Idyllic home and beautiful gardens in rural MA. Easy sit with one cat

About this assignment

Zoomie is a very shy indoor/outdoor cat who is especially fearful of men, so I am looking for a quiet, patient female sitter who is comfortable giving him plenty of space and allowing him to approach on his own terms. He may hide or spend time outdoors, and the most important thing is that his routine remains calm, consistent, and predictable. The ideal sitter will be gentle, dependable, attentive to his usual coming-and-going habits, and willing to monitor that he is eating and doing well without trying to force interaction. Experience with shy, anxious, or fearful cats would be especially helpful.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Mail and Trash:
Bring in the mail daily
Take the garbage and recycling out on Wednesday evening; they will be picked up on Thursday.

Cat Care:
Change the cat litter. It shouldn’t be too bad since Zoom goes outside.
Ensure the cat door is always accessible.
Feed Zoom on the porch, ½ can in the am and ½ can in the evening.
Change the water daily

Plants:
Indoor plants watered after 8-9 days.
Outdoor plants - check potted plants .

Wild Birds:
Refill the seed feeders as needed
Refill the hummingbird feeder with the mixture in the glass jug in the fridge. Fill this only about a quarter to a third full, and change them every 2-3 days.

I’ve been keeping birdbaths with small water pumps going this summer. It seems the birds greatly appreciate this in the high temperatures. The water needs to be dumped frequently and refilled from the hose.

What are the good features of the property and location

Enjoy a peaceful two-week summer retreat in beautiful South Deerfield, in the heart of Western Massachusetts. Our home is set in a quiet rural area surrounded by forests, open fields, scenic country roads, and abundant wildlife. It is an ideal setting for anyone who enjoys nature, relaxation, and a slower pace of life.

The property includes a lovely garden and comfortable outdoor seating, making it easy to enjoy morning coffee, read outside, watch the birds, or unwind at the end of the day. Summer in this part of Western Massachusetts is especially beautiful, with lush greenery, farm stands, mountain views, and quiet backroads to explore.

The Connecticut River is nearby, with wonderful opportunities for kayaking, walking, birdwatching, and enjoying the outdoors. There are also hiking trails, swimming spots, farmers markets, and charming New England towns throughout the Pioneer Valley.

Although the house feels private and tucked away, Northampton and Amherst are both about 20 minutes away. These lively college towns offer excellent restaurants, cafés, bookstores, museums, music, arts, and cultural events.

This sit would be especially well suited to someone looking for a peaceful summer escape with easy access to both nature and vibrant local communities. It offers a wonderful balance of quiet countryside, outdoor recreation, local culture, and plenty of time to relax.

Because this is a rural area, a reliable car is strongly recommended. The nearest major grocery store is approximately 15 minutes away by car.

Our cat’s care is simple and low-maintenance, leaving plenty of time to relax and enjoy the area. The routine mainly involves feeding, refreshing water, and offering a little companionship each day.

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

This is a rural area, so you will need your own transportation. There are convience stores locally(5 min) but major grocery stores are 15-20 minutes away.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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