A London renter who quit her job has discovered that cat-sitting, while not a high earner, has brought unexpected benefits, including finally meeting her neighbours and feeling part of a community.
The woman, who describes herself as a 'crazy cat lady' without a cat due to renting restrictions, initially tried several side hustles after leaving her job. She spent £60 on an Etsy shop that made only two sales (one from her brother), dabbled in affiliate marketing, and attempted stock photography, all with little success.
Inspired by a TikTok influencer, she set up a free profile on Cat in a Flat and soon secured her first booking. While cat-sitting only provides pocket money, she says it enriches her life in other ways, such as improving her mental health through time with cats like Figgy, Luna, and Pickle.
The routine of evening walks to clients' homes has increased her exercise and fresh air. More significantly, she has built connections with neighbours—IT workers, animation directors, and others—and even received holiday pictures from Italy. She now recognises clients' names and feels part of a community, transforming her perception of London from cold and lonely to feeling like home.
