KatStay

09/06/2025

After many months of thought and reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to officially close KatStay — for real this time.

I actually tried a few years back to close, but the outpouring of folks who wanted me to stay was so great that I continued. And while I’m so glad I had the chance to care for so many new kitties since then, I now have to take care of myself.

Since 2013, I’ve been doing professional cat sitting — and what a journey it has been. Caring for so many wonderful cats and building relationships with their families has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I am deeply grateful to everyone who welcomed me into their homes and trusted me with their beloved companions.

But after more than a decade of working nearly every weekend and holiday, I’ve realized the toll it has taken on my health and energy. Combined with my work at Edina Realty, I knew it was time to create more balance — to rest, recharge, and make space for the people and experiences that matter most.

To everyone who has been part of KatStay, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your trust, kindness, and support have meant the world to me. Though this chapter is closing, the memories (and all those purrs!) will stay with me always. 💜🐾

With gratitude,
Kate

08/29/2025

🐾 August with KatStay 🐾

August was a month full of familiar whiskers and paws. Every single visit was with one of my regulars, and honestly, that’s one of my favorite parts of this work. Coming back again and again means the cats already know me—they’re waiting for me with their little routines, quirks, and personalities that shine brighter each time.

Repeat visits are such a gift. They let me build trust not just with my clients, but with their cats. Over time, we fall into our own rhythm—whether that’s a certain snuggle spot on the couch, a goofy playtime ritual, or just the calm of sitting together. Those bonds are why I do this.

To all of you who re-book and welcome me back into your homes: thank you. It means the world to me, and it makes a world of difference for your cats. 💜

Here’s to another month of purrs, head-butts, and naps on my lap.

08/02/2025

⭐So grateful for the KatStay Family!

This past July was the busiest month KatStay has ever had, and I want to thank every one of my clients—both long-time regulars and new faces—for trusting me with your beloved cats.

I love reconnecting with so many regulars—there’s nothing better than a happy reunion after some time apart. From those joyful returns to gently building trust with new cats, and maintaining steady routines with meals, medications, playtime, cuddle time, and a little sunbathing—each visit reminded me why I love what I do.

A few quick updates/reminders:

✅ As much as I wish I could be everywhere at once, I simply can’t care for everyone all the time. KatStay remains a part-time business, with 15 hours a week dedicated to pet care alongside my 25-hour/week role at Edina Realty. I’ll be sticking to this schedule for the foreseeable future—for both my well-being and to ensure each pet receives the calm, focused care they deserve. I truly appreciate your understanding and continued trust.

✅ With this limited schedule, I do continue to book up early—especially around the holidays and summer vacation season. I know it can be frustrating to plan months in advance and still find that I’m already full, but this is a common challenge during high-demand times. If you’re considering travel during peak weeks, I always recommend reaching out as early as possible.

✅I’m currently operating on a waitlist-only basis for both Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years week. If you’re planning fall or winter travel, I encourage you to reach out as early as possible to check availability.

To those I had to turn away recently, I’m truly sorry, and I appreciate your understanding. I wish I could clone myself. However, I haven't quite figured out how to do that yet. 🤷‍♀️

Thanks again for another month of meaningful work. The July highlight video is a little glimpse into the care, comfort, and joy behind the scenes. 🐈☀️🛏️

07/20/2025

So much wisdom in the satire. Every new client is a similar process of gaining trust. Some go through the stages within a few visits. Some need more time. Such is the way of the cat. Love watching the bond grow each visit.

So You've Chosen to Pledge Eternal Allegiance to a Tiny Overlord (a.k.a. You're Adopting a Cat)

Cue the thunder. Cue the ominous pipe organ. Cue the dramatic close-up of a paw slowly knocking a glass off your nightstand. Yes… The prophecy has been fulfilled.

You, dear mortal, have willingly volunteered to serve a most cunning, fluffy, and judgmental master. A being of pure ambition, shadowy intentions, and a deep, irrational fear of your vacuum cleaner. You have… adopted a cat.

Welcome to the beginning of your descent into henchpersonhood. Here is your training manual.

Phase One: Arrival at the Lair
You bring your new overlord home. You expect fireworks, declarations of conquest, perhaps a villain monologue. Instead, they vanish. Into the shadows. Beneath your bed. Behind your couch. Inside a drawer that physically should not be open.

This is normal. Your evil genius is observing. Calculating. Judging your throw pillows.

They require a Fortress of Solitude, a secure room with food, water, litter box, hiding spots, and dramatic lighting (optional but encouraged). Do not disturb. Do not chase. Do not call them "baby." You may quietly whisper phrases like, "Your lair is ready, my liege," and leave.

Phase Two: The Long Silence
Days pass. You glimpse a shadow at 2:07am. A crunching noise. A single glowing eyeball in the hallway. Is your new ruler a ghost? A specter? A manifestation of your deepest anxieties?

No. They are a cat. And they are testing you. You are not being ignored. You are being evaluated. Remain calm. Do not force contact. Do not attempt to pick them up. Your reward will come when they deem it so.

Phase Three: Establishing Routine
Evil geniuses crave structure. This is not chaos, it is an orchestrated regime change.

Feed them at the same time every day. Scoop their litter box on schedule. Offer play sessions like clockwork. Your consistency will earn you… not affection, no, that's laughable. But acknowledgement. And that is everything.

Phase Four: No Touchy Touchy
There will come a moment when your villain stares into your soul from atop a bookshelf, and you will think: "They love me. They're ready to be pet."

You are wrong. That is a trap. Do not fall for it.

Villain affection must be earned through ritual, tribute (treats), and quiet respect. Sit near them. Speak softly. Show them you are weak but willing to serve. Consent is crucial. This is not a buddy-cop movie. This is a dictatorship.

Phase Five: The Solo Act
You may be tempted to introduce your evil genius to the other creatures in your home, your dog, your other cat, your unsuspecting goldfish named Kevin.

STOP.

Your villain is not ready for partnerships. They are not applying for the Avengers. They are building their empire. Give them time to solidify their master plan before introducing them to potential rivals. Or Kevin.

Phase Six: Accidents in the Lair
Sometimes, even evil masterminds crack under pressure. Litter box accidents may occur. Do not scold them. Do not banish them to the dungeon. Instead, move the box closer to their hiding spot, clean it regularly, and whisper calming words like, "The rug was ugly anyway."

Their confidence will grow. Their control will return. The carpets will heal. The power will rise again.

Phase Seven: True Sidekickhood
Eventually, they will emerge, tail high, eyes gleaming, claws slightly extended. They will jump onto the couch beside you and stare until you slide over six inches to give them more space. They will demand pets, only to walk away mid-stroke like you've offended their ancestors.

But you? You'll feel it. You've been chosen. The bond is formed. You are no longer just a roommate. You are their new minion. The legally obligated human servant to their petty tyranny.

And it. Is. Glorious.

If you encounter any unusual behavior or villainous plotting beyond your level of clearance, please contact our Behavior Hotline. Think of them as licensed supervillain psychologists trained to help henchpeople just like you navigate power struggles, midnight zoomies, and sofa coups.

Schedule your villain support session here: https://bit.ly/4klweCG

Now go. Fulfill your destiny. Your evil genius awaits. 🐾💥🖤

07/08/2025

Same cat. Same hammock. Just a whole lot more floof 💙

It’s been such a joy watching Turbo grow up—he’s gone from curious kitten to confident cat, but he still loves his favorite cozy spot. Some things never change 🐾

So grateful to be part of his life and to the wonderful humans who trust me to care for him.

06/25/2025

Yes I'm still here and still taking appointments. 😃 Summer is nuts and very booked so get your fall appointments in the books now and Christmas too. Yes.. Christmas... I already have folks on the schedule for every major holiday through the rest of the year and into 2026. . Thank you everyone for loving KatStay so much and for referring your friends. My calendar is full but my heart is even fuller! ❤️

04/05/2025

🐾 Welcome to KatStay, Willie! 🐾

I had the absolute pleasure of caring for Willie this month, and let me tell you—this guy is full of energy! 😻✨ He had a blast playing with all the catnip toys and kept me entertained with his playful antics. 🎾🐾

Willie also needed daily medication, but with my 11 years of vet tech experience, that was no problem at all! Making sure kitties get the care they need is always my top priority. 💕🐱

I loved having you, Willie, and I can’t wait to see you again! 🏡✨

03/30/2025

🐾 Welcome, Mishka! 🐾

Once again, you all have shared the love by referring your family and friends to me—and I couldn’t be more grateful! 💕 Your support means the world and helps my business grow in the best way possible. Thank you for trusting me and spreading the word! 🥰 Keep those referrals coming—I’m always here to help! And let me introduce you to my newest kitty referral - Mishka! 🎉🐱. I hope to see her again for more adventures! Until next time, sweet Mishka. 🏡✨

03/26/2025

🐾✨ Welcome to KatStay, Wilma & Keaton! ✨🐾

These two kitties are so much fun!

Wilma, full of playful energy, dove right into our games, and to everyone’s amazement—including her mom and grandma—she learned to fetch! 🎾🐾 Watching her proudly bring back her toy again and again was such a delight.

Keaton, the sweet and affectionate girl that she is, enjoyed all the cuddles and seemed especially pleased that I helped burn off some of Wilma’s energy during playtime. She took full advantage of her quiet moments, enjoying some well-earned relaxation. 😻

It was such a joy caring for these two, and I can’t wait for our next visit! A big thank you to their family for trusting KatStay with their precious kitties. 💖🐾

🎾 💕

03/25/2025

🐾✨ Welcome to KatStay, Cricket! ✨🐾

I just had the absolute privilege of caring for the fabulous Cricket during her very first stay with KatStay! 😸💖 Word on the street is that Cricket is quite the discerning diva when it comes to her cat sitters, but I’m happy to report that—after careful evaluation—she decided I passed inspection… as long as I understood my role as staff (strictly staff! 🙃) and ensured her favorite shows were on right on schedule! 📺🐱

I didn't mind my role as staff as I understand that every kitty is unique - not all of them have the desire to make you their bestie. Keeping her calm and comfy was my goal and dad was thrilled at that outcome! A huge thank you to Cricket’s dad for trusting KatStay with his precious girl! Looking forward to many more purr-fectly pampered stays! 🐾💖✨

✅ 😻

03/20/2025

I just wanna say thank you! Special shout out to Kallie Copland and Maura Jonas for referring new clients to me this month! Be looking in your mailbox for a free cats meow voucher! 😻 💰. When you refer you get rewards at KatStay!

03/13/2025

I love my clients!!! ✨ You all are the best for so many reasons! But when you all send me photos of your kiddos and their adventures it really makes my day! 😁 I consider your cats my extended family and just love it when you keep me updated between visits. Thanks Aimee Johnson for sending me this sweet picture today! 💕 😺