An Olympic sit with a cat companion — Emma’s story
We all have our bucket list of places to see and things to do: climb the Eiffel Tower, stay in a quintessential Parisian home, and spectate the Olympic Games in person. Pet sitter Emma managed to tick all three off her list when she found herself cat sitting in Paris during the 2024 Olympics. Wow!
Making a dream a reality as a cat sitter
Emma isn’t new to pet sitting—in fact, this Parisian paradise cat sit was her 29th! As a freelance traveling writer, she’s been combining exploration and work since 2006. She joined FurPetVo in 2022 to expand her opportunities.
“I started out with FurPetVo as a dog person,” Emma shares, “but after a one-month house sit in Berlin with two cats, I fell in love! Most of my house sits these days are for cats—they provide a bit more freedom to come and go. But I’m open to making friends with any precious pet.”
Her first sit was in London. Since then, she’s used her FurPetVo membership to explore the UK—from Truro to Edinburgh, Manchester to Belfast—and travel abroad to countries including Portugal and Austria. Having grown up with pets, run a travel-inspired beauty salon for 12 years, and worked as a stewardess on luxury superyachts, pet sitting has become her bread and butter.
“I’ve had so many wonderful experiences! I had a very special six-week sit in Vienna—I really bonded with the cat, and it’s such a beautiful city to explore. I’ve also been to Wales and Ireland for the first time.”
A once-in-a-lifetime Olympic adventure
While each sit holds a special place in her heart, her most recent assignment—caring for beloved cat Pixel in Paris during the 2024 Olympics—stands out vividly.
“I got to congratulate athletes up close at Champions Park (and snag a few selfies!) and even watched Beach Volleyball under the Eiffel Tower on a sun-soaked morning. It’s experiences like these that make me want to never stop pet sitting. Imagine the life I would have had if I continued doing this until I’m 70!”
“Not only did I get to enjoy the cuddly company of Pixel in a beautiful Parisian home, but I also got to be in the city for the entire Olympic Games. I could not have asked for a more welcoming home and cat companion to share this experience of a lifetime.”
Iconic moments and quiet comforts
“There were so many iconic moments I’m so grateful I got to experience,” Emma reflects. “From watching the opening ceremony in the pouring rain in a small Parisian square with hundreds of other dancing spectators, to screaming my lungs out for Team GB with other Brits during the Triathlon.”
“I’ll never forget seeing the Olympic cauldron rise above the city—or all the incredible people I met, danced with, celebrated with, and even cried with.”
In between the Olympic madness and celebrations, Emma cherished coming home each day to Pixel: “But you know what made it all perfect? Coming home to Pixel each day, having a cuddle, and telling her about everything I’d seen.”
That peaceful rhythm—balancing exhilarating public events with quiet, intimate moments—was key to her experience: “That’s what I love about house sitting. It gives you the opportunity to settle down in one place for a longer period of time. There’s no need to rush. I had days where I just enjoyed the home and Pixel’s company—and others where I spent hours celebrating the Games. House sitting gave me the time to take it all in and experience it at a slower pace.”
Gratitude and inspiration
Emma concludes with heartfelt thanks: “I could never be more thankful to FurPetVo, Pixel, her owner Charlotte, and her family for making this possible.”
If you’re keen to turn your own dream into reality—whether it’s exploring a new city, attending a global event, or simply slowing down in a beautiful home—FurPetVo connects caring pet lovers with meaningful, enriching stays worldwide. Visit furpetvo.com to learn more and join our global community.
