Quiet Changes, Big Peace: Reflections From a Year Inside Cat Homes
As the year winds down, I find myself reflecting on just how many quiet moments I’ve been invited into.
Early mornings. Pre-trip nerves. Whispered concerns at consultations. The soft routines that make a house feel like home—not just for people, but for the cats who live there too.
This year reminded me of something I see again and again: most cats aren’t “misbehaving.” They’re communicating. And often, all it takes is someone slowing down enough to listen.
What a Year of Sitting (and Listening) Taught Me
After years of cat sitting, I’ve had the privilege of seeing patterns repeat across hundreds of homes. Loving, attentive families who are doing their best—yet feeling frustrated, guilty, or overwhelmed when something feels off.
Litter box issues. Tension between cats. Sudden behavior changes before a trip or after a routine shift.
What I’ve learned is this: when stress enters a household, cats often speak first. And they speak quietly.
That realization shaped much of my work this year and led me to expand how I support clients beyond in-home visits.
Billy’s Story: When Small Changes Make a Big Difference
Billy was having daily litter box accidents before his family left for a two-week vacation. He shared his home with another senior cat, and the household had slowly become tense and unpredictable—for everyone involved.
His family was worried. They didn’t want to come home to a bigger problem than the one they left behind.
Before their trip, we talked through what Billy was experiencing, not just what he was doing. Together, we made a few thoughtful adjustments—nothing overwhelming, nothing drastic—just changes rooted in understanding his needs and his environment.
Before the family even returned home, the accidents had stopped.
More importantly, they didn’t just come back to relief—they came back to a plan. A clear, manageable path forward that supported both senior cats and helped restore calm to the household long-term.
What Cases Like Billy’s Continue to Teach Me
Stories like Billy’s reinforced three truths for me this year:
Behavior is communication, not defiance.
Most families need reassurance as much as instruction.
Lasting change doesn’t require chaos—it requires clarity.
So often, people wait until they’re exhausted or discouraged to ask for help. But support works best when it’s proactive, compassionate, and grounded in real life.
Why I Began Offering Cat Coaching Calls
This year, I began offering Cat Coaching Calls for clients who wanted guidance beyond visits—especially during transitions like travel, new routines, aging cats, or emerging behavior concerns.
Sometimes, one thoughtful conversation is enough to shift everything.
Coaching allows us to address concerns early, reduce stress for everyone involved, and build a plan that works long after the call ends. It’s calm, collaborative, and tailored to your household—not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Looking Ahead With Gratitude
As I close out this year, I’m deeply grateful for the trust you place in me—whether I’m caring for your cat while you’re away or helping you navigate a challenging moment at home.
Quiet changes really can create big peace. And I’m honored to be part of that process for so many families.
If you’re heading into the new year with questions, concerns, or simply a desire for more harmony at home, support is available. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Here’s to another year of listening closely—to our cats, and to each other.
