Summer break in lovely Haarlem - CatLoving House Sitter Needed 12 July - 7 Aug 2026
Netherlands, Haarlem, Noord-Holland
Pets
- Cat(s)
Dates
- 12 Jul 2026 to 7 Aug 2026 (3 sitters have applied for these dates)
About this assignment
We’re looking for someone to stay in our home and keep our cats company for almost 4 weeks this summer. Ideally, this would be one person or a couple for the full duration, but we’re open to options.
We’re looking for someone who genuinely enjoys animals and nature (we have a nice sunny garden!), and who has some experience with cats.
What responsibilities are required of the house sitter
You’ll be taking care of our three very easygoing cats – Harry, Niko, and Carmen. This mainly involves feeding them twice a day, and giving Niko (and occasionally Harry) some cuddles and playtime.
They each have very different personalities:
Carmen is independent and spends most of her time doing her own thing outdoors. She often sleeps at the neighbours’, as she prefers being the only cat.
Niko is very affectionate and loves human attention.
Harry is our baby – playful, goofy, and happiest when he’s near you (though not on your lap). He tends to follow you around like a little shadow.
What are the good features of the property and location
Haarlem is a beautiful historic city just 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam – close enough for easy day trips, yet much quieter and more relaxed. It’s especially lovely in the summer, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafés where you can sit outside by the canals. The city centre is very close – just a 5-minute bike ride or up to 15 minutes on foot.
Our home is located in a peaceful neighbourhood, about 10–15 minutes’ walk (or 5 minutes by bike) from Haarlem’s charming centre, where you’ll find great cafés, restaurants, shops, and canals.
The train station is also easily accessible – around 7 minutes by bike or 15–20 minutes on foot.
A large supermarket is just a 5-minute walk away, making daily shopping very convenient.
The house has a lovely private garden, perfect for relaxing. In the summer, it gets sunshine until around 8pm, which makes evenings there especially enjoyable. We also provide a bicycle for your use during your stay.
What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment
Our home is comfortable for one person or a couple, and ideal for someone who enjoys a calm, relaxed environment. The neighbourhood is quiet, yet still within easy reach of the city centre, shops, and public transport. In the summer, it’s not unusual to have a BBQ or play some music, but everyone is respectful and the neighbours are very friendly.
We have a lovely garden, and the cats are used to going outside on their own via a cat flap, so there’s no need to let them in and out – just keep an eye that they return.
Overall, this is a low-maintenance sit, but it does require care and attention. The cats are perfectly fine if you’re out during the day, but they do enjoy having someone around in the mornings and evenings – even if you’re just working from home or relaxing in the garden.
If this sounds like a good match for you, we’d love to hear from you. Thank you in advance for your interest!
Can I bring my own pets?
No, sorry.
Last updated:
23 April 2026
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Testimonials
Sit end of February 2026
This was the second time I looked after Eliza’s sweethearts and I enjoyed that time very much. Eliza updated me very well before my arrival. All three cats are so lovely. Especially the boys, Niko and Harry, are Insatiable when it comes to cuddles. I am very grateful to have had that second chance to be with the sweet trio. Thanks a lot to Eliza for her kind hospitality. - Completely recommended. -
Karin, Germany, March 2026
Laid-back cats in charming, quaint city
as a seasoned home-owner, Eliza had prepared my stay meticulously (including a video-call prior to my stay) and accomodated me with great care. Her three cats are fully independent and partially affectionate (the boys). It was a pleasure to be around them and during the long winter evenings it seemed more that they were keeping me company than the other way round. Whenever I had a practical question concerning the appliances in the house, Eliza and her neighbor (who stood by in a Chat-group) reacted promptly. The location is both perfect by car (free parking alongside street) and public transportation/ walking. With a well-equipped super-market around the corner, cafés and downtown restaurants one is even bound to gain a few pounds ;-), which one can get rid of by cycling to the seaside (well, in the summer, it's only 10km)
Isa, Germany, January 2026
House sit 27 July to 15 August
I spent almost three weeks in Eliza’s house and took care of her three cats. Though each one is of completely different character, they are of very low maintenance and are wonderful companions. There wasn’t a single day I didn’t enjoy. The trio is so adorable and affectionate. They made their way into my heart rapidly. Eliza did a great job by giving all detailed instructions already in advance, what I really appreciated. It made things easier. Her house is perfectly located. Old town of Haarlem isn’t far away. Amsterdam ist in 10 minute distance by train. The house additionally offers a beautiful little garden which invites sitting outdoors. In summary, I enjoyed each single day and definitely would repeat that house sit at any time.
