A woman has revealed how she gave up her high-flying corporate career to become a full-time cat sitter caring for 150 felines – but insists she’s not a “crazy cat lady”.
Anna Wan, 38, from Wokingham, Berkshire, gave up her career in PR and events management in 2018 after deciding she wanted to work for herself in a job that was more flexible.
Having loved cats since she was a young child, she decided to launch a cat-sitting service and now has over 150 felines in her care.
On a regular day as a professional cat whisperer, she could be hanging out with more than 20 cats – with tasks including feeding, playing and emptying litter trays.
She also has “conversations” with the pets and says many of them have her under their thumbs (or rather, paws).
“Some [people] may think I’m a crazy cat lady – I’m not,” Anna told Jam Press.
“I’m just someone who loves cats and it just happens to be my job to look after them.
“I wanted a job which was doing something I love, working for myself and that I can fit around my life.”
Anna’s obsession with cats first began when she got her first kitten, Tommy, at the age of three.
She said: “Tommy had no teeth and wasn’t the most sociable, but he was our first cat and lived to a good age of 17, so very special to us all.
“He used to get in my pram, and would always know if we were ill and become friendlier and lie on our beds.”
Now, Anna shares her home with Garfield, an eight-year-old ginger tabby who she compares to the cartoon Garfield.
She said: “I always say, he’s Garfield. Lazy, loves his food and loves sleeping.”
“When we got him, he was terrified of his own shadow, never mind people.
“He came from a rescue which had 40+ cats in a house, plus some kind of wolf hound.
“I’d never seen anything like it and he was terrified, he spent all his time under the owner’s bed.
“He’s now king of his castle.”
Anna loves getting to know the personalities of her cat companions and reveals there are some differences depending on the breed.
She said: “Pedigrees are a bit more intelligent and you can have conversations (yes really) and they are quite clear at getting what they want.
“I have one, Hera, who likes to show off and she will miaow at me until I am watching her running on her wheel or rolling on the floor.
“Casper is another pedigree cat I look after.
“He loves me to just stroke his face but I am not allowed to sit on the sofa, he gets cross if I do.
“I have to sit on the floor and he lies on the sofa. Honestly, I am under the thumb with him.
“They are all unique, with their own personalities and traits and I just love that. They can look after themselves to a degree but then choose to love you.
“Winning a cat round is the best feeling.
“The best part is sitting with cats. My blood pressure is very low from all the cat cuddles!”
Anna usually goes to people’s houses to look after the cats while their owners are away.
When she takes on a new client, she has a strict process in place – including having them fill in a detailed form and she also organises an introductory meeting with their pet.
She said: “With a cattery, you change the people and the environment, two huge stresses for the cat.
“If you have a cat sitter the only thing to change is the person, so half the stress.
“Owners can simply leave their cat at home and then someone like myself goes in.”
However, the cat lover has encountered some strange events including letting herself into a client’s house to discover she wasn’t the only human in there.
Anna said: “I once turned up to a client’s house to meet the owner and found her with her trousers on inside out.
“[Another time] I saw a man from behind in boxers and a t-shirt in the kitchen and I legged it.
“Silly me, I should have realised that a burglar wouldn’t cook toast.”
It can also be tricky to keep the felines from having cat fights with each other, when she is watching multiple cats.
Anna said: “I don’t believe in forcing them to like me, so it can take a few visits for them to warm to me and once they do, it’s the best feeling.
“Cats traditionally don’t get along with each other, they love humans but not each other.
“If you already have cats that don’t get along, make sure you provide lots of high places for them.
“Also, have three litter trays for two cats and four for three cats and so on.”
The animals are clearly a fan of their temporary host, often bringing her “gifts” to show their appreciation.
She said: “I tend to get a lot of ‘gifts’ of the deceased animal variety.
“They can be in various forms of decomposition.
