La Roche-Posay

I am looking for one or two cat lovers to take care of my precious cat from the beginning of January, or even before New Year Eve if that's more convenient. Flexible dates but I would like you to arrive 2 days before I leave so my shy cat can get used to you and I can show you around.

Yoldjou (it means “the traveler” in Turkish) is a neutered male cat and very special to me. Since I live alone and work from home, he is used to having company and is not one of these very independent cats – he acts more like a dog. He often goes outside, but he will ask for food and cuddles several times a day, so I am looking for someone who will interact with him often (and let him in and out several times a day ! I am renting and cannot install a catflap unfortunately). Other responsibilities include sending me regular pictures and updates, cleaning the litter and checking on him if he’s gone for too long (which he rarely does). Lock him inside at night and when you go out. He can stay alone for several hours. Even a whole day but only from time to time. Please only apply if you're ok with all that.

YOU: A true animal lover who will respect Yoldjou’s routine and who ideally will spend quite a lot of time at home working online or on a project. Someone who knows cats well and can tell when they are unwell or injured. Responsible, uncomplicated and self-reliant with some life experience. Also reasonably tidy. Previous petsitting experience and references preferred. I will also request a proof of personal liability insurance for you stay.

ONE MONTH SIT... I will be away for one month starting from around 10th May and I need my petsitter(s) to cover this minimum period. I would like you to arrive at least 3 days before I leave so that my shy cat can get used to you. During this time, we'll share my house and I’ll show you around the area on my free time. You will need to buy and cook your own food but we’ll still share a good meal and wine from time to time. ...


WITH EXTENDED STAY POSSIBLE: I'm planning to go away at regular intervals in the forthcoming months, so I would be happy to host the right sitter(s) rent free for several months through the summer if you are ready to house-share with me on and off when I don't travel. We could coordinate so that you can take time away to explore France or Europe when I'm there (but you can also stay at home if you prefer!). You'll need to buy and cook your own food. I've lived in many flat-shares before and know how to respect people's space and privacy, as long as I get the same in return and you respect the common space.


--------- YOU: An animal lover who will respect my cat's routine and who ideally will spend quite a lot of time at home working online or on a project. Someone gentle who loves and understands cats and can tell when they are unwell or injured. Responsible, uncomplicated and self-reliant with some life experience. Also reasonably tidy. Previous petsitting experience and references preferred. You must have a valid driving license and be a confident driver if you want to borrow my car. I will also request a proof of personal liability insurance.


------- ME: I am a French woman in my early fifties working in translation. I have lived most of my adult life abroad. I am a rather anxious cat owner :) but quite uncomplicated otherwise. I am independent but I like a good chat and meeting people from different horizons and backgrounds. I love nature, animals, and keeping up with what’s going on in the world. I also like good music, films and series, comic books, art. And meaningful travelling, often as a petsitter myself.

3-bedroom house in the countryside, in a hamlet with neighbours, located 4 km from the small spa town of La Roche-Posay, 25 km from Chatellerault and 1 hour from Poitiers, both of which connect to Paris by train in 1 h 30. You definitely need a car to live here as the nearest shop is 4 km away and there is no public transport near my house. It is best if you come with your own vehicle, but I could lend you my small car at certain conditions. Affordable monthly car rental options are also available in the area.

Simple and functional house, nothing fancy but clean and comfortable. Heating is with a wood stove and electric wall heaters. You will stay in a large bedroom on the ground floor, quite separate from the rest. Good unlimited internet, fast enough for Netflix and Zoom calls.



Apart from the cat, all you need to do is keep the house in good order. No gardening involved.

My place is in a bucolic area south of the Loire valley with old villages, historical places, woods and rivers. The nearby town of La Roche-Posay has all facilities including a weekly market, a supermarket, pharmacies, a few restaurants, a cinema (even a golf and a casino). You can go on free guided nature walks, go horse-riding, rent an electric bike, take yoga classes or relax at the spa. However, please note that this is rural France and it can feel very quiet in winter. The locals are friendly and helpful but few people speak English. This sit is best for peace and nature lovers, remote workers or people who want to focus on a project and enjoy their own company.