Caldwell Resident's Pet Sitting Service Starts to Purr

The bags are packed, the car is loaded and you're ready to hit the road. It's time for the annual family vacation and everyone is excited for some sun and fun.

But what about your cat? 

Fortunately for local residents, there's a solution for families whose four-legged friends can't accompany them on vacation. Founded by Caldwell resident Christina Caruso, What About the Cat? is a professional pet sitting operation that offers in-home care specializing in cats and small animals.

"My whole life, my passion has been to work with animals," Caruso said. 

While she was growing up, Caruso's family always kept pets. When she was an undergraduate at Caldwell College, Caruso worked with NJ Pet Sitters.

After graduating, Caruso took a job with Safe Shredding, a mobile paper shredding company. Still wanting to work with animals, Caruso volunteered with Friends of Wayne Animals. She also cared for pets of friends and neighbors when they were away.

Between her volunteer work and pet sitting, Caruso was inspired to create her own company.

Utilizing her bachelor's degree in business administration, Caruso decided to turn her love for animals into a business operation.

Founded in April, What About the Cat? has been a growing business with Caruso taking on two to three clients a month.

"It's something good on the side," Caruso said. "I get to work with animals in my free time. It's a treat."

What About the Cat? allows pets to remain in their own home when their owners are away. For a flat fee of $18 per visit, Caruso will feed, change litter and play with the animals. Depending on the owner's instructions, Caruso will usually visit a home once or twice a day to care for the pet.

According to Caruso, allowing a pet to remain at home is less stressful than boarding the animal. They remain in a familiar environment and are not exposed to other animals' illness. They receive personal attention and follow their daily routine.

With her in-home service, Caruso also offers basic care for the pet owner's home. She will take in mail, water plants, alternate lights and complete any other maintenance tasks to keep the house in order.

A long-time resident of North Jersey, Caruso grew up in Verona. She moved to Roseland shortly after graduating from high school. Two years ago, Caruso moved to Caldwell.

What About the Cat? offers care to pets within Morris, Essex and Passaic counties. Caruso has taken on clients in Caldwell, West Caldwell and East Orange.

She is a member of Pet Sitters International and Professional United Pet Sitters LLC. Caruso is insured with Pet Sitters Associates LLC, PETA, ASPCA and The Humane Society of the United States. She is also certified by the American Red Cross in Pet First Aid.

Caruso, who has three cats of her own, has been pleased with the response her business has received and would like to further expand it one day.

"Right now it's something small that I enjoy," Caruso said. "If this could grow and I could broaden it to all animals, that would be ideal. I would love that."

For more information on What About the Cat?, contact Christina Caruso at 973-803-3580 or e-mail her at whataboutthecat@gmail.com.