Desert Whiskers Cat Sitting

09/13/2024

Today is Friday the 13th!!

09/13/2024

How many times do you scoop your litterbox?

Do you pay attention to changes in your cat's urine output?

09/13/2024

🌟 Maddie & Milly’s 3-Week Adventure! 🌟

These two beauties kept me on my toes for three weeks of pure feline fun! 😻 Maddie (the stunning black-seal point Siamese lady) is the queen of playing it cool—super shy at first, but once she warmed up, we had so much fun with her favorite wand toy 🎣 and she even enjoyed some sweet pets! 🐾💕

Milly, the baby of the pair with those gorgeous grey seal point Siamese, was all about playtime! 🎉 Wand toys were the only way to keep her entertained, and let me tell you, she has energy for days! ⚡🐾

Such a fun and lovable duo to care for—I’ll miss these sweet faces! 💛

09/10/2024

Scruffing has been a common practice in cat handling for a long time. It’s the method of cat restraint most veterinary professionals were originally taught. Scruffing is where the cat is grasped by the loose skin on the back of the neck. Even though this restraining technique has been widely used ...

09/07/2024

Be sure to put away all interactive toys after your play session. The solo toys you leave out for your cat should be safe, with no strings or anything poorly attached that can be chewed and swallowed.

09/07/2024

Today’s cat sitting spotlight: Attila! 🐾

This gorgeous, gray boy is always a joy to visit. Whether he’s lounging with his favorite toy or showing off those captivating green eyes, he’s got my heart. 💚 We had a blast today playing with his toys, and Attila made sure I knew who’s boss (hint: it’s him 😉).

I love spending time with cats like Attila, making sure they stay happy and healthy while their humans are away.

09/06/2024

✨ Meet Dixie & Daisy! ✨

👑 Dixie (top left & right): Our charming gentleman, always ready for a good belly rub and a chat! The life of the paw-ty, and an expert in purring. 🐾💬

👑 Daisy (bottom right): The queen of “nope.” Treats? Not interested. Belly rubs? Absolutely not. Try to touch her, and you might just get a hiss and a quick slap! Approach only if you’re feeling brave! 😼👑

Together, they make one legendary duo—one full of love, the other full of sass. So, who are you more like: Dixie, the social charmer, or Daisy, the fierce queen of boundaries? 😹💖

09/05/2024

This bundle of joy!! 🐈🐾🥰

09/04/2024

A special visit today with my favorite golden & husky. 😍💖

I had ChatGPT write me a fun story about this picture. 💕😅

🌟 Meet the dynamic duo, Poppy and Apollo! 🌟

Had a blast today hanging out with these two furry friends. 🐾 Poppy, the golden retriever, brought all the energy and playfulness.
Meanwhile, Apollo, the husky, was full of personality with his hilarious expressions and cool demeanor. 🐺

Whether it’s running around outside or chilling on the rug inside, these two know how to make every moment count. Such fun times with this crazy girl and her funny sidekick!

Can’t wait for more adventures with Poppy and Apollo! 🐶❤️

09/03/2024

A couple of weeks ago I had a fun time with these 2. 🐈‍⬛🦜💕

09/01/2024

📅 Holiday Season is Around the Corner! 📅

Hello, Desert Whiskers family! 🐾 As the year winds down, we know everyone is getting ready for the holidays. To help you plan ahead, I’m sharing my availability calendars for September, October, November, and December.

Important Note: Holiday bookings are filling up fast! 🏃‍♂️ For Thanksgiving (Nov 27th-30th), Christmas (Dec 23rd-27th), and New Year’s Eve (Dec 30th-31st), reservations are limited and are exclusively available to current active clients.

Not a current client yet? No worries! 🎉 I still have plenty of openings outside of these peak holiday dates. If you’ve been thinking about booking some loving care for your feline friends, now’s the perfect time to join the Desert Whiskers family!

