Cat Lover and Rescuer

My name is Melissa and I am a Director of Product Development for a NYC based design firm. I was born and raised on Long Island and recently bought my own home in Holtsville, NY. I have 7 cats of my own that live with myself and my husband, all of which are rescues. I have loved cats since I was a little kid and have been volunteering with animal rescues since I was in high school. Currently I am a board member for a local 501c3 cat rescue and have fostered many cats during my time with them - 3 of which became my personal foster fails. During my time in rescue I have participated in TNR services for my community, outreach care, and rescue missions.

My oldest cat is 18 and youngest is 4. I have experience with all different personalities of cats as well as medical conditions. My 12 year old was diagnosed with lymphoma 2 years ago and I have been medicating him everyday with a variety of medications including chemo. As a foster mom I have treated open wounds, adminster IVs and medication, as well as overall nursing care for sickly cats.

I currently am the pet sitter for everyone in my family that lives on Long Island. They trust me 100% with their cats and know that I care for their furbabies like they are my own.

My routine for regular pet sitting includes morning and night drop ins. For each visit I will feed, provide fresh water (or check to make sure water fountains are filled), and scoop litter. During the night I will also spend more time at the home and play/cuddle with the cats. A few times in the past one of the cats I was sitting was sick, and I personally brought them to the vet and kept their mom/dad in the loop about what was going on. I am familiar with most of the vets in the area, including the emergency rooms that are open 24/7, and will also be willing to bring your pet to a doctor should the situation arise.

In the past I have also spent overnights when pet sitting if needed, especially if I was caring for a cat that was sick or needed medications more frequently then a normal visit. I have also pet sat for a relative who had a semi-feral tabby who was unhappy when anyone other than its parents would visit. I have experience with handling ferals and am able to provide the same level of care as I can with a friendly house cat.

I also have filled in for colony feedings in my area when the regular feeder was unavailable.

I also have experience caring for reptiles and fish for anyone that may need care for these type of pets!