Story from Jam Press (Cat Lady) Pictured: One of the cats looked after by Anna Wan. This is Casper having a “conversation” with her about the weather. Woman gives up high-flying job to become a full-time CAT SITTER looking after 150 felines – but insists she’s NOT a “crazy cat lady” A woman has revealed how she gave up her high-flying corporate career to become a full-time cat sitter caring for 150 felines – but insists she’s not a “crazy cat lady”. Anna Wan, 38, from Wokingham, Berkshire, gave up her career in PR and events management in 2018 after deciding she wanted to work for herself in a job that was more flexible. Having loved cats since she was a young child, she decided to launch a cat-sitting service and now has over 150 felines in her care. On a regular day as a professional cat whisperer, she could be hanging out with more than 20 cats – with tasks including feeding, playing and emptying litter trays. She also has “conversations” with the pets and says many of them have her under their thumbs (or rather, paws). “Some [people] may think I’m a crazy cat lady – I’m not,” Anna told Jam Press. “I’m just someone who loves cats and it just happens to be my job to look after them. “I wanted a job which was doing something I love, working for myself and that I can fit around my life.” Anna’s obsession with cats first began when she got her first kitten, Tommy, at the age of three. She said: “Tommy had no teeth and wasn’t the most sociable, but he was our first cat and lived to a good age of 17, so very special to us all. “He used to get in my pram, and would always know if we were ill and become friendlier and lie on our beds.” Now, Anna shares her home with Garfield, an eight-year-old ginger tabby who she compares to the cartoon Garfield. She said: “I always say, he’s Garfield. Lazy, loves his food and loves sleeping.” “When we got him, he was terrified of his own shadow, never mind people. “He came from a 
Story from Jam Press (Cat Lady) Pictured: OTwo of the cats looked after by Anna Wan. This is Serena and Venus. Woman gives up high-flying job to become a full-time CAT SITTER looking after 150 felines – but insists she’s NOT a “crazy cat lady” A woman has revealed how she gave up her high-flying corporate career to become a full-time cat sitter caring for 150 felines – but insists she’s not a “crazy cat lady”. Anna Wan, 38, from Wokingham, Berkshire, gave up her career in PR and events management in 2018 after deciding she wanted to work for herself in a job that was more flexible. Having loved cats since she was a young child, she decided to launch a cat-sitting service and now has over 150 felines in her care. On a regular day as a professional cat whisperer, she could be hanging out with more than 20 cats – with tasks including feeding, playing and emptying litter trays. She also has “conversations” with the pets and says many of them have her under their thumbs (or rather, paws). “Some [people] may think I’m a crazy cat lady – I’m not,” Anna told Jam Press. “I’m just someone who loves cats and it just happens to be my job to look after them. “I wanted a job which was doing something I love, working for myself and that I can fit around my life.” Anna’s obsession with cats first began when she got her first kitten, Tommy, at the age of three. She said: “Tommy had no teeth and wasn’t the most sociable, but he was our first cat and lived to a good age of 17, so very special to us all. “He used to get in my pram, and would always know if we were ill and become friendlier and lie on our beds.” Now, Anna shares her home with Garfield, an eight-year-old ginger tabby who she compares to the cartoon Garfield. She said: “I always say, he’s Garfield. Lazy, loves his food and loves sleeping.” “When we got him, he was terrified of his own shadow, never mind people. “He came from a rescue which had 40+ cats in a house, plus s 
Story from Jam Press (Cat Lady) Pictured: One of the cats looked after by Anna Wan. This is Hades. Woman gives up high-flying job to become a full-time CAT SITTER looking after 150 felines – but insists she’s NOT a “crazy cat lady” A woman has revealed how she gave up her high-flying corporate career to become a full-time cat sitter caring for 150 felines – but insists she’s not a “crazy cat lady”. Anna Wan, 38, from Wokingham, Berkshire, gave up her career in PR and events management in 2018 after deciding she wanted to work for herself in a job that was more flexible. Having loved cats since she was a young child, she decided to launch a cat-sitting service and now has over 150 felines in her care. On a regular day as a professional cat whisperer, she could be hanging out with more than 20 cats – with tasks including feeding, