Free from 18-22 Nov 25

Specializing in long-term (multi-month) cat and house sitting.
Australia and New Zealand wide.

Cats know there's no place like home, especially during extended family absences.

Providing expert, in-home care as a private Cat Concierge, I'll ensure your feline companions feel safe, spoiled, and seen—even when you’re far from home.

Going away doesn’t have to turn your cat’s world upside down. Get the most out of your trip, knowing your fur family are enjoying all their favourite places, routines and getting the attention they love.

Please watch my introductory video.....

About me

I've lived with Zen masters, and most of them have been cats. But all animals can teach us how to live in the present, and love, in their own way.

So I believe.

I'm a tidy mature gentleman. Self-disciplined. Non-smoker.

For twenty years my extended family has enjoyed the service of house sitters. I began cat and house sitting full-time two years ago, and I've been going non-stop ever since, around Australia and New Zealand. I love how house sitting has opened doors to live in different parts of the world, making four (and two!) legged friends along the way. Arranging sits remotely is part of my new normal. I go a long way for the right opportunity.

Having worked some years in hospitality, reservations and guest reception in Switzerland, I like to bring the same professional courtesy, attention to detail, and dependability into house sitting.

I lived with dogs and cats most of my life. I find dogs to be tremendously giving, but to win cats over really requires meeting them on their own terms. For me, winning the trust and affection of cats is one of life's greatest rewards.

I've volunteered in the boarding section of Perth's largest cat shelter and charity - The Cat Haven. While I loved meeting hundreds of different feline personalities, the boarding experience also taught me that it's a far greater gift providing individual care for cats at home, rather than putting them into kennels, no matter how professional and loving the staff there are.

I've had extensive experience looking after gardens and swimming pools, working closely with any special requirements. I take pride in leaving each home as I found it.

I work as a writer, so I enjoy having a quiet place to myself. And if your pets love company, there won't be any lacking. I'm also an accomplished furtographer, happy to take pet portraits for anyone missing home.

I look forward to hearing from you. You can message with any questions. And I'd be very happy to arrange a time to listen to your needs.

Testimonials (click to open)

We feel we struck gold by having Phillip housesit for us! We were away for 3 months and have 5 cats and a dog who needed someone special to look after them well. Phillip was that person. He is kind, caring and very diligent and thoughtful. Communication was exceptional with him and regular updates with photos ensured we were kept in touch with our fur babies. We found Phillip to be very conscientious and extremely mindful of the animals' usual routine and continued this timetable to ensure a happy family life. Phillip also kept the house clean and tidy and willingly maintained the usual running of the household. We would gladly have Phillip housesit for us anytime and recommend him highly.
Philip and Heather - Whanganui, New Zealand

Phillip (together with partner Dee) took care of our home in Christchurch and our two pets Toby and Penny during our 3 weeks overseas vacation. I can highly recommend Phillip and Dee. They not only took amazing care of our pets, but also of our house and garden, lawn etc. Communication was outstanding, we received frequent updates and photos, showing how much Toby and Penny were being spoiled and taken care of. Everything was in perfect order upon our return - 10/10 highly recommended and we will hopefully be able to rebook Phillip and Dee as our pet sitters in the future. Thank you so much.

Judith - Christchurch, New Zealand

So happy with Phillip! Our two cats, one of which is very timid, took to Phillip immediately. We felt confident the entire time we were away that everything was going well at home. Communication was great with updates as often as we wanted. We arrived home to two very relaxed and happy cats, clearly no anxiety at all, and our home clean and tidy. We hope to have Phillip sit for us again in the future.

Judy and Denes - Gerringong, New South Wales

Phillip looked after our cat, house and yard superbly. We arrived home to a very clean house and a mowed lawn. Our cat was happy and relaxed and had clearly enjoyed Phillip’s care and attention. We’d love to have him sit for us again.

Mandy and Mark - Toowoomba, Queensland

FAQ (Click to open)

Why shouldn't everyone put their cats in boarding?

