Allison Poulter, Cat Sitter

It’s an unusual occupation, one born from a passion for cats. Allison Poulter is a home-visiting cat sitter. Or Cat Whisperer. Or “Auntie Ali” as she is known to her “kitty nieces and nephews” across West Lothian.

“Cats are my world, and when I decided to leave the corporate world, it had to be working with cats,” explains Allison. “Many cats find cattery stays quite stressful, so I visit your cat in the comfort of their own home while you are away so they don’t have any disruption.” And it’s not just for holidays; Allison knows what it’s like to spend a long day at work worrying if her cat is safe or lonely in the house. A ‘cat check’ visit gives you peace of mind.

Home is where the cat is. Allison with her cat Charlie

Allison is usually wearing cat jewellery, cat-print clothing or touting other accessories that proclaim her passion for all things feline. She has just passed - with Distinction - a Diploma in Feline Behaviour and Psychology, adding to her already extensive knowledge-base. “There is a lot more to it than turning up and putting food in a bowl,” she explains “People say cats are aloof; and they are, but they still want attention. Several of the cats I look after regularly greet me when I arrive. I love getting to know them, their personalities, likes and dislikes.”

Her own cat Charlie was a rescue who’d had a rough start and wouldn’t let anyone near him. Allison has managed to build a strong bond between them. “I am still the only person he trusts and allows to get close to him,” she explains, “and when I am down and need a pick-me-up, I look for my fur baby, Charlie.”

“Working with cats is good for my health, so it’s a win-win for me and the cats I care for.” Allison’s services range from a quick check of food and water, to a 30 minute play and pampering visit.

Her reviews speak for themselves:

“Allison took excellent care of my two kitties while we were away, one of which required daily medication which she was fine with administrating. We got daily photos and updates which was lovely and helped us worry less about them while away.”

“Came home to a relaxed, clean, happy cat! In fact he was sitting at the front door later in the evening and I’m sure he was waiting on his Auntie Ali coming in to see him.”

While some people may not be comfortable having someone visit their home while they’re away, Allison carries out many of the wee tasks that you might ask a neighbour to do – open the curtains, bring the bin in, and a host of other things that maintain the security of your home while you are away. And maybe even feed the goldfish too.

When not looking after the cats of West Lothian, Allison works in the care sector with vulnerable people, so is fully security checked, well-versed in matters of trust and privacy and used to the responsibility of handling people’s personal affairs.

When not looking after the cats of West Lothian, Allison works in the care sector with vulnerable people, so is fully security checked, well-versed in matters of trust and privacy and used to the responsibility of handling people’s personal affairs.

Allison has made it her business to help busy owners by providing care and cuddles when they can’t.

For more information, please visit alicatpurrfections.co.uk

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Published in Konect March 2020

Author: Helen-Jane Shearer

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