Finally found a cat sitter so I can go on vacation!

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koloagirl

koloagirl

Member Since 2015
Aloha from Kaua'i....

My 10 year old cat Mochi was just diagnosed with diabetes 2 weeks ago - so we (husband and I) are doing twice daily injections - neither of us has ever injected anything or anybody, so it is a learning curve for sure.

Along with all that and trying to find the right insulin amount (which is still being adjusted).....we had planned on going on vacation in June to the mainland for my MIL's 95th birthday celebration - had purchased non refundable airline tickets, etc. (before Mochi's diagnosis).....

Now I am unable to find anyone who can come to my home and give her twice daily injections - I have spoken to vet techs in my area (there is only one vet on this side of the island) and offered a lot of money (I think $400 for 7 days is a lot at least) - and there is one girl there that does this, but she said she is cat sitting during that time so can't help me.

Everyone else is located too far away to drive here twice a day and do her injections - obviously I need someone who is knowledgeable about diabetes injections for cats and the importance of timing, etc. as well as how to deal with a cat that is fearful (Mochi won't come to a stranger willingly).

So it looks like I'm sending my husband off on vacation by himself - and that I won't be able to go on vacation for who knows how long? I would always opt to stay home and take care of Mochi if I can't locate someone - but I have to say it is a depressing option never to have a vacation or even a weekend away to another island or something.....

Just venting I guess - there is so much stress with the diabetes issue (and she also has hyperthyroidism and IBS) - and trying to do her injections correctly and timely (we have a schedule we post the times on for each day)..........and now this. Sorry to be a downer......I'm sure I'm not the only one in this situation....
 
I responded on your other post. Contact your local high school guidance counselor and ask for students interested in veterinary studies to interview for a job learning to care for a diabetic cat. You train them. They care for your cat and get experience. You get to go on vacation. Reference checks are a must.
 
Do you have a trustworthy friend who could stay at your house? You could even pay them to take care of Mochi. Teach them to test and shoot. Provide them with emergency numbers for the vet and hypo instructions. They could even call or text you to double check before giving the shot.

Don't despair!
 
Hi, don't cancel! Petsitter. Com should have other petsitters. Also, call local colleges with vet tech programs. Or pet shelters, people their should know how to also.
You can find someone to help, have a family member help too.
Good luck.


koloagirl said:
Aloha from Kaua'i....

My 10 year old cat Mochi was just diagnosed with diabetes 2 weeks ago - so we (husband and I) are doing twice daily injections - neither of us has ever injected anything or anybody, so it is a learning curve for sure.

Along with all that and trying to find the right insulin amount (which is still being adjusted).....we had planned on going on vacation in June to the mainland for my MIL's 95th birthday celebration - had purchased non refundable airline tickets, etc. (before Mochi's diagnosis).....

Now I am unable to find anyone who can come to my home and give her twice daily injections - I have spoken to vet techs in my area (there is only one vet on this side of the island) and offered a lot of money (I think $400 for 7 days is a lot at least) - and there is one girl there that does this, but she said she is cat sitting during that time so can't help me.

Everyone else is located too far away to drive here twice a day and do her injections - obviously I need someone who is knowledgeable about diabetes injections for cats and the importance of timing, etc. as well as how to deal with a cat that is fearful (Mochi won't come to a stranger willingly).

So it looks like I'm sending my husband off on vacation by himself - and that I won't be able to go on vacation for who knows how long? I would always opt to stay home and take care of Mochi if I can't locate someone - but I have to say it is a depressing option never to have a vacation or even a weekend away to another island or something.....

Just venting I guess - there is so much stress with the diabetes issue (and she also has hyperthyroidism and IBS) - and trying to do her injections correctly and timely (we have a schedule we post the times on for each day)..........and now this. Sorry to be a downer......I'm sure I'm not the only one in this situation....
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Aloha. I'd fly down and do it in a heartbeat if I didn't have a recently-diagnosed sugar cat of my own needing care. I LOVE Kaua'i and I LOVE kitties. Darnell, Debby and BJM have excellent suggestions, I am certain you will find someone good using one of their methods.
 
We honeymooned on Kaua'i and boy, do I wish we could come back! Please don't give up yet, there has to be some out out there that would help you. Maybe your vet would let you put up a poster asking for help?
 
I just read your entire post, you have plenty of time to find someone by June. Relax, you r just stressed. Yes it takes some getting used to but I am 2 months in and it gets easier.
Besides my suggestions earlier, why don't you talk to nearby friends or neighbors, those who love kitties, and ask if they would be an alternative cat helper for your Mochi. You have time to teach them about diabetes, and how to take care of your kitty.
I have had 2 cats with hyperthyroidism also so feel free to ask me anything.
It can be frustrating but getting help with family, friends, and neighbors makes it much easier.
Take care,
Keep in touch.
Darnell

koloagirl said:
Aloha from Kaua'i....

My 10 year old cat Mochi was just diagnosed with diabetes 2 weeks ago - so we (husband and I) are doing twice daily injections - neither of us has ever injected anything or anybody, so it is a learning curve for sure.

Along with all that and trying to find the right insulin amount (which is still being adjusted).....we had planned on going on vacation in June to the mainland for my MIL's 95th birthday celebration - had purchased non refundable airline tickets, etc. (before Mochi's diagnosis).....

Now I am unable to find anyone who can come to my home and give her twice daily injections - I have spoken to vet techs in my area (there is only one vet on this side of the island) and offered a lot of money (I think $400 for 7 days is a lot at least) - and there is one girl there that does this, but she said she is cat sitting during that time so can't help me.

Everyone else is located too far away to drive here twice a day and do her injections - obviously I need someone who is knowledgeable about diabetes injections for cats and the importance of timing, etc. as well as how to deal with a cat that is fearful (Mochi won't come to a stranger willingly).

So it looks like I'm sending my husband off on vacation by himself - and that I won't be able to go on vacation for who knows how long? I would always opt to stay home and take care of Mochi if I can't locate someone - but I have to say it is a depressing option never to have a vacation or even a weekend away to another island or something.....

Just venting I guess - there is so much stress with the diabetes issue (and she also has hyperthyroidism and IBS) - and trying to do her injections correctly and timely (we have a schedule we post the times on for each day)..........and now this. Sorry to be a downer......I'm sure I'm not the only one in this situation....
Click to expand...
 
I agree with the others. Don't cancel and don't give up yet. YOU also have to have a life and finding someone right now and training them, means that you'll also likely have someone to take care of your Sugar Kitty whenever you want to go away (within their schedule that is). You shouldn't have to miss out on something like this. Your life is JUST as important and I'm sure Mochi would tell you the same thing if able to talk. :)

I'm also going to train a couple of other people in my life for "emergency situations" where I cannot get home (just in case) or...for when I want to go away for the day. For longer trips...I'd need to hire someone to do this or board her. Not ideal but, we also have to have a life too.

Keep on looking because you CANNOT become a slave to being at home and not going out or away on a vacation. We all need someone to take care of our Sugar Kitties so that we can have a life too and especially, if there is an emergency situation in our lives...which is bound to happen in one way or another to us all. :)

Oh and by the way...if you don't feel comfortable yet with the injections or testings...perhaps, asking that person if you could either pay them or trade favours and asking your vet/their vet tech to also train this person in doing this...would be of pure benefit to both of you. :) (I have to do the same thing so, not preaching what I am not going to practise).
 
After having the last TWO petsitters forget to even show up, I went out and befriended a neighbor who has pets. We became great friends because of our pet bond and now we can help each other out without worry, when our pets need care. I recently had surgery and my neighbor came in and learned how to give insulin and feed my other cats twice a day. She did this while I was in the hospital as well as while I was recovering at home. Then she got a puppy, so I in-turn checked on him midday and sent her reports during his first week in her home. She is going on vacation in June and I will be right next door to take care of her pets as she will be for me when I vacation in July. Finding a neighbor makes it so much more convenient. All we do is walk next door twice a day - easy, breezy. You might want to look around at your neighbors and see if you can work out a pet-care swap.

I hope you find a better solution than staying home.
 
I like to go out of town sometimes, and since our cat was diagnosed, we just had a hard time figuring it out. We finally came to the conclusion that the easiest way might just be to bring Max with us on vacation. Many hotels will allow cats, and most of our trips aren't far for travel. How a cat adapts to this I suppose depends on the cat.
 
Aloha from Kaua'i!

First of all - thank you for all your answers and concern. I truly appreciate it.

But - I live on a very small island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean - we have no college here except for a community college and they do not have vet programs there. Or anywhere else here.

There are very limited resources here for pet sitters and those that I have contacted do not want to deal with medications - let alone injections. Same with friends. I have some friends that live on the other side of the island that could do it - but that is an hour and a half drive to where I live - so that is not possible for them.

I have spoken to the one vet tech in my area who does home care such as this (she works at our vet) but she is apparently booked up and said she wasn't available. I did everything but beg her! LOL. And maybe a bit of begging also!

I am going to call other vet offices (and there are only a couple) on the east side (I live on the south shore) in the hopes one of the techs lives closeby here and commutes to work - I will do that tomorrow.

I am offering $400 for someone to come to my house for 7 days and do Mochi's injections and medications - I think that is quite fair - but that hasn't swayed anyone I have thus talked to. Since I have a friend who normally comes and feeds the kitties and turtles (I have 2 red eared sliders) and cleans litter box and turtle tank - I don't want someone to stay here since he usually will spend at least a few nights here. And he is definitely not interested in doing the injections or medication!

As for taking her with us - that isn't possible - we have to fly 5 hours to the mainland and then transfer to another flight for another 2 hours - I would never subject Mochi to that under any circumstances.

So my search continues - none of my friends will do it or are interested in being trained to do it either.

Sometimes living in "paradise" on a small island has drawbacks - this could very well be one of them.

Today is my birthday - I wish I had found someone today - that would have been the best gift! LOL

Thank you again.......
 
koloagirl said:
I have spoken to the one vet tech in my area who does home care such as this (she works at our vet) but she is apparently booked up and said she wasn't available. I did everything but beg her! LOL. And maybe a bit of begging also!
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Is it possible for Mochi to stay at the vet tech's home and she can take care of him there? I did that one time when I had to board one of my diabetic cats.
 
There may be some community college students planning on entering vet studies. You won't know until you advertise. Try contacting the biology department at the college.
 
koloagirl said:
Aloha from Kaua'i!

First of all - thank you for all your answers and concern. I truly appreciate it.

But - I live on a very small island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean - we have no college here except for a community college and they do not have vet programs there. Or anywhere else here.

There are very limited resources here for pet sitters and those that I have contacted do not want to deal with medications - let alone injections. Same with friends. I have some friends that live on the other side of the island that could do it - but that is an hour and a half drive to where I live - so that is not possible for them.

I have spoken to the one vet tech in my area who does home care such as this (she works at our vet) but she is apparently booked up and said she wasn't available. I did everything but beg her! LOL. And maybe a bit of begging also!

I am going to call other vet offices (and there are only a couple) on the east side (I live on the south shore) in the hopes one of the techs lives closeby here and commutes to work - I will do that tomorrow.

I am offering $400 for someone to come to my house for 7 days and do Mochi's injections and medications - I think that is quite fair - but that hasn't swayed anyone I have thus talked to. Since I have a friend who normally comes and feeds the kitties and turtles (I have 2 red eared sliders) and cleans litter box and turtle tank - I don't want someone to stay here since he usually will spend at least a few nights here. And he is definitely not interested in doing the injections or medication!

As for taking her with us - that isn't possible - we have to fly 5 hours to the mainland and then transfer to another flight for another 2 hours - I would never subject Mochi to that under any circumstances.

So my search continues - none of my friends will do it or are interested in being trained to do it either.

Sometimes living in "paradise" on a small island has drawbacks - this could very well be one of them.

Today is my birthday - I wish I had found someone today - that would have been the best gift! LOL

Thank you again.......
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First of all, Belated Happy Birthday! :)

Ok...here is a "far out" type of response that I may get slammed on for posting.
I don't see a signature SS yet as I'm sure you're very new to this still.
I don't know what Mochi's numbers are like because you don't have a spread sheet yet. However, *IF* Mochi's numbers aren't too high right now, I'm wondering if you could speak with your vet (IF you can't find anyone to do this for you) and see *IF* he/she thinks it's not too harmful to go the time that you're away, without the shots for now??? Or, alternatively, a lot of vets will have "boarding facilities" where they board animals with special needs. Some vets or vet techs will even take pets home with them if they can. And, often, vets will know of someone who does this type of thing, even if it cannot be in your home and Mochi has to go on vacation as well.

If that is not possible and you really can't get someone in to do this for you, perhaps you will have to miss this trip this time BUT....keep on looking for people to "train" or who will do it (advertise for someone in a local island newspaper or vet's office) so that next time there's a potential trip, you will be able to go without all of this hassle, worry and scrambling. (I have to do the same thing so, not the pot calling the kettle black here).

Feeling for you. Hope you can arrange something! :)
 
Aloha from Kaua'i.....

Well I called every vet office on island today and none of them have vet techs that will do home visits such as I need - or if,they do -they live too far away.

My vet also does not take any of his "patients" home, so that isn't an option.

However I did get a few names - I did try to contact the lady mentioned in one of the links provided above - but her phone mailbox is full and just hangs up on me - my own vet (in the area of this lady) has never heard of her either - and her website isn't specific about what she will or will not do medication-wise. Anyway not a good sign you can't reach her.

The upside is that a lady called who lives on the other side of the island - she got my number from one of the other pet sitters I had called who couldn't help me. She has a pet sitting service - was a vet tech here and also worked at our local Humane Society as a vet tech - her references sound very good and she encouraged me to call them to ask about her. She would want to stay at my home since she can't commute that distance 2 x's a day. The questions she asked proved to me she does know about feline diabetes and also about how to deal with cats in general. I am reluctant to have someone I don't know stay in my home - but she seems more than legitimate and her price - $50 a day - is what we were going to offer anyway. She wants to come and see the condo and meet the cats and have me show her any hiding places Mochi might use to get away from her. Since my place is so small - they are very limited! LOL

So I will call to check her references but if it pans out - it sounds like we might have located somebody - fingers crossed!!!
 
I have an idea.. what about hiring a regular nurse? It may be a bit more pricey than a pet-sitter, but there is such a thing called "traveling nurses" and agencies that contract out nursing services for a specific period of time for home visits / home care. There may be like an LVN who works for a nursing agency who already has cared for humans with diabetes on the island. Perhaps hiring a nurse and then doing a quick "training" for that person might be an option as they would already know how to do blood glucose testing and give insulin shots, but would just need a quick training on how to do this on a cat. In addition a few hours to get the cat oriented to that person...just a thought. This person wouldn't need to stay in your home. Just like my regular pet sitter, they could be given a key to come in and do the blood glucose testing and insulin shots. This nurse / LVN would certainly be much more knowledgeable about diabetes than this lady at the pet sitting service. Best wishes!
 
sounds like your maybe .... could work out.
Go with your gut in meeting her.... it is hard to let someone just come stay in your house without knowing them or knowing those who recommend them.
Our own instincts about others can often be spot on.
 
