Hard working, patient, enthusiastic and loving cat sitter available!

Hello! My name is Siiri, and I moved to Glasgow 10 years ago to study, and now work here in the television industry (I'm originally from Finland). I am currently working during the week but available early mornings, evenings and weekends, and would love the chance to help animals with any spare time I have.

I would love to have a cat and a dog of my own, but I currently live in a rented property. However, I've had two hamsters during the last five years, so would happily look after small animals as well. I have several friends for who I've been cat sitting during the last few years, and it's been an amazing experience, and a lot of fun.

For the last three years I've also been volunteering for SSPCA, at their wildlife centre in Fishcross, in the bird section and the small mammals section (mostly hedgehogs). This has been a great chance to see the wonderful Scottish wild life, and get to feed them, monitor them and clean after them. I have also volunteered at the SSPCA Cardonald centre for two months with small animals, and have been helping clean and feed guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets and budgies. It was a great opportunity to learn more about them.

Recently I have also completed a Marine Mammal Medic qualification, which will qualify me to attend rescues for seals and cetaceans, and joined the SSPCA wildlife centres seal team for a day to help out.

I would love the chance to look after and cheer up your cat's day, and make sure they have everything they need to be comfortable!

During my cat sitting I've learned a lot about different types of cats, some have been very social and laid back, some like to cuddle but don't like the pets, some prefer to say hi from a distance and quickly come grab the treats leave out for them. I'm comfortable in assessing how much attention and cuddles each cat would like, and I'm very happy to let them take the lead - if they want to play for an hour straight I'm ready for that!

Through my work with SSPCA, I have become very used to different types of animals needing a very different diet. I'm happy to deal with any particular diets, automatic feeders, and needed supplements. When my second hamster got older, they also had a very detailed feeding plan, with medicines, vitamins, cod liver oil and several different feeds - whatever your pet needs!

I have administered medication for a few cats with their food (tablets, capsules and liquid with a syringe) and I have administered several types of medications for my hamsters over the years, some were drops in their food and some directly on their fur and back. I'm definitely happy to administer similar medications for cats, as long as there are good instructions, and everybody feels comfortable.

I will happily look after small animals as well, and I'm happy to try looking after rabbits, dogs and fish on my visits, though I have less experience in these! I know very little about reptiles and working with them, but happy to try that as well, with some guidance!