For me it comes down to this and in no particular order:
Seeing my dog bond with other people and in turn learning how much our sitters fall for him and his many fun quirky personality traits.
Getting pup-dates (we SO appreciate when sitters send us photos of fun adventures and walks they take our dog on). Sometimes we even learn about new areas to take him to when we return. I especially love the snuggle photos as our dog is Mr. Snuggles (just after he’s Mr. Prancy Pants on walks but before Mr. Feed Me NOW).
Knowing our dog is getting the BEST care and often times is being spoiled way more than during his regular routine with us.
Getting to know our sitters! We absolutely love trying to arrange one meal together before we depart so we can get to know our sitters better. We have met some of the most amazing people and have been so fortunate to keep in touch and see where their adventures take them.
Here’s just a few photos our last sitters sent us while we were away.
Knowing that our cat is in her surroundings with minimal disruption and with people who care for her as well as we do. When it takes her a while to warm up to us when we get back (sometimes she’s lying on the couch and does not react to our arrival even though she sees us, almost disappointed it’s not the sitters) we know she has been in good hands.
Absolutely. Cats are far more independent than dogs and ‘bonding’ isn’t really something cats do. They do what they want when they want whilst a dog ‘needs’ attention particularly when the owner leaves and a sitter takes over.
I’m as pleased as can be when I return and find that the cats are just as diffident but have been cared for as the day I left, all four of them!, all four of them!
@Ken
I disagree cats totally bond with you. I guess it depends on the cats, the person and perhaps the breed.
Our cats are very bonded to us and have bonded really well with some of our exceptional sitters. There was one couple that I think they preferred to us However, that was perfect for us, as we knew they had been treated really well and had had fun with them.
Sure some cats are aloof, but then so are some dogs, just like people it is all down to personalities.
I think you are confusing ‘bonding’ with feeding! Cats will ‘bond’ with the person feeding them.
Try it sometime, the next time you have friends or family staying for more that a couple of days; get them to feed your cats and then see who they ‘bond’ with! They certainly have different personalities ut essentially are extremely independent animals. If you didn’t feed them they would leave and find food elsewhere. A dog, relatively stupid animals when it comes to survival. They would stay and starve!!!
Oh @ken! How could you say such provocative things about dogs? The many, many poor abandoned strays that live around us in our house in Italy are tough survivors and fend for themselves admirably (I wish they didn’t have to but that’s another matter).
@Kelly yes, you are spot on about loving the pet sitters. We had so many over the course of Sassy’s lifetime, and many of those are now friends we keep in touch with on a regular basis. They always sent the best pics of her loving the time she had with them…many were just on the sofa snuggled up, but many also outside playing with her favorite soccer ball in the yard. We kept that soccer ball even after she passed and have since moved to a new home and have it in our new backyard. It brings such memories, but so many of those memories have come from the time she spent with our TrustedHousesitters extended family!
It was a general comment about dogs, domestic dogs that is. I know most ‘wild’ animals’ including dogs will somehow survive. It is heartbreaking to see them I know. They obviously live a hard and a shorter life. I have taken in wild cats (I have four now) so I know how you feel.
I disagree about cats bonding with whoever feeds them.
It is me that feeds the cats and I get quite excited when they jump onto my lap. Alas, they just use me as a stepping stone to then sit on Mr Itchyfeet’s lap
Well I didn’t mean my comment to be taken so literally! I feed our cats and they also sit on my wife’s lap. It was more a ‘if they aren’t fed then they will go somewhere else to be fed’ comment.
Let’s all remember the forum is here to support one another and be kind with all our responses to each other. Opinions do vary but we need to be mindful of how we state those opinions.
We’re all in this space together to create a welcoming environment for both existing and potential members of TrustedHousesitters. We should treat each other with respect. Healthy debate is encouraged however kindness is required - rudeness, personal insults, or judgments will not be permitted. If a member has taken the time to comment on a question, please take the time to thank, acknowledge or reply to them.
I don’t know why your cats haven’t bonded with you, but every cat I’ve ever had (off the cuff, I’ve counted 16) has bonded with me and my family members. They come when I calm them, they seek out my attention for pats, lap time, or play time, and some have been food-motivated. Some have slept under the covers with me, some have slept on my chest or neck or head lol - and some haven’t been lap cats or sleep with me but are still very bonded with me. I’ve had a number of frightened formerly feral rescues who have taken months, sometimes a couple of years, to bond - but when they do its wholeheartedly and they’ve never looked back. My current kitty had a traumatic past in the streets and then adjusting to a loving family, only to be returned to the shelter after a couple of years. She is sleeping soundly in my lap in a heated throw as I type this. Her trust issues run so deep, she took a couple of years to totally bond with me. She will hide when anyone else comes to our house except one of my daughters, who she sees fairly regularly and is learning to trust.
I am a professional pet sitter with 20 years’ experience taking care of mostly cats and dogs, and doing daily dog walks. I don’t agree with the stereotype that cats are standoffish and dogs run right up to give hugs and kisses. It’s entirely individual. Skittish pets of any stripe have reason to be wary if they’ve had a traumatic past. The toughest jobs I’ve had are with dogs who don’t trust anyone but their owners and growl, try to bite me or just refuse to come out of a hiding spot when it’s time for a walk or potty. I am infinitely patient, feeling empathetic that they clearly have had a rough start to life. However, I have had just as many dogs as cats be slow to trust and bond.
I had very little experience with cats before sitting them THS. Now, I adore them. That’s because they’re so smart and quirky, and I’ve found that they’ve all bonded, just differently.
Every cat I’ve sat has wanted attention, play time, affection, etc., to varying degrees. But you have to engage on their terms and timeline.
My next sit is a repeat with three indoor/outdoor cats, all with different lovable personalities. They bonded with me, starting with my first sit, and more each time I visit. I can’t wait to see them again.
I’m sure the feeling will be mutual. Putting time in and attention with rabbits too brings similar results.. the more relaxed and familiar we are to any pet results in reciprocity. Isn’t that why doctors encourage pet ownership to stressed and highly strung patients to calm them down? My behaviour changes when I’m with pets.. my day changes… my life has changed since I’ve added pets to it These changes are definitely for the better. That’s not to say pet care eradicates stress! Pet sitting by its very definition brings new responsibilities and I never fully” relax”. It’s why I never drink alcohol on a sit in case I might have to drive somewhere urgently with a distressed pet. I do feel very relieved at the sight of the returning pet owner/ home owner too, however well it’s gone. The handing back is a beautiful moment normally. It can also be tinged with sadness as I know I’m now, temporarily,redundant !( That’s why I like to have my next sit or sits lined up.. I love my new life.)
Maybe that’s why I get upset by changes that threaten to spoil it too!( Don’t get me started!)
Animals are very intuitive. Therapy dogs exist and therapy cats exist. In some places prisoners are given pets to bond with.what an interesting move, I bet it helps with rehabilitation.
It brings out the best in me. I’m more caring and sensitive towards my charges. My way of life, retired but very active and travelling much more, still needing to connect to people and animals, works well with this continuing cycle of pet care, house care and self care.
I need periods where I’m not sitting, not travelling not responsible for other folk’s places. Yes that’s also necessary and enriching. I’m home in Madrid now for a few days and on my own. Lots of sleep, walks and the indulgence of eating at my favourite restaurant.; getting recharged and ready for my two week sit at the southern coast of Spain in 4 days with a friendly cat and dog. Life is very good. Salud!
I’ve been on indefinite sabbatical for a few months, considering joining my husband in early retirement. Have really enjoyed myself, but am starting to miss the mental challenges of work a bit.
@Maggie8K I don’t think you are ready to retire yet, you seem to have much to give and the forum will be poorer if you leave THS as I believe you plan to.
So agree. She should be on THS management and sort things out with all her wisdom and experience at the Front line! A natural leader with a big following.
However, that was perfect for us, as we knew they had been treated really well and had had fun with them.
