Being a pet sitter, specifically a kitty-sitter, is truly a rewarding and almost always a fun job. I have been kitty sitting for over five years. In those five short years, I have come in contact with some of the most unusual and lovable felines. I have been hugged, kissed, snuggled and cuddled with, whined and meowed at and even bitten (but only love bites).

Most all of my kids love to play. The trick is finding something that will keep them entertained and occupied for more than five minutes-something unique as a special multi-colored string toy, or as simple as a ring from the milk bottles. These things are all over my house and I have come to the conclusion that most of my kitty clients like them, too. Once I get them going, they do not want to stop. Racing around a room chasing a toy with such excitement-when they have fun, so do I.

Then there are those felines who just want to use me for a pillow. After taking care of all the normal things such as food, water, and the litter box, I'll sit down and immediately have a kitty in my lap. It makes it just a little more difficult when there is more than one kitty who wants to be there. Fortunately, I have two hands. I have one kitty client that I swear thinks he is human. He actually maneuvers himself to lie under my arm against my body with his paws wrapped around my tummy. His owner says he is very affectionate. That is saying the least!

I have gone in to a new client's home and the owner will say that their kitty is hiding because he or she is afraid of strangers. We'll be sitting there for a minute or two, discussing business, and before you know it, that "frightened" kitty is at my feet rubbing against my shoes or legs. The owner is sitting there in absolute amazement not being able to believe that a "stranger" is getting this kind of attention from their "scaredy" cat. Animals are smart---they know who their friends are.

Then there are those who are out and about when I am with their owners. It's a different story when I am on a visiting schedule. Some of my kitty clients have found exceptionally good hiding spots. This just makes life a little more interesting and I will search, and continue to do this until I find all of them. My customer laughed when I nicknamed one of her kids "Eyes"... that's all I would ever see of her. Her five brothers and sisters made up for her disappearing act. It took a few visits and she now comes out with the rest of the family.

I have often felt like the Pied Piper coming into one home. In this particular home the boys wait by the door for me to enter and immediately follow me to the kitchen. I looked back and saw this scene once and laughed, but it certainly made me feel important and needed. One of these little guys needs to eat before he gets his medication. I have found myself feeding him his canned food by hand just to make sure he eats. The others get just a little jealous so I let them lick my fingers and everybody is happy.

I have kitty clients walk me to the door, practically barricading it. At first, I thought they wanted out, but then I realized that they wanted me to stay. How's that for a good feeling! One feline wanted me to stay put on the couch and when I stood up to go, he took a nip at my leg... just the day when I wore short pants, too. I told the owner not to worry, there was no blood and I knew my client was up to date on his shots.

In five years I have compiled many wonderful memories of kitty clients and their families, and hopefully there will be many more to write about in the coming years. I like all pets, but... kitties the best!

Happy New Year!

Ilene Giangreco is the owner of Kitty Kare Pet Sitting Service. She services the Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Boynton Beach areas. She can be reached at (561) 243-3848.