Who?

We are a small but happy team of people of various ages and backgrounds with a wealth of skills and experience, and all of us dedicated to the care of your cats.

The people you see on these pages are the people who will be looking after your cats.

We are not an agency. We don’t recruit randomly or temporarily. Every single My Cat People team member has undergone a minimum of 6 months specific My Cat People training.

When not looking after your cats we all volunteer for various charities/organisations and are DBS checked according to their requirements.

Of course, we are fully and comprehensively insured.

Jane Matthews

Jane says “Getting my first rescue cat from a shelter made me wonder if there was an alternative to catteries, as putting her back into a cattery environment when I went away myself was upsetting. My own friends were scattered over London, and my family far away, so I couldn’t help on them to help, so I set up my own service! That’s part of how professional cat sitting in the UK began, all those years ago!

Ive now worked full-time as a Cat Sitter for over 30 years.

I’ve studied extensively with Dr Peter Neville, and I now hold the COAPE certificate in Feline Behaviour Therapy which lets me offer advice to many clients about helping their cats with various territorial or behavioural issues.

Working closely with a great team of dedicated cat-people is incredibly rewarding, and My Cat People brings me into contact with folks from all walks of life who all have one thing in common: they all love their cats.

Laura Marchant-Short

Laura is our assistant manager, and has been with us for close to 10 years.

Laura says “I’m originally from New Zealand and having grown up with all manner of pets and farm animals, I’m so glad to have a job that combines animal love with an outdoorsy life.

My other main motivations are connection to nature and community.

Lesley Morris Hill

Lesley was a client of Jane’s for a whopping 10 years before becoming a team-member herself, more than 10 years ago.

Lesley says “When I took a very early retirement and was looking for part time work with animals, the opportunity that came up with My Cat People was ideal.

I enjoy meeting the individual cats and getting to know their special needs and quirks.

My other passions can be summed up in two words. Bruce & Springsteen.”

James Dunn (AKA JD)

He loves cats and guitars and is our most recent recruit to have completed his six-months training with us.

JD says: “When I’m not out cat whispering I’m usually in my workshop building guitars and electronic guitar effects pedals. A cat lover all my life, I now share our foundling Willow with my partner Laura.”

Ismay Jane Wildish

Ismay studied animal care at the prestigious Capel Manor College and graduated with their highest ever score!

From the age of 22, and for nearly 5 years, she worked with us, adding the numerous nuances of Cat Sitting to her skill set: something cut short by Covid.

During Covid, as soon as she was able to travel, she took up a voluntary post in Egypt, and spent nearly a year volunteering with Dahab Cats: a Charitable Organisation which aims to help stray cats: with a TNR programme. (Trap. Neuter. Return.)

Whilst there, Ismay was involved in the rescue of a tiny kitten who had lost her eyesight due to endemic cat Flu. Of course, Ismay couldn’t leave her behind, and so when she returned to the UK, Shoelace came too.

Ismay then worked as Veterinary assistant at a local vet, and now works as a Community Engagement assistant for the Cats Protection Charity.
This role sees her engaging with the community to offer neutering and support to those who need it.

We are delighted that Ismay is joining us this Festive Season and is bringing her broadened and unique skills.

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