Cat Sitter Struggles

The life of a dog or cat sitter seems so luxurious until you actually do it on a regular basis, or long enough to encounter some of the real obstacles faced on a regular basis. Things you hope to generally avoid when sitting : TROUBLE! What might trouble be? Well, it could be a lot of things, but to list a few that come to mind: illness, running away, necessary vet visits, and the topper- death.

Now, I have literally been a pet sitter since high school when I first started sitting for my neighbor’s new puppy. I continued picking up some jobs occasionally throughout college and then “professionally” for a bit post college. Since I’ve moved to PA, I’ve had a couple of regular clients that have given me a world of experience, learning, and most importantly, love. Unfortunately, with love often comes heart break. While I have quite a few stories I can and will share, the pet I want to write about now is Mochi.

Mochi is a cat I started to sit for in the start of 2019. I forget who gave her owner my contact information, but I received a text or call one day from a woman seeking a sitter for her diabetic cat. She had been given my information from her vet office, where I used to work, and wanted to see if I’d be interested in sitting for her- it would be a twice a day job, as the cat required insulin shots 2x per day. I was, and am usually always interested in new clients, especially cats (no offense to dogs) and I like the town/ area they live in, so I was instantly interested and followed up by meeting with the woman/ her cat and taking the future job. At the time, I didn’t know that this would turn into a frequent, ongoing gig, as the family travels often, and that this little cat would leave such a lasting imprint on my heart.

Long story short, many a time and many a holiday did I spend with Mochi over the last 2 years. I was surprised that our time together has been so short as I’ve seen her so frequently and have collected well over 100 photos of her in my cell photo stream during that time.

What a cat. It sounds nuts, but anyone who truly loves animals and forms bonds with them can understand. I love my own pets with all my being, but I somehow learn to love the pets I sit for as my own, as well. In this case, I was lucky enough to get the best family along with the best cat. I mean, the first time I got there they had a big basket on the counter with a bunch of different snacks with a note telling me to help myself! This is a family that allowed me to keep sitting while pregnant, meaning I had to bring my husband at least once a day to scoop litter (you can’t scoop while pregnant), and then, not once, but multiple times, left boxes of baby items (books, toys, etc.) for me to dig through and take whatever I fancied. This was the kindest family I could’ve encountered. Was it frustrating to give up decent sized chunks of my holidays because I had to cat sit? Barely, because this family and this little cat were the cutest. Oh, also, did I mention this family would leave me gifts on holidays? How above the top wonderful is that?!

Mochi. What a sweet girl. I called her “chicken”, because she had a little stuffed chicken toy she loved and she also had the tiniest little chicken feet. I could never get over how little her feet were! She had a tiny little “meow” that almost sounded like a squeak sometimes, but made your heart melt because it was so cute. Oh how I would love to be greeted by that, usually upon entry of your house. 9 of 10 times, especially if it was my morning visit, you’d be in the chair in the left corner of the back room, visibly immediately upon walking in the front door. I’d close the door, turn around and you’d give a squeak, get up and jump down to the floor for our normal routine to begin. We had things set. It took maybe two visits for you to warm up to me, but once you did, we really formed a bond. You, like my own girl cats, followed the beat to your own drum. You weren’t the type that would come snuggle me directly, but I know you adored our time on the floor together. I’d sit on the floor and pet you as much as possible the time I was there, to make sure you felt loved while your family was away. I hated that you had no furry siblings and would have to be home alone the majority of every day. I wanted our time together to feel special and make you happy. If I wasn’t sitting, I’d lay directly next to you and pet you. I’d try to get as close as possible to you (big spoon, little spoon style) without causing you to get up and move again (lol to any cat lovers). I know you valued our time together and loved being pet and getting feather/ chicken toy massages from me.

The days you’d guard the front door were heart breaking. I’m not sure if you just loved the action of the cars, animals, and people walking by, or if you were waiting for your family to come home. I always loved when I’d pull in the driveway and you’d be in the front door waiting. I’m not sure if you were ever looking for me, but it made me feel good, as though I could bring you some sunshine to your day.

You were there with me throughout my whole pregnancy- at different stages and months, of course for short spurts at a time, but you were there for a huge event in my life. I stuck by your side, sitting in my ninth month of pregnancy. How could I say no when I loved you so?

I had to turn down my first job for you in October. I recommended my sitter, but your family ended up staying home instead with all of COVID and everything. I joked with your mom about being relieved that I wouldn’t have my job replaced, as I loved you too much to not be able to sit for you/ see you anymore.

I knew you were sick with chronic kidney issues and diabetics. I knew this day would come, yet I just didn’t see it coming so soon.

When your mom asked if I’d be willing to sit for Thanksgiving, my answer was yes! I missed you and can always use extra money this close to Christmas, especially while being on maternity leave. COVID crashed our usual holiday plans, but I would’ve said yes either way. You were my girl! I also was excited to try and get back into a routine or groove postpartum, with my baby in tow. The fact your mom and family were so open and welcoming to my new lifestyle was amazing.

My Thanksgiving visit was new, as I first had my husband and baby with me. You were “aloof” from what I would call the norm, but that would happen sometimes on my first visit. I always figured you were salty that your family left, as you knew my arrival confirmed they would be gone for a while. My next visit with you I was alone and got to see you more clearly. It was evident to me you had lost more weight and worse of all, I found your automatic feeder with compartments NOT empty. I knew something was up and when I sat on the floor with you that morning, I sobbed. I didn’t want you to be sick. The next few days you ate all of your food and I was thrilled. Your spirits seemed generally up. A few things were maybe off, but not entirely out of your norm. I left feeling happy. I kissed you a bunch, but not nearly enough had I thought that would be the last time I’d ever see you.

Your mom texted me once home and mentioned they might go away for Christmas, if I’d be available to sit for you- of course I was!!

You can imagine my surprise and the pit in my stomach I had when your mom called my cell yesterday. I was in the car with the baby, alone, so I didn’t answer it. I had this bad feeling since she never calls- we normally just text. No voicemail. I literally called my husband and asked him to call me and see if my voicemail was full. Sure enough- it was, so I knew I needed to call her back ASAP. When I was in my neighborhood, I dialed her back and by the instant break in voice, my gut feeling was confirmed. You had fallen quite ill over the last few days and after seeing the vet, it was decided it was best to be put to rest. The fact your mom wanted me to know and had the courage to call me is flat out amazing. We cried together on the phone and I wished her well for the experience scheduled for a few hours from then, thanked her for bringing me into all of your lives and allowing me to sit for such a great cat.

You went to cat heaven yesterday afternoon. One of my best friends works as a vet nurse and was there with you, so I know you passed peacefully, and per your mother, passed holding your beloved chicken. I can’t think of any other way I’d want you to go. I hope you feel better, and it makes me happy knowing you no longer need shots twice a day and can live freely, chasing mice, eating non diet restricted food and living your best life, getting all the rubs and petting, brushing, treats, and love you deserve.

I know I need to stop missing you so much. You weren’t my cat, although I loved you as my own. Cat sitting is a hard business like that. If you’re a good sitter, you form that bond that makes the circle of life inevitably heart breaking. You lived a pretty long life, but most importantly, with an incredible family. I’m so lucky I got to know you for the short time I did. I can only imagine how they must feel, having known you and loved you so much longer. What a blessing you were to this earth, Mochi. Thank you for being you and thank you for the loving memories you’ve given me that I will forever cherish. May you forever Rest In Peace.