Care for 2 cats, 2 weeks in Sep/Oct in Leiden, the Netherlands

About this assignment

I'm looking for someone who loves cats, loves caring for them, spending time and playing with them. Someone who doesn't smoke or party, isn't messy and know how to keep my plants alive as well. A solo cat sitter is preferred.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Most importantly: you'll need to take care of my 2 cats, Miek (6) and Merel (2) They both enjoy human attention, so I'd appreciate if you'd spend some time with them every day to play with them. They need to be fed twice a day and of course there are the litter boxes that need to be kept clean. Merel has only been with us for a few months, and Miek is still adjusting. So at night or when you're out for a longer part of the day, they still need to be kept separate (which is easy to do, fortunately).

In addition to taking care of the cats, it would be nice if my plants can survive as well, so watering those in the living room once during your stay is part of the deal as well.

What are the good features of the property and location

On ground level there is a fairly spacious combined living room with kitchen (32m2) that gets a lot of daylight and sunshine. I have a very comfy couch, large dining table and kitchen with the usual such as fridge, oven, dishwasher and electric stove (induction cooking).

Upstairs there are 2 bedrooms, one with a small double bed (140 x200) and one a single twin (90x200) plus a luxury airbed of the same size for a 4th person if desired. The loggia (internal balcony, facing south, with lounge sofa) is reached via the double bedroom. Next there is the bathroom with a spacious walk-in shower and a single sink.

The whole place has heated floors connected to a heat pump, which makes my home very comfortable at 20 degrees Celsius 24/7. In summer the system will cool the house a bit (2-3 degrees maximum, it's not real air conditioning but makes a huge difference in comfort on hot days).

I don't really watch TV so I don't have one, however I do have a fiber internet connection, so you can stream all you want. I also have created a little work place in my spare bedroom with desk, monitor and ergonomic sadle stool should you want to work or study remotely.

I have a private entrance on a street that is mostly closed off from cars, so pretty quiet.
The apartment covers 2 floors, with stairs (16 steps). Both bedrooms are upstairs.

I'm located in a quiet part of the city center of Leiden, in walking distance of anything you might need. There is a bus stop around the corner and Dutch public transport is among the best, it gets you anywhere you may want to go. If you're experienced in riding an e-bike, you're welcome to use mine. I take part in a small private car share, car use can be discussed.

Leiden is a lovely town with canals, lots of history and museums. In addition it's pretty close to the beach, and cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague are all less than an hour away by public transport.

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

I really hope to find someone who enjoys spending time with animals. If you're looking to party then this is not for you. Of course you're free to go sightseeing and explore the town and surroundings (it's lovely!) but please balance it properly so the cats get enough attention as well.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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