⚠️ Considerations & Risks of Boarding

Stress and anxiety for cats:
- Cats are highly territorial; many become anxious in a new environment, especially when confined in a cage.
- Some refuse to eat or groom in catteries, or become physically unwell.
Illness risk: Despite hygiene protocols, group housing raises risk of respiratory infections, fleas, etc.
Limited attention: Low person to cat ratios, with staff on-site only during office hours, allows time for little else than one feed and litter change each day.
High cost over long-term: Average daily rates range from $25–$45 AUD/NZD per cat, with extra charges for:
- Pats, cuddles, and emotional nourishment
- Play/toy time and mental stimulation
- Kennels with outdoor or window access
- Brushing and grooming
- Photos and messages reassuring owners of their cats' activity, health and well being
- Administering of medications
- 👉 Over 3–6 months, this can exceed $2,250–$8,100 AUD/NZD per cat.

Can we meet you first?

Absolutely. Listening to what you want is the best way to ensure I understand and can meet your expectations. It's essential we both feel it's a good fit. I'm happy to drop by in person if I'm already in your area. Otherwise I've found remote video calls also work really well. I have WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Signal & Zoom.

How can we be sure you'll get along with Mr Pusskins/Miss McFluffles?

I'm a writer. Authors like cats because they are such quiet, lovable, wise creatures, and cats like authors for the same reasons.

I'm categorically not the sort of man who'll rush over to a cat to pick it up, demanding affection on my terms. I know that winning the trust of cats requires patience, a keen eye for their body language, respect for their boundaries, and a gentle touch.

I'm quietly spoken, and well aware that some cats - especially rescues - can perceive sudden movements, raised arms, and loud voices, as threatening. I've decades of experience owning and nurturing cats who faced trauma in their youth.

Families often tell me that they've never seen their cats as comfortable with anyone else. Most cats are delighted to discover I'm there to care, and ready to indulge them with (almost!) all the attention they wish. It's a joy for me to see each one come forward and express themselves in their own time and way. Because I respect each one's individuality, I find some of the shiest cats end up giving the most of themselves.

I believe animals come into our lives to remind us of who we are, and what love is. And I suspect most cats are grateful to be acknowledged as the four-legged embodiments of beauty, independence and grace I believe them to be.

A final note: Unlike most pet care businesses and services, I do not use stock photos. All the photos and video you see here are authentic snapshots from my own experiences. While I haven't been able to record every memorable moment I've had cat sitting, what you see here is representative of what you can expect from me with your furry friends.

Do you look after dogs as well as cats?

Because many of my sits are arranged remotely, I now only dog sit in exceptional circumstances. Without meeting a dog in person, it's very difficult to assess their temperament, and any risks, such as their aggression towards strangers or other pets.

Do you do have any limits on how short or long you will house sit?

I plan my year around longer sits of 2-5+ months duration, but will consider all sits, subject to the location, my schedule, and the offer. I'm extra grateful for offers that bookend my dates of availability, so I can go straight from one cat sit to another.

Will you house or pet sit for me in Queensland, New South Wales or New Zealand?

I'll consider cat & house sits anywhere in Australia and New Zealand, providing it is long enough (generally 2-3 months minimum). I also look for places that would make a pleasant writing environment.
Note.. As I fly between Australian states and New Zealand cat sitting, I may not be able to consider homes further than a 20 minute walking distance of a supermarket, unless alternative transport is available.

We've never had a house and cat sitter before. What can we expect?

Peace of mind is what I aim to deliver. From first to last, I'm happy to guide you through the process. If I have to travel to get there, I co-ordinate closely and keep owners up to date with any flight and transport details. If you have a spare bedroom, and wish to walk me through pet and home care before you leave, I can arrive a day or two early.

And of course when you are away, I'll be happy to send regular photos and updates so you know all is well.

Reservations & Enquiries

Long term (multi-month) cat and house sitting specialist.

Australia and New Zealand wide.

I go a long way for the right opportunity.

Currently available for bookings from November 18th-22nd , 2025.

For enquiries, please contact Phillip on WhatsApp.