Registered Vet Tech & Community Cat Advocate

I have been an RVT since 2005 and have worked in various veterinary settings including shelter work at the San Diego Humane Society, the Dermatology service at Veterinary Specialty Hospital, and Feral Cat Coalition. In addition to my vet med background, I have been a very active volunteer at animal organizations: 15+ years at The Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago, working almost exclusively with cats; and at Chicago Animal Care & Control as part of the Cat Transfer Team, networking cats to rescues.

I have been a cat lover my whole life and currently have two kitties. Cleo is a senior Bengal who was rehomed to me when her owner developed health issues. Valentino is an adult FIV+ friendly former stray that was a patient at Feral Cat Coalition with whom I fell in love (fat face FIV+ male cats are my favorite). I also care for a small feral colony around my apartment. 

Experienced with:

✔️ oral medication administration - pills

✔️ oral medication - liquids

✔️ eye medication

✔️ ear medication

✔️ transdermal medication

✔️ topical medication

✔️ subcutaneous fluids

✔️ inhaler administration

✔️ blood glucose home testing

✔️ insulin injections

✔️ injectable medications

✔️ nail trims

✔️ shaving mats

Quiet & Attentive Purrsonality who Encourages Enrichment 

Working as a vet tech didn’t allow me to spend much time bonding with our feline patients, something I really enjoy, so I am excited to get to do that more often as a cat sitter! I allow cats to set the tone and pace of the visit and won’t force interactions if they prefer not to engage. I am a quiet person, as cats are, so I am careful not to make loud noises or stomp around. I am attentive to changes in cats’ behavior and/or physical condition and have advised owners when I think there might be an issue that should be addressed with their veterinarian. Because they need mental stimulation, I look for ways to provide that, even if it is as simple as rotating out their toys. While you are out of town, I will do my best to be the fun (yet responsible!) aunt who comes to visit.

- Rene