Hiya. I was with TH for several years until my cat died. I now have 2 cats under 1 year and rejoined. Their first sit was a long weekend and it didn’t work out so well for them. Nice sitter but didn’t tune into kitten’s needs. I accept full responsibility for that one. So I’ve revised my listing and would appreciate anyone who can, taking a look. There is a fine line between being too pedantic and being clear about the pet’s needs. Which side of the line do I fall please?
I have another weekend away planned in March and really need this to be a good one for the kittens so all comments are welcome. Thank you very much.
(Link removed from profile by the Forum team as per the Community Rules. Listing link is showing under Forum profile).
As a cat person at heart, I loved your descriptions of your kittens’ behaviour and personalites which reflect your clear love for them.
(I only paid attention to the cat-associated descriptions not anything relative to your home, etc. so my comments/ideas only relate to mainly to those)
A few things struck me as pedantic and superfluous :
“If you don’t pay attention they will get stressed and upset but you probably won’t, ” “If you ignore this, you may have a great time but they won’t.” and, “ The key for the kittens is to remember that you need to interpret what they are asking for”.
I’d strike these from your description as you’ll be screening for someone experienced and sensitive enough to know this. Be sure to ask potential sitters details about their histories with kittens (not just cats !) as this will give you a better sense of their awareness, sensitivity and ability to meet your kittens’ needs.
In addition, many of the home responsibilities you list could be eliminated from your posting as long as they’re on your home guide. They’re a bit cumbersome in your post.
I hope that you find a fabulous sitter for your adorable little ones !
Great advice given re: avoiding the lecturing and doing video with potential sitters to sus out their expertise! I wouldn’t take this sit cuz your review of the previous sitter was harsh in that you gave 3 stars and docked responsibly and such but didn’t explain beyond not filling automatic feeder properly. Ouch!
I got exhausted reading it all I’m afraid, just for a two day sit. Is it really all necessary for such a short time? Cats, albeit kittens, are very resilient and most experienced sitters would do a fine job and manage very well and be aware of most of the requirements, again, for just two days. If it were two weeks things might be different. You definitely love your kitties which is wonderful of course but yes, I think you are being a little too pedantic.
@Joandacat You have asked for feedback, although I’m wondering if you may take offence when we, as experienced sitters, provide constructive criticism. Some members find such feedback difficult to take.
I think your listing is more pedantic than necessary, and at times somewhat condescending, even if that wasn’t your intention. At the last bullet point to tell me ‘well done!’ was unnecessary, so I’ll put it down to your intention to be humorous. Humour is not universal and so can be misinterpreted in a global community such as ours.
The only reason I read the whole listing was because you asked for feedback. You would have lost me early on otherwise, because of your tone and your repetition of points I am assuming you wanted to reinforce. I don’t need to be told three times to get your point. I also strongly agree with others about the negativity of the review you gave. I note your sitter took the high road and said very little, which can also speak volumes in a kinder way.
I think your responsibility’s section reads somewhat like a Welcome Guide. For example, key essential points are needed in the listing, but knowing where supplies are stored is unimportant for a sitter to decide whether to submit an application.
You’ve clearly outlined what you’re hoping for in a sitter. To make the listing feel more balanced and appealing, you might consider adding more emphasis on what you’re offering in return, so potential sitters can better understand the benefits for them as well.
Why did you deduct two stars from your last sitter for Happy Pets? I’m left wondering how you determined that your kittens were unhappy with the sitter during their short stay.You also mention that your kittens need time to adjust to a stranger in the house, which makes it seem a bit unfair if that adjustment period was the reason for the lower rating.
As a very experienced cat sitter on THS, feedback like this would make me hesitant to apply.
Ok I have a slightly different take, a bit wordy yes, but I read some things as light-hearted which may be interpreted differently. I did not read the reviews and after reading all comments tried to go back but it seems to glitch and only takes me to the main page.
Having sat for a cat who would bite when overstimulated I appreciated those comments as I was a bit shocked when it first happened but soon learnt his cues, which really it what it’s all about. I do agree it’s harder to get to know pets over only a weekend.
Agree that some of the instructions would be better kept to the welcome guide.
Yes, the poor girl who sat last may have tripped up on a minor issue with so much information to absorb, but as a first sit, her chances of getting another one are now very slim. I doubt she deserved such a harsh review. I mean, 3 for happy pets? How could you know kittens weren’t happy?
@ziggy - Maybe not. I just looked at that sitter’s profile and she’s on a sit now and has three others booked - each for 10 days or more - taking her into April. Perhaps other owners assessed both the sitter and owner comments and gave her the opportunity to explain the circumstances. I’m pleased to see that the one negative review did not hamper her.
The only thing I’d have to add is that you’d increase your odds of finding the right sitter if you considered couples. My own home isn’t big but we accept applications from solo sitters and couples and it gives us more great sitters to choose from.
I also sit. I have lots of cat experience, but I prefer to travel with my loving spouse who is also great with cats. I would especially reluctant to choose a rural setting for a solo sit (much as I love to get away to rural settings).
Well that’s great news @Snowbird I would hate to think someone’s credibility was ruined over what could be a minor issue. I guess it’s true that not everything is always as it seems.
TBH @Joandacat it sounds like you have very high standards judging by your listing and review left for your previous sitter. Even as a very experienced cat person dealing with cats at all ages including kittens I’d not apply. Too much jeopardy for a short sit.
As you’ve probably figured out, this forum is heavily represented by sitters. If you mark someone down in stars with a clear explanation as to why, you’re fine (assuming you had a good reason for docking them). Vague reasons for deductions are not very helpful to anyone and won’t be well received here. Don’t be discouraged by the pushback you’re getting here; this a tough audience though usually helpful.
As a cat person myself, I’m at a loss to understand what you mean when you say kittens require more or different attention in order to interpret what they’re asking for. Kittens are easy because they only want food, sleep or play. Adult cats are a mystery half the time but kittens not so much.
From your profile, I’m guessing you are looking for a sitter that enjoys kittens AND will put in the time to play with them. I think that’s all you need to say in your profile introduction. I can’t imagine any sitter who wouldn’t enjoy kittens and playing with them. If you’re looking for more than that from a sitter, the more is not being conveyed in your listing.
As far as verbosity, I think you’re over the line. Your Responsibilities write up only needs a 1 sentence summary per bullet point. All the verbiage you have in that section would be great in your Welcome Guide. The same is true for much of what you write about the kittens’ personalities and eating habits. For us, the bridge between our Profile and Welcome Guide is the video call where we share key info from the Welcome Guide.
I’m left wondering how you determined that your kittens were unhappy with the sitter during their short stay.You also mention that your kittens need time to adjust to a stranger in the house, which makes it seem a bit unfair if that adjustment period was the reason for the lower rating.
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