Response rating:
Preferred locations
Melb. Inner suburbs, Melb. NE suburbs, Melb. SE suburbs
Additional Info
References available, Police check available, Non smoker, Experience with Domestic Animals
About
I've been housesitting regularly for the last couple of years since I moved from Brisbane to Melbourne to take up a post-graduate place studying Art History at University of Melbourne. I have a lovely home in Kew but am not allowed to have a cat, so I have continued cat sitting for my regular clients and take on new jobs every now and then. As I'm new to Melbourne I enjoy living in and exploring different suburbs - they're all quite different.
I adore cats. I've lived with about 20 or so over the years, including my beloved Merry who crossed the rainbow bridge when she was 18 years old. Many cats have captured my heart and discovered I will be a slave to their every whim, including over 20 that I have catsat for here in Melbourne. I've included photos of some of the lovely babies I've had the pleasure to get to know. I've looked after cats on specials diets (one with IBS, another with diabetes and another with allergies), those with long-hair, short hair, shy (but not for long) and most definitely not shy, and I come with my own laser pointer for 'chase the red dot sessions.' I also offer the option of watching birdie TV on my iPad which some love and some have no interest in whatsoever. In short, I know each cat is their own individual personality with their own personal preferences and I take the time to get to know these and to respect them and to make them feel happy and loved.
You can be assured that any instructions you leave for your cats will be strictly adhered too. I'll also talk to them all the time, play with them if they want, take them for walks in the garden (if allowed) and, of course, give them lots of pats, scratches, cuddles and belly rubs (if permitted). I'm happy for them to snuggle up to me whenever they want and to sleep on/in my bed; I'm experienced at cleaning up hairballs and cat chuck; and I've scooped out a fair amount of litter in my time. (Anything smelly gets dealt with pretty quickly). Door opening on demand is also something of a speciality:)
I find watering the garden very relaxing and am happy to take care of your plants.
If you choose me to be your house sitter I will take care of your house as if it were my own. Everything will be put back in its place and will be taken care of and cleaned while you're away. I will very much live on the surface of your house and won't be opening drawers or cupboards unless necessary. Your privacy will be respected. You can rely on me to be polite and friendly to your neighbours and to be respectful and considerate of them. I'll be either be at home studying or writing essays, or at uni a couple of afternoon's a week for classes, so I'll be home a lot to keep your cat company and your house secure. Loud music is not my thing and I am not a smoker either.
I prefer a house that is well set-up for me to study - so dining table/desk and chair, good WiFi, heating/cooling. As I don't have a car, I need to be not too far from public transport to University of Melbourne, that is within about a 45 minute journey, and up to a 10 - 15 minute walk from amenities such as supermarkets.
I have a police check and can provide references from repeat housesitting clients if you would like them. I'm happy to come to meet you so both you and your cat can screen me in advance of the house sit. My long career in management consulting and banking demonstrates that I am organised, reliable, capable and trustworthy. You're welcome to check me out by looking up my profile on linkedin.
I'm more than happy to answer any questions you may have via email or phone. I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards,
Fiona