Embracing Cat-Sitting: A Purr-fect Path to Community and Wellbeing in London
For years, I harboured a secret identity as a crazy cat lady without a cat. My boyfriend and I would whimsically discuss potential feline names, much like other couples plan for children, but the reality of renting in London kept our dreams firmly grounded. The cat-shaped void in my life lingered, only briefly soothed by chance encounters with street cats. That all changed when I discovered an ingenious solution to my feline-free predicament: becoming a professional cat-sitter.
The Side Hustle Struggle: From Etsy Failures to Feline Success
My cat-sitting adventure began after I made the bold decision to quit my stable job. Faced with financial uncertainty, I dove headfirst into the world of side hustles, inspired by social media promises of easy money and freedom. My initial foray involved setting up an Etsy shop, which after five days and £60, yielded just two sales—one from my sympathetic brother—resulting in a net loss. A brief, confusing stint with affiliate marketing followed, and a desperate attempt to sell stock photography from my camera roll also fell flat, with most images rejected for quality issues.
Feeling frustrated, poorer, and ready to abandon my entrepreneurial dreams, I stumbled upon a TikTok influencer's suggestion: cat-sitting. Within minutes, I created a free profile on Cat in a Flat, and a few weeks later, secured my first booking. While cat-sitting isn't a lucrative full-time income, it has provided welcome pocket money and, more importantly, enriched my life in ways I never anticipated.
Feline Therapy: Mental Health and Unexpected Companionship
One of the most profound benefits has been the positive impact on my mental health. I firmly believe that cats possess an innate ability to sense human emotions, offering comfort during tough times. For instance, Figgy, one of my regular cat clients, curled up on my lap for the first time after I'd endured a particularly challenging morning. Luna, another feline friend, has a knack for resetting my nervous system simply by rubbing against my legs. Then there's Pickle, a shy cat whose trust I patiently earned, who became a source of genuine companionship when it felt like all my friends were either leaving London or starting families.
Beyond emotional support, cat-sitting has inadvertently boosted my physical health. Instead of spending evenings comatose on the sofa, I now embark on brisk walks to my clients' homes. The fresh air and increased step count have noticeably improved my wellbeing, underscoring the virtues of regular exercise without the need for a gym membership.
Building Bridges: From Strangers to Neighbours in the Capital
The most unexpected and delightful outcome of cat-sitting has been the transformation of my social landscape. For over a decade, London often felt cold and lonely, with meaningful conversations outside my immediate social circle being rare. Now, I've finally met my neighbours beyond the occasional Amazon delivery handover. My clients range from IT professionals to animation directors, and I've even been sent holiday photos from Italy as if I were part of their family.
This newfound sense of community has altered my daily routine. Gone are the days of trudging to the tube station with headphones on, eyes fixed on the pavement. Now, my journeys are brighter and more connected, as I frequently bump into friendly cat-sitting clients—both human and animal. When my boyfriend found a lost credit card, I immediately recognised the name as one of my clients and was able to return it promptly, reinforcing these neighbourhood ties.
A London Transformed: From Flat to Home
After three years of cat-sitting, I no longer feel like I merely inhabit a flat in London; I feel integrated into a vibrant community. This role has completely reshaped my perception of the capital, melting away its icy exterior. Being warmly welcomed into strangers' homes for a cup of tea, a chat, and of course, to meet their cats, has made me happier, healthier, and more open. Finally, London truly feels like home, thanks to the purring companions and human connections forged through this simple, yet life-changing, side hustle.
