Speaking Their Language

Getting a cat to love you is all about speaking their language. Every cat is different, from their needs to their personalities and preferences. I let the cat lead the situation and tell me what they want/need. I read a lot and watch videos of feline professionals, trying to soak up all the knowledge I can. Cats are kind of like human infants - stay calm, and they'll be calm. Freak out, and they will be very uncomfortable. I aim to understand them and advocate for the kitties as I recognize that fearful behaviors can be overcome with understanding and the right approach.

I've wanted to work professionally with cats since I was in high school. I loved watching Jackson Galaxy and learning about cat behaviorism. I've strived to be the person that can get the shy/antisocial cat to come out and get some love. I was recently laid off after eight years of working a corporate office job, but am taking this newfound freedom as a welcomed opportunity to pursue my dream of  becoming a Certified Feline Master Groomer through the National Cat Groomers Institute.  I love cats very much, and would like to further my education and experience with them. I am looking into animal behavior certificates as well. My goal is for cat sitting to be one of the many services I offer for cat parents, along with grooming and behavioral evaluations.

Experienced with:

✔️ oral medication - liquids

✔️ eye medication

✔️ ear medication

Cat Lover Since 4 Months Old  

Working with Tabby Manor will be my first time cat-sitting professionally, however I am no stranger to cat care. I always care for my parents' cat (and guinea pigs) when they go out of town in addition to having been a cat mom to my two little princesses, Ellie and Lilith, for many years. We adopted them as kittens in 2017 from Helen Woodward Animal Center. Ellie is a brown tabby, shaped like a pear, loves to play fetch, and licks EVERYTHING. Herself, Lilith, me and my husband, her toys, her cat tree... literally everything. She is a sweet cuddle bug who cries when I leave the house, even if it's just to sit on the patio (where she can see me!). She often sleeps on my head or across my throat. Lilith is a void kitty, with big, round green eyes. She doesn't like to be held, but she LOVES pets. She's a very sensitive girl, who growls at the doorbell and hides under the bed. But she comes running when I tap on her spot on the dresser, ready for butt smacks and pets. She lays in a cat tree in the corner of the bedroom all day, and comes to the living room for attention when the sun goes down.

I'm the second child in my family, so my first year baby book isn't quite as filled out as my older sister's. But the one thing written on the page regarding "response to first pets: LOVES CATS - 4months." So I can confidently say that I have adored cats my whole life. I learn quickly, ask questions, take notes, and have a strong attention to detail. I often notice things that others don't, and will take the initiative to solve issues once identified. I take pride in my work, and I am dedicated to excellence in everything I do. I am excited to get the opportunity to care for your beloved purrkids! I can’t wait to meet them and start building long-lasting relationships as their cat sitter. 

- Shania