Looking for a house, cat, and fish sitter

About this assignment

We have three beautiful indoor cats who need some looking after while we travel to southern Colorado (their names are Chloe, Evie, and Jasper). While cats can certainly be independent creatures, our sweet little weirdos have grown accustomed to the rewards of a work-from-home lifestyle, which means they put a premium on human company.

We also have a handful of tiny fish that need a few flakes of food every morning and evening.

We need someone who can spend a couple of hours each morning and evening at the house. We would also love someone who is communicative and is willing to give honest updates on the cats’ welfare (we don’t need essays or anything—it can be chill). We will be in the backcountry for part of the time and it may be hard to reach us for a few days. However, when we do have reception, we are very responsive. We will also provide you with a nearby emergency contact who can answer any questions.

If you are interested in staying at our home, we would like to have a Zoom call or phone conversation in advance to decide whether it's a good fit. If we could meet in person the day before our departure, that would be even better (if you need to sleep at the house that night, you are welcome to).

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

The cats' care is pretty basic. They need litterbox cleanings every few days, feedings and water changes once a day, and frequent opportunities for play and cuddling. There are no known health issues, but we will leave you with vet contact information just in case (the vet is a five-minute drive away from the house).

Our male cat has his own room that he needs to be kept in whenever you are out of the house and whenever you go to bed. This will prevent tension between the cats while you're gone.

We have a few fish that need some flakes in the morning and evening (think breakfast and dinner).

The back lawn watering system will need to be turned on for fifteen minutes each morning. We will have simple instructions available for how to do this.

We would also appreciate having the trash taken out on Thursday.

We will provide you with a digital and physical packet with more thorough instructions.

What are the good features of the property and location

Broomfield is a quiet suburban town that sits squarely between Denver and Boulder (they are only 30 minutes away by car in either direction). If you are someone who enjoys mountain recreation but also the quirks of vibrant city life, our home is uniquely located to give you both.

You will not go hungry! Our house is within walking distance of a wonderful Asian market, and 1.2 miles away from a King Soopers grocery (which is Colorado’s version of “Kroger”). There is also a Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Walmart nearby. Restaurants abound.

We have a guest bedroom that comes with a full-size (double) bed and closet. It includes a white noise maker, a small space heater, and an overhead fan. You will have access to a fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, a washer and dryer, and for those lazy nights--a large-screen TV with Netflix.

What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment

We are looking for someone who knows how to respect cats' physical boundaries. Our little ones love people, but they will need space to adjust to a novel living situation. Hands-off introductions work best for them, and they typically seek affection after they’ve warmed up. They can be extremely cuddly once trust is established.

We also need someone who can gently diffuse potential cat squabbles. If any of the cats gets hissy with another, distractions with play can be very effective.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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