I quit my job in London, became a cat‑sitter and found new friends

I quit my job in London and, after a series of failed side hustles, set up a profile on Cat in a Flat and became a cat‑sitter, an experience that has changed how I feel about the city. Before cat‑sitting I tried several side hustles. I spent five days and £60 setting up an Etsy shop and made two sales (one from my brother), resulting in a net loss; I tried affiliate marketing; and I uploaded photos to a stock site, most of which did not meet the minimum quality threshold.

A TikTok influencer suggested cat‑sitting, so I created a free profile on Cat in a Flat and secured my first booking within weeks. The work is not a high earner and can’t be relied on as a sole income, but it has generated a nice amount of pocket money. Beyond money, cat‑sitting has improved my mental health and daily routine.

I get to pretend to be a cat owner for short visits, and cats such as Figgy, Luna and Pickle have provided companionship: Figgy curled up on my lap after a tough morning, Luna calmed me by rubbing against my legs, and earning Pickle’s trust brought genuine companionship when friends were leaving the city or having children.

Cat‑sitting has also increased my activity and social connections.

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