being available. We have selected over the years great people with one thing in common: they love cats!

Please contact us with the exact dates, your address and as much information about your cat. If this is your first service a meet and greet visit at no charge is included. You will be able to meet the prospective cat sitter before you confirm your service.

We'll be glad to help you with your cat/s!

It can never hurt to have a Fortune Cat perched by you. Lucky cats have been part of everyday life for centuries in Asia and now can be found all over the world.

Kitty in NY is the perfect solution for your long or short term boarding needs. In home cats need human company and interaction, they should not be left alone for long hours. A cat needs a lot more than food and water. They seek human company and rest by humans. Our caregivers do not have any pets of their own and they are all passionate about cats. Your kitty will be in good hands. We have options available in Manhattan, Brooklyn or Queens. Contact us to book your next cat boarding service with Kitty in NY.

You've seen the paw waving cats in Asian restaurants and Chinese stores. There is a Fortune Cat in every Chinese or Japanese restaurant, Asian supermarket or Chinatown business. You'll never miss one of these figurines by the cash register.

Fortune Cats are lucky charms that are believed to attract good luck and prosperity to its owners. This is the reason why they are so abundant in any kind of business.

The Japanese name is Maneki Neko which translates as Beckoning Cat. The raised paw means they're waving positive things to its owners. Other names re Lucky Cat, Welcome Cat or Money Cat.

These cats originated during the Edo period in Japan (17th to 19th century). The period was characterized by economic growth, strict social order, isolationist foreign policies and popular enjoyment of arts and culture. There are a few legend explaining the origin of the Maneki Neko:

A geisha had a cat. One day, the cat was running around and owner of the brothel thought the cat was possessed, so he sliced off its head with a sword. The flying cat head landed on a snake about to strike and saved the geisha. The geisha was so saddened by the loss of her pet that one of her customers made a statue of the cat to cheer her up.

A rich man took shelter from a rainstorm under a tree close to a temple. He noticed a cat that seemed to be beckoning to him, so he followed it inside the temple. A lightning struck the tree he had been standing under. Because the cat had saved his life, the man was so grateful, he became a benefactor of the temple and made donations. When he passed away, a statue of the cat was made in is honor.

There are different meanings attached to the features of each Manike Neko. If the left paw is raised it attracts new clients. If the right paw is raised, this invites good fortune and money. You can also find Fortune Cats with both paws raised. Depending on the color of the cat you can get different kinds of good luck:

• The most common one is Calico: it attracts good fortune in general
  
• Golden Fortune Cats attract wealth and prosperity
  
• Green cats are meant to attract good health
  
• White cats are good for happiness, purity and positive things
  
• Red cats work for sex and relationships
  
• Black cats protect against evil spirits

Maneki cats can hold different objects that attract good things and wealth: wallets, coins, fish or marbles. They are all symbols of prosperity, good luck and wealth in Asian cultures.

You can now travel for work or pleasure without worrying about your cat/s! Our in-home boarding service is recommended for your mid/long term needs. You bring your cat/s to the caregiver's apartment where she/he will be the only pet! Contact us and send more details about your furry friends, we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

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 surrounded by dogs, cats, birds, and hamsters in their home Nüma developed an affinity for animals.  As a young adult they worked in pet shops and their enthusiasm and passion for animals, particularly for the cats, grew. As a person deeply enthused with all things domestic, they enjoy creating a cozy and warm environment that feline friends will settle into and for their pet parent(s) to feel comfortable leaving them to stay. 

Nüma moved to NYC from Chicago over 6 years ago and works as a clinical research coordinator in a remote position. In their free time they love to cook, read, run, volunteer, and explore the city to try new foods!

Numa will be glad to welcome your feline friends while you're away! Contact us and send more details about your cat/s, we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Boarding is the best solution for your longer term needs.

3. If You Don’t Consider How to Acclimate Your New Pet to Your Home, It Won’t Feel Comfortable

Of course, you’ll want to play with your pet and get acquainted as soon as you bring it home. But, your pet will need time to adjust to its new surroundings, and you need to help it through the transition. This is especially true if you have adopted a rescue animal who may have been abused or in a shelter for quite some time. 

One of the best ways to help your pet feel at home is to give them their own space. You should have a cat bed, toys, and scratch posts or boxes in a dedicated space. You also should keep its food and water in the same place.  If your cat needs a hiding place, make a cage available to it, and allow them to remain in their cage when guests visit, especially if a dog is a potential guest. 

4. Make Sure Owning  a Pet Won’t Be a Financial Hardship

The idea of a fast friendship with a new pet can easily overshadow the importance of assessing your ability to afford this pet. Do the math first. Can you afford food, toys, vaccinations, and random visits to the vet? If the answer is no, you should forgo getting an animal that you might have to give up. If the answer is yes, then you are in the perfect position to welcome a new cat into your home. 

Becoming a first-time pet owner will be more enjoyable for you and your new cat if you do your homework first, prepare your home, and take steps to acclimate it to your home. This sets the stage for the friendship of a lifetime. 

Author

Ms. Brody created OurBestFriends to offer a place for animal lovers to share their favorite pet photos and stories about their furry pals.
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KITTY in NY provides the perfect solutions for your short and long term needs. Our cat sitting service will help you get away on short business trips or long weekends. A caregiver will visit your cat/s in your apartment. Our in-home boarding service is recommended for mid/long term services, you bring your cat to the caregiver's apartment where he/she will be the only pet. Contact us with more information about the service you need.

Lina is an artist with a lifelong affection for cats, standing ready to lavish attention upon your cherished furry companions. With a reputation as the go-to cat sitter among friends, Lina offers more than just care; it's a warm lap and a loving space.

At their core is empathy, tailoring care to suit each cat's unique personality, whether they're lap lovers or bundles of anxious energy. They understand the anxiety of leaving cats while traveling and approach each assignment with dedication, ensuring a secure and happy cat. Here's to creating an environment of joy and comfort! 

LinaMaria will be happy to welcome your furry friend while you're away. You will receive periodic updates during the services so you can enjoy your vacation, holiday or concentrate on your business trip. In-home boarding is the perfect solution for your longer term needs or very social cats who love human interaction. Contact us and send mode details about the service you're looking for, we'll get back to you as soon as possible.