Last idea...I'm very new to this forum as my kitty was newly dx as of 4/14/15. However, I can understand how upsetting this is as I was a basket case for the first week or so after Tiggy's diagnosis. In thinking about your frustrating dilemma, although I love my furry sugar cat, I probably wouldn't cancel my vacation if it was a huge family celebration [MIL 95th bday, sounds big to me!]. If I was truly unable to get a cat sitter, vet tech or traveling / rent-a-nurse who was unable to meet the injection schedule.....Is the vet clinic willing to "house" kitty and do the injections and blood glucose testing for you (for a fee), while you're gone?

Also, I would for sure initially change his diet and see how that and the insulin injections impacted him now until I was getting ready to leave (by doing home blood glucose testing). Best Wishes.
 
I am in agreeance with TigzMom in trying NOT to miss this opportunity to get away for this celebration. It's a very important occasion. I am also hopeful that this woman works out and even though it's not comfortable having someone living in your home that you don't know...it's better than missing this trip.

At worst case scenario...you might want to watch the numbers as TigzMom has suggested, get the diet working and *IF* the numbers aren't too high, talk to your vet about not giving the insulin for those days you're away. You still have some time yet so, *if* this woman doesn't work out...there's still time to talk to neighbours (possibly in your building) and asking if THEY would be willing to get trained and be paid since they are right there?? That might be a good job for someone who is of university age or high teens and wanting that kind of job/money??? Just thinking out loud here. You might be surprised at what people are willing to do when it's not that much of a bother for them to get there and it's good money for a bit of time each day. :)
 
Aloha from Kaua'i!

I have phoned around and confirmed that the pet sitter who is willing to stay at my house and do Mochi's injections and other medications - as well as taking care of my other 2 cats and 2 turtles - she is reputable and another lady that I know well that is part of the feral cat rescue group I am with recommends her - so I am going to swallow being uncomfortable with having someone I don't know stay at my home - and hire her.

There are no other options - you would be surprised what friends and neighbors will NOT do - injections is one of them! LOL.

So it seems that at least as of now - I can plan on going to the mainland for 7 days for my MIL's birthday celebrations!

Thank you for all of your help and suggestions!
 
Congrats! I can understand your being concerned having someone stay in your home while you're gone, but if you lock up any valuables, and other sensitive info, you should be fine.
Also, there are fairly inexpensive cameras that can be hooked up inside your house with software that can allow you to view what's going on while you're on vacation. That should give you some peace of mind as well. A family member of mine uses something similar for his cabin at Tahoe.
Best wishes!
 
Aloha from Kaua'i!

I plan on "Skyping" with her during vacation to get updates on Mochi and the other cats (and turtles)..........and I do have a home safe to lock up my valuables - but the MOST valuable things I have are my pets of course!

We are scheduling a "meet up" at my condo for her to come and see the place and meet the critters prior to our going on vacation......that will be a good thing I believe.

Mochi is NOT amenable to strangers - despite her being the most laid back and sweet of all our 3 cats.....so she will have a job ahead of her. It sounds as if with her background as a vet tech - she can handle it.
 
koloagirl said:
Aloha from Kaua'i!

I have phoned around and confirmed that the pet sitter who is willing to stay at my house and do Mochi's injections and other medications - as well as taking care of my other 2 cats and 2 turtles - she is reputable and another lady that I know well that is part of the feral cat rescue group I am with recommends her - so I am going to swallow being uncomfortable with having someone I don't know stay at my home - and hire her.

There are no other options - you would be surprised what friends and neighbors will NOT do - injections is one of them! LOL.

So it seems that at least as of now - I can plan on going to the mainland for 7 days for my MIL's birthday celebrations!

Thank you for all of your help and suggestions!
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Woooohooo!!!!! So happy for you ALL! :)
 
Good thinking! When I first got a pet sitter for my cats, I knew it was going to be challenging as well, as both my cats get very nervous around strangers too.
In fact, they used to hide under the bed whenever the doorbell rang (even if it was coming from the TV during a commercial), as opposed to the actual front doorbell!
My pet sitter came to visit ahead of time as well. I was fortunate that she was willing to actually come of a couple of times before I left on my vacation (I was going to be gone 2 weeks).

