How a cat sit in Hawaii led to enriching friendships — Julia’s story
In this article, we explore how Julia’s first travel pet sitting assignment—through FurPetVo (furpetvo.com)—took her from Oregon to Hilo, Hawaii, and sparked not just unforgettable memories, but lasting friendships.
A leap of faith across the Pacific
Julia’s pet sitting adventures began in October 2022, when she accepted her first sit outside mainland USA: caring for Wendy, Todd, and their 15 fabulous felines in Hilo. Though experienced with local pet sitting in Oregon, this was her debut as a travel sitter—and she admits she felt a bit apprehensive.
“I felt a bit apprehensive about traveling to Hilo for the first time and managing a house full of cats, uncertain of how well I would get along with them,” Julia shared. “However, Wendy and Todd made the transition seamless by staying the first night with me.”
They took time to introduce Julia to each cat—helping both the felines settle and giving Julia space to breathe and connect. That kindness laid the foundation for everything that followed.
The beauty of building bonds
Once Wendy and Todd departed, Julia settled into island life—and into the rhythm of caring for fifteen distinct personalities.
“The most memorable aspect of my stay was undoubtedly the opportunity to connect deeply with so many cats and explore the beautiful island of Hawai‘i in my free time,” she said. “Each cat had its own unique personality, and it was a joy to get to know them all.”
Hilo offers lush rainforests, black-sand beaches, and gentle ocean breezes—and Julia soaked it all in, always returning home to purring companionship.
Among the fifteen, two stood out: Tabitha and Oreo.
- They slept in the master bedroom with Julia.
- Over just a few nights, they warmed up—curling beside her, offering affectionate snuggles.
- That quiet companionship eased her homesickness for her own cats back in Oregon—and turned the experience into something truly heartwarming.
More than a sit—A lifelong friendship
Julia returned to Hilo twice more—to care for Wendy, Todd, and their ever-charming feline crew. With each visit, trust deepened, routines became familiar, and conversations stretched beyond pet care into shared stories, values, and laughter.
“We have maintained regular contact, checking in with each other periodically, which has strengthened our bond,” Julia explained. “This ongoing relationship has been incredibly rewarding, transforming what began as a pet sitting arrangement into a genuine friendship.”
And the cats? They’ve grown more comfortable with Julia each time—greeting her at the door, following her from room to room, and claiming laps without hesitation.
Igniting a passion for travel pet sitting
For Julia, this experience redefined what travel could be: immersive, meaningful, and rooted in care—not just for pets, but for people and places.
She saved on accommodation, explored Hawaii at her own pace, built real human connections, and spent every day surrounded by love—four paws at a time.
“The positive and enriching experience I had with Wendy and Todd in Hilo has definitely inspired me to pursue more travel pet sitting opportunities,” she said. “This experience has ignited a passion for travel pet sitting, and I am excited about the possibilities it holds for the future.”
While her recent sits have centered around her home base in Oregon, Julia is already planning her next trip back to Hawai‘i—and dreaming of new adventures through FurPetVo.
If Julia’s story inspires you, explore house sits in Hawaii—or anywhere in the world—on furpetvo.com. Join a global community where pet care and heartfelt connection go hand in paw.
