Cats have been a cherished part of my life since childhood, a love instilled in me by my wonderful Grandma Cooper. Her home was always a haven for feline friends, with two cats who were as much family as any person. Weekends spent at her house were filled with laughter and learning, as she shared endless, amusing stories about her kitties and allowed me to help with their care. Grandma Cooper had a special, almost musical way of calling them – a rapid and distinct “kitty, kitty, kitty” – that would always bring them running, a flurry of fur and purrs. These moments with Grandma Cooper and her cats are some of my most treasured childhood memories, shaping my future in ways I couldn’t have imagined then.
As I grew older, my professional path led me into the hospitality industry, where I spent many years with Marriott Hotels. My move to Washington State in 2007 was a significant change, trading the East Coast for the West Coast and navigating a new work environment. During this time of adjustment, calls home to my dad often included lighthearted vents about work dramas, sometimes punctuated with a wistful joke: “I just want to ski and care for cats, is that too much to ask?” It was a recurring thought, a quiet yearning for a simpler life centered around my passions.
Life, as it often does, had a surprising twist in store. In 2009, after nearly fifteen years with Marriott, I unexpectedly found myself laid off. Suddenly, that whimsical desire to care for cats didn’t seem so far-fetched. The skiing part might have to wait, but the cat care? That was becoming a real possibility. This unexpected turn of events became the catalyst for pursuing my dream.
When I first embarked on the journey of starting “Whiskers At Home,” my vision was clear: a business dedicated solely to Cat Sitting. However, when discussing my plans with a vendor for pet sitting scheduling software, I was met with skepticism. “You’ll never survive,” they asserted, “a successful business just caring for cats? It’s just not done.” These words planted seeds of doubt, causing me to question my initial dream. Hesitantly, I decided to compromise, launching a more conventional pet sitting company that catered to both dogs and cats. Yet, despite this broader approach, a persistent inner voice kept nudging me back towards my original passion, the dream of a cats-only service. Finally, I summoned the courage to listen to my heart and fully commit to what truly resonated with me.
July 2013 marked a pivotal moment: Whiskers At Home proudly transitioned into the specialized cat sitting business it is today.
This shift wasn’t just a business decision; it was a declaration of passion and expertise. Focusing exclusively on cats allows us to provide a truly tailored and understanding service that caters to the unique needs and personalities of feline companions. We understand the nuances of cat behavior, their subtle communication, and the environments where they thrive. Choosing a cat-only sitter means choosing someone who is deeply knowledgeable and genuinely loves cats, ensuring your feline friend receives the best possible care and attention while you are away. It’s more than just pet sitting; it’s providing peace of mind for cat owners, knowing their beloved companions are in the caring hands of dedicated cat experts.
