[mixsonci]

I am looking for someone to watch my cat for me for 3 weeks in June. I would be happy to reciprocate when you go away. Preferably if someone wouldn't mind having her in their house as 3 weeks is a long time to leave her by herself, she does get lonely. But, my house is possible also. Callie is a 12 year old calico, she is declawed and very sweet. She is the typical lap cat and loves to cuddle. It may take her a couple of days to get used to you however before she gets comfortable. I hate to put her in a kennel as that is very hard on cats, you can't take them out for a walk or play with them in the yard like you can with dogs.

[LaurieandKeith]

We don’t mean to take business away from individuals who charge for doing pet sitting, but something you may want to consider for your cat is free in-home pet sitting. Retirees, like my husband and I, travel the world caring for homes and pets at no cost to the homeowner in exchange for free accommodations. We know about The Villages as we did a two-month long pet/house sit there last summer.

We’re writing not to have you consider us, but rather to introduce you to the concept.

Pet owners benefit by not having to kennel/board their pets and their home is safer since it’s lived in while they are on vacation/holiday. The pets get to stay in their own environment.

You join the network, post your need (including beautiful Villages location, dates, etc.) and information about your cat. You can specifically request a pet sitter who has experience with elderly cats.

Although you are inviting a “stranger” into your home, there are many safeguards in this system. Those posting an upcoming sit do not provide their name or address. The connection between the two parties (the homeowner and the pet sitter) is confidential, until the two parties agree to share information. The house/pet sitters include references on their profile.

We will send you a Private Message with the website which explains more about how it works since we can’t include a URL on TOTV.

[MrsPhil]

If you don't get someone lined up by end of May, please contact me and I might be able to help out. I live in Wildwood and could spend time at your house (we have 4 cats and a cat door to the outside, so staying here would not be a good option unless she was confined to the guest room). I read the above post and that makes a lot of sense, so I would encourage you to think about that option first. Good for you for tending to this well ahead of time - I know Callie will appreciate your thoughtfulness!

[mixsonci]

Thank you, I will keep you in mind and am looking into the above option.