About this assignment

Single person or couple, preferably with house sitting experience, must be cat lovers.
We are semi retired UK nationals currently living in Goa, and adopted a couple of abandoned kittens last summer.
We return to the UK to visit family for a month every year and need someone to cat sit while we are away, as the concept of having or looking after family pets is a new idea in India!
The house sitter for May 2013 has now been arranged, but due to visa requirements we have to leave India every 6 months and usually have a short holiday in Asia around October, and then a month around May every year to visit family in the UK. So please send a message if you are interested in a future date.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Looking after 2 cats, both spayed females. They are just 10 months old, are very friendly and like lots of interaction and company.
A cleaner comes in for an hour 3 times a week, other than this a few plants need watering and the rest of the time is your own.

What are the good features of the property and location

The house is a 2 bedroom semi detached, set in a residential complex with communal gardens, a 20m swimming pool and 24 hour security. Neighbours are mainly local families, it's a friendly, close knit community, yet very welcoming to the many tourists who rent out some of the properties during the season.
Its a 3 minute walk to Benaulim village, where there are banks and an ATM, shops, pharmacy, local cafe / restaurants and the bus stop to the city.
A 10 minute walk takes you to more restaurants and 2 mini supermarkets.
A 15-20 minute walk (or 5 mins bicycle, 2 available) to the famous Benaulim beach.
Unlimited WiFi, full package satellite TV, DVD, Wii, use of laptop

If you would like more details about staying in Goa, please write to us through MindMyHouse for the addresses of my websites.

What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment

May is after the tourist season has ended, so most "winter sun" attractions are closed and only a few restaurants remain open all year round.
May is very hot and humid, with some showers, building up to the monsoons which start in June. But Goa is beginning to turn green and flowers are blooming, and its a chance to explore inland areas away from the beaches, which few tourists do in season. Ideal for nature & wildlife lovers, Goa has many rarely visited jungle forests plus the Western Ghats.
The beaches are completely deserted, wonderful for long walks in the warm winds. The sea is unswimmable due to the extremely strong currents, but paddling in the bath temperature shallows is a must.
A visa for India is essential, which must be applied for about a month in advance.
Vaccinations and malaria tablets for a tropical area are also necessary.
Medical facilities are very good in Goa, and medical tourism is widespread where western tourists come for joint replacements and dentistry. Quality spectacles can also be picked up at a fraction of the normal price, just bring your prescription.