Karin, Germany, August 2025
A fabulous cat and house sit in beautiful Haarlem
Sitting Eliza’s cosy house and taking care of her lovely cats Harry, Niko and Carmen was a wonderful experience. All three kitties are simply adorable, being around them, playing and cuddling with them, and taking care of their needs was heartwarming and fulfilling. They definitely stole a piece of our hearts. Eliza is a very friendly and laid-back home owner, it was a pleasure to communicate with her. She is very well organized and reliable, and provided us with clear and easy to follow instructions. Her house is a peaceful place with positive vibes, light filled and spacious, with a nice garden. We felt at home from the first minute on. As we were very lucky with the weather we did spend quite some quality time in the beautiful garden, enjoying Harry and Nico’s lovely company. It was very refreshing and relaxing. It is Harry’s first spring/summer outside in his young life, and it was pure bliss watching him exploring the nature around him. Carmen, the oldest of the three, lives a very independent life and was out and about most of the time. We had beautiful morning and evening walks through the historical center of Haarlem and along the river banks of the Spaarne, and took delightful day trips to nearby Amsterdam and The Hague. We are very thankful for the wonderful time we had here and would love to come back again sitting Eliza’s house and taking care of her adorable cats. :)
Thomas H., Germany, May 2025
Three furry friends in Haarlem
Eliza, Was an excellent communicator, helpful and made our sit very easy. Her attention to details with information regarding her home and the cats were first class, we arrived without seeing Eliza, but she made arrangements for us to collect the keys, gave us full instructions on how to arrive from the airport and all our plans worked well. The house was warm, comfortable and easy to maintain, we had information on the city and some things to do while we were there. But the best part was being entertained by Harry,Niko and Carmen, there very different cats, but they all made us smile and we were always welcomed home by them. It was a lovely week in the Netherlands which also included a trip to the seaside on the train. We would highly recommend this house sit if the opportunity arises. Thanks again for everything.
Alan, United Kingdom, February 2025
A fabulous house sit in beautiful historical Haarlem
We did a house sit for Eliza and her two cats, Niko and Carmen in Haarlem during August this year. We stayed for three weeks and we were lucky enough to have mostly beautiful sunny weather. Haarlem is a beautiful historical city with lots of things to see and do and Eliza’s house is an easy 10 minutes walking from the centre of the city, yet located in a quiet residential area. The house is lovely, light, modern and spacious. It had everything we needed and we felt at home immediately. Eliza offered us the use of her bike but we never needed it. We came to Haarlem by train and never felt we needed a car as the public transport in Haarlem is excellent and frequent. Even Schiphol airport was only an easy bus ride away. We quickly befriended Niko and Carmen, a bit shy initially but then very affectionate and quite independent. They liked to roam the neighbourhood but always showed up when they were hungry and they were very easy to look after. Eliza is an excellent communicator and reacted immediately if we had any questions or needed advice. We enjoyed our time in Haarlem thoroughly and would not hesitate to housesit for Eliza again. Keith and Marijke
Marijke, France, September 2024
Two cats in Haarlem
We spent a lovely time in the Netherlands with Eliza’s two cool cats; Carmen and Niko. Carmen was sociable, communicative and independent whilst shy Niko soon showed us his quirky, playful and affectionate side. Eliza though of everything to ensure we felt welcome and at home. She drafted a detailed manual and put us in touch with a friend. She also sent us links to interesting places to visit and things to do locally. Her comfortable and stylish home is in a superb location close to the charming and picturesque old town centre and the main canal which was fun to explore. It was a great experience being in Haarlem in the company of great cat mates.
Rosy & Henry, United Kingdom, May 2024
Little gem with two furry friends.
I had a wonderful place with Niko and Carmen. They are both such a cute and funny cats and was so easy to take care of them. They are well trained and both loves cuddles but would also keep their distance if they sense you need space. The house is beautiful decorated and has everything one can ask for. The garden is the perfect spot to relax in beautiful sunny day. The house is located about 10-15 minutes on foot from the center of Haarlem and all the historic places, shops and restaurants. Also very easy access to Haarlem train station( about 5 minutes by bike) and get to Amsterdam in 15 min or Den Haag in 40. The train system in the Netherlands is so easy to navigate that you can take a day trip to more or less everywhere. Eliza and her family were so friendly and welcoming. You can tell the cats are part of the family and if any concern or issue Eliza would be providing guidelines and solutions in no time. Highly recommend Niko and Carmen. I’m already looking forward the next time I can spend time with this cuties.
Mira, United Kingdom, January 2024