The Human behind the Purr: The Story of Sab, a Cat Behaviourist

For over a decade, Sab has devoted herself to the well-being of cats. From tiny kittens to special-needs seniors, her journey began long before Amsterdam, back when she was volunteering to support stray cats with food, medical aid, and rehabilitation. "I once had a disabled cat and even treated a cat suffering from FIP," she shares. "Those experiences taught me a lot about patience and hope."

Finding Her Calling in Amsterdam

After settling in Amsterdam, she discovered a new way to channel her passion: becoming a professional cat sitter and behaviourist. "I truly enjoy spending time with cats, playing with them, talking to them, and creating a calm, loving environment when their families are away," she says.

Her deep understanding of feline behaviour naturally complements her cat-sitting work. She still vividly remembers her first client as a behaviourist - a shy rescue cat who spent her days hiding under the bed. Through gentle techniques, giving space, and positive reinforcement, she helped the cat find her confidence.

"I truly believe that animals understand our language through our tone and energy," she explains. Every day, she spoke softly to the cat, slowly building trust until that breakthrough moment finally arrived. Sab recalls: "After a few days, she finally came out and purred beside me. It was such a special and emotional moment."

Connecting with Clients and Community

This same dedication shows in how she connects with clients. She uses platforms like Pawshake and Cat in a Flat to advertise her services, but also turns to Instagram to share educational content about cat behaviour. "It's a lovely way to reach more people and help cat parents better understand their cats' needs," she notes.

As a sitter, she makes sure cats never feel lonely, spending real quality time with them and sending daily photos and videos to reassure their families.

A Journey of Hope

When asked about her most memorable experience, she doesn't hesitate: treating a cat with FIP. For 86 days straight, she gave daily vet injections to a cat that was "not calm at all." It was a genuine test of patience and emotional resilience. "But at the same time, it became one of my most memorable experiences. Seeing her recover and get a second chance at life was the best reward I could ever ask for," says Sab

For people who are thinking of starting cat-sitting, Sab has straightforward advice: always let the cat approach you first. Stick to a routine because cats love predictability. Respect their space, and talk to them - your voice is a comfort. Learn to read their body language. And never forget that every single cat is a unique individual, just like a human is.

A Mission to Change Hearts and Minds

Her ultimate goal? To inspire a deeper level of understanding between cats and their humans. She hopes to encourage people to care for their cats emotionally, not just physically. "I always remind people that their pets are part of the family. They deserve attention, playtime, and care for their needs, not just food and shelter."

She leaves us with two powerful messages. First, she wants to bust the myth that cats are entirely independent. "When left alone for long periods, cats can experience high levels of stress and even depression. Spending time with them is essential for their emotional well-being."

Second, she's a passionate advocate for adoption. "I strongly hope that adopting pets becomes more common. Instead of buying animals, people can make a huge difference by giving a loving home to pets waiting in shelters. These animals deserve a warm, caring family, and adopting them allows us to offer them the happy, safe life they deserve."

The Language of Love

At its heart, Sab's work is a beautiful reminder that the bond between humans and cats runs both ways. Through patience, observation, and genuine understanding, we don't just care for them - we build a language of mutual trust and companionship that enriches both their lives and ours.

We hope that Sab's incredible journey and heartfelt insights inspire you as much as they inspired us. Whether it's rethinking how we interact with our own cats, considering pet sitting, or making the compassionate choice to adopt, her story shows that every bit of understanding and effort makes a world of difference in a cat's life.

To learn more about cat behaviour and see Sab's work in action, you can follow her on Instagram: @sab.cat.lover.