Who?
We are a small but happy group of five people of various ages and backgrounds with a wealth of skills and experience, and all 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, Nuke, made me investigate alternatives to catteries: she had been handed in, starving, to an RSPCA rescue centre, and I couldn’t bear the thought of her being disrupted and caged again: it would have terrified her. She also, understandably, had behavioural issues, and 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, interrupted only by COVID, when nobody could travel.
This has enabled me to broaden my knowledge of Feline Behaviour.
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 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.
My other passions include the countryside, horses and motorcycles. Ive worked with horses in California, and I spent several happy years in the motorcycle courier industry.
I am a registered volunteer with our local St Christophers Hospice.”
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.
I am a member of our local Transition Town, as well as pre-covid I was volunteering with refugee relations group Local Welcome.”
Lesley Morris Hill
Lesley was a client of Jane’s for a whopping 10 years before asking to become a team member!
Lesley says “Jane looked after my own Megan and Lucy when I’ve been away. 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.
I volunteer on a weekly basis for both Celia Hammond Animal Trust and Kings College Hospital.”
Lesley has now been part of the team for over 7 years.
Laura Jane Stacey
My full name is Laura Jane, which obviously can cause confusion here, so I go by LJ.
I worked in TV for a decade, including on The Yorkshire Vet TV programme, before taking a break and adopting beautiful, slightly naughty, rescue cat Mabel last year.
I’ve known Jane and Laura at My Cat People for some years,and so they were my first call for cat ‘baby sitters’ for Mabel.
When they needed some extra help early in 2022 I was happy to join the gang.
I love meeting new cats and seeing their different personalities unfold as you spend time with them.
My interests are part time telly work, open water swimming & lifeguarding and cuddling clients cats whenever I can!
Andrew Bone
I’m Andrew, and I’m the newest member of the My Cat People team.
I live with two cats of my own, both rescues, called Evie and Snowdon
I love being a part of the team and getting to know the characters of so many other cats across the local area.
I’ve lived in Crystal Palace for over twenty years now and I also work as an actor, and as a Humanist Funeral Celebrant .
In the past, like Jane M, I’ve also volunteered for St Christopher’s Hospice.
In my spare time, I enjoy getting out into the hills and wild camping, particularly in the Scottish Highlands and Snowdonia.
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.