🐱 To book for holiday dates, please ensure you’re a current client. 🐱

Reach out to secure your spot, and let’s make this holiday season an stress-free and joyful one for both you and your pets!

https://www.desertwhiskerscatsitting.com/

08/28/2024

🌈 Today is Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day 🌈

On this special day, we take a moment to remember the beloved pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. They may no longer be with us physically, but they remain forever in our hearts. 🐾❤️

Whether you cherished a cat, dog, bunny, bird, or any other pet, their love and companionship have left a lasting impact on our lives. Let’s honor their memory by sharing photos and stories of our furry, feathered, and scaly friends who have passed on. 🐶🐱🐰🐦

Feel free to post your own tribute in the comments below or share a story that brings a smile to your face. Let’s create a beautiful tapestry of memories together. 🌈

Thinking of all of you and your cherished companions today. 🕊️

08/28/2024

🌈 In Loving Memory of Lucki 🌈

It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our dear feline friend, Lucki, who crossed the rainbow bridge on August 22, 2024. 🐾

Lucki was more than just a cat; she was a cherished companion, a source of comfort, and a bundle of love. Her playful spirit and gentle purrs brought so much joy to those around her. She will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

To her loving family, please know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories shared with Lucki.

Rest in peace, sweet Lucki. You will be dearly missed. 💖

08/28/2024

Reading Time: 5 minutes Share onNature designed cats to be efficient little predators and to hunt even when they’re not hungry (because who knows when the next meal will scamper by?). Play is the indoor cat’s version of hunting. It’s an expression of a host of hardwired feline behaviors. Cats ...

08/25/2024

Meet Tommy!!
A new kitty client 😻🐈🐾💕

08/24/2024

Living with multiple cats can be rewarding, but it also comes with challenges, such as intercat tension. Recognizing and addressing this tension is crucial for maintaining the health and happiness of your cats. What is Intercat Tension? Intercat tension refers to social tension between cats and is

08/24/2024

Why Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter is the Best Decision for Your Pets and Home 🏡 🐈‍⬛🐈🐕

When it comes to caring for your pets while you’re away, peace of mind is priceless. Recently, one of my clients traveled overseas and left me with the responsibility of caring for their beloved furry family members. The story of what happened during this time underscores why hiring a professional pet sitter is essential.

The Incident 🔑

On the first day of my visit, I accessed the house using the provided key. All seemed well until I noticed the lock was sticking. I completed my visit, but on my way out, the lock broke inside the mechanism. This wasn’t just any door; it was a specialty iron entry door requiring a unique lock that you can’t just pick up at your local hardware store.

Going Above and Beyond

In situations like these, a professional pet sitter doesn’t just leave things to chance. Here’s how I handled it:

1. Immediate Action: I contacted the client immediately to arrange a backup entry method through the garage door.
2. Expert Solution: My husband, who installs security doors professionally, was able to obtain and install the required specialty lock. He also rekeyed it to match the current key, ensuring seamless access.
3. Home Security: Although the client mentioned she would handle it upon her return, we decided it was best to fix it immediately. This added an extra layer of security for the client’s home and saved her the hassle of dealing with it after a long trip.

Why This Matters

Hiring a professional pet sitter like me means you get more than just pet care:

• Reliability: I require two forms of entry—be it a key, garage code, window, or doggie door—ensuring I can always access your home to care for your pets.
• Personal Touch: When you hire me, you get me. Not an employee or a substitute. I am dedicated to the pets and homes under my care.
• Comprehensive Care: While other sitters might request two keys (possibly for an assistant), I handle everything myself. If a lock is broken, multiple keys won’t help. My proactive approach means your home and pets are always in safe hands.

Any other pet sitter might have left the broken lock and notified the client, leaving the problem unresolved. But as a professional, I strive to go above and beyond. I care deeply not only for your pets but also for the security of your home.

Next time you plan a trip, remember that hiring a professional pet sitter ensures your pets and home are in the best possible hands. 🐾🏠✨

08/23/2024

Please see our below position statement, as part of The Cat Group, on ‘Bully’ and ‘Dwelf’ cats.

The Cat Group is a collection of professional organisations dedicated to feline welfare through joint campaigns and collaborative research, making expert recommendations on the care and keeping of all cats.

The Cat Group is very concerned about the breeding and promotion of so-called ‘Bully’ or ‘Dwelf’ cats.
We are completely opposed to the breeding of cats with extreme physical characteristics that negatively impact on their welfare and quality of life.