As I had informed her about my scaredy cats and their doorbell issue, She also made sure to just knock on the door, instead of ringing the bell. As we sat talking in the living room and reviewing everything, the cats came down the stairs to peep thru the stair railings to see who I was talking to.

She talked to them in a very soft voice and just let them come to her as we sat talking in the living room. I gave her some play toys they like and some of their fav treats.
I was also worried while on vac but I checked in with her and it worked out fine. My cats, at that time were not on insulin. Tiggy was on his asthma meds/inhaler, but that wasn't a daily thing for him.
I'm sure everything will work out great for you!
Me ka aloha pumehana
 
Aloha from Kaua'i!

Yes - hopefully this lady will work out and I can use her for future trips that we may take.

We normally go on vacation for two weeks at a time and go very far afield - so I am keeping fingers crossed she deals with all 3 of the cats and is able to manage Mochi and her medications and shots. Would be great to have someone to count on!
 
Wonderful!!. :):cat: I was wondering what happened. I have a friend that is staying in Hawaii right now, who's a pet lover, and I was gonna ask if she would still be there to help. Glad you found someone local. I would not worry too much about ur kids. I was a petsitter before and most of them are now insured and bonded. Also, she may be a member of Pet Sitters International, which is a group that basically started the petsitting as a business. You can check out their website. Ask her if she knows about them too. When I used to do overnights, I seriously would hang with the pets and watch tv. Petsitters will usually do it because they love pets. I call all my furry clients my kids. I love them all dearly. And when some have passed I have cried like a baby. Pet lovers are a different breed of people. You will probably have a long conversation with her as ur kids will learn... She is here to spoil me... Yeah!! :smuggrin::cat:
Take care, Darnell


koloagirl said:
Aloha from Kaua'i!

Yes - hopefully this lady will work out and I can use her for future trips that we may take.

We normally go on vacation for two weeks at a time and go very far afield - so I am keeping fingers crossed she deals with all 3 of the cats and is able to manage Mochi and her medications and shots. Would be great to have someone to count on!
Click to expand...
 
BJM said:
You might edit the title of the post since you resolved the situation.
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Huh?? It's not my post. I didn't resolve anything. I am replying to the thread to the original person whom posted it. Isn't that what you do to reply so she gets it and knows what I am replying to?
 
I'm happy it worked out for you. We too are leaving for vacation and do have a regular cat sitter who comes in twice a day to feed and clean boxes, however now with their feed schedule I have her coming in three times a day and another person one time . I don't want to change their feeding schedule to drastically so now they will be feed ever 6 hours instead of every 4/5 hours and they will have a little extra kibble left out for them.

I feel very stresses about going as this is the first time they will be left alone since their dx and although their not on insulin anymore just knowing how stressed they will be is unnerving, I have gone away but the rest of family was always home . If they were still on the juice they would be boarded at the vet so I it's good they can be in their own home.

Wishing all of us here a happy Mother's Day as we're all moms to our furry babies .
 
One thing I might suggest for the sitter's life to be a bit easier, since you said your cat doesn't really like strangers too much, would be to grill some chicken and cut it into very small pieces. We use chicken for treats while shooting so our kitty learned to actually "like" getting her insulin. It might help. Especially if your kitty likes treats!!
 
Aloha from Kaua'i!

I already give her pieces of fresh fish or sashimi as a treat for when we give her insulin shots - so our vet tech that is staying here will have that available as well to help!
 
BJM said:
There may be some community college students planning on entering vet studies. You won't know until you advertise. Try contacting the biology department at the college.
Click to expand...
As a former teacher I would be leary of students...they don't have the same idea of commitment as we do.
 
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