‘Bully’ and ‘Dwelf’ cats suffer from physical deformities, including hairlessness and distorted limbs, among other defects. Breeding for deformity is unethical and causes unacceptable pain and suffering. These defects, particularly limb deformities (short, bowed legs) and abnormal joints are painful and restrict mobility, thus preventing these cats from carrying out normal behaviours essential for their welfare and their ability to live a good quality of life.

The Cat Group strongly urges breeders to cease breeding ‘Bully’ or ‘Dwelf’ cats. These cats should not be promoted in any way, for example through social media, or by their presence at cat shows.

We ask the public not to buy these cats under any circumstances; doing so is irresponsible as it promotes popularity and leads to more cats with these issues being born to suffer.

More information about the health issues affecting ‘Bully’ and ‘Dwelf’ cats is available on the iCatCare website
https://icatcare.org/advice/dwelf/?fbclid=IwAR0WJl3yNt7wFWIfMThOxP44oPkPwzKR_oPTaptKbQUM6b-9NtZoEDNeTt8

08/21/2024

Back to work and had a fun time with Lisa again.

I brought a wand toy over for her and it’s her new favorite thing to play and looks forward to when I come see her!!

08/17/2024

Just got back from an incredible experience at SUPERZOO 2024 at the Mandalay Bay Conference Center!
🐾 We stayed at the Luxor, which was conveniently next door—thank goodness because the convention center was MASSIVE. I’m not kidding about the walking...my feet and legs are definitely feeling it!😅

The event was absolutely amazing—so many pet companies showcasing the latest products hitting the market. One of the big highlights was seeing how popular Tofu cat litter is becoming. It's clear that this product is going to be huge! I also had some great conversations with companies that are excited to work with private pet sitters like me, especially since I focus solely on cats. It's encouraging to see more businesses recognizing the value of specialized care!

I wish I could have taken advantage of all the meetings and events, but there's always next year...maybe. 😉

We also squeezed in some sightseeing around the Strip. Thank God for the bus to help us get around because the weather, while cooler than Arizona, was still plenty hot! 🌞

Now, I'm happy to be home and already back to work.

Next up: planning our March vacation to celebrate our 30th anniversary—driving from Arizona to Florida.
Can't wait!
💨🚗

08/17/2024

08/11/2024

We are taking a couple extra days off.

08/11/2024

This week I had the pleasure to see Lena & Ozzie!! Always a fun time with these 2. 🐈🐈‍⬛💕

08/11/2024

Unfortunately the truth hurts.
If you feel you NEED to let your cat outside, build the a catio.

There are other ways to help your cats. This isn’t it.

Truth ~

08/10/2024

Got to spend a weekend with Lisa!! We also watched the dust storm that came in a few weeks ago. 💨🐈‍⬛😻

08/09/2024

🌟 Mocha & Scruff Update 🌟

I’ve been fortunate enough to care for these sweet pups for the past 4 years, and it’s been a journey of trust and patience—especially with Scruff. Scruff is incredibly shy and fearful, needing time to decompress and get comfortable before trusting anyone. Mocha, who’s newer to the family, is pretty social once she gets to know you. Usually, they both hang out outside when I visit, barking at me from a safe distance. They’re both treat lovers, but it’s usually a “run, bark, take the treat, and run away” routine.

But this last visit round? HUGE progress! 🎉

Mocha has officially decided I’m her best friend. She followed me everywhere, sat with me, and we spent some quality time together. Scruff, while still shy, made some big strides too. He accepted treats directly from my hand and even came close enough for some light pets. On my last day, Scruff stayed inside with me and made himself comfortable on the couch. We enjoyed lots of high-value treats and calm conversations, slowly building that trust. 🐾

It’s moments like these that make pet sitting so rewarding—seeing these little milestones and knowing that trust is growing with each visit. Can’t wait to see what our next visit brings!

08/08/2024

Today is International Cat Day!!!🐱🐈🐈‍⬛😻

08/08/2024

These are a pain in the rear. It’s really not sanitary to use. Might be easier for you, but not for the cat.

Don't use liners in the litter box. Shortcuts are never a good idea when it comes to keeping the litter box clean.

08/08/2024

Fun visits with these 2 goofy kitties.

Bentley is a riot and likes to torment his sister Boo. She’s shy but loves to play and be saved from the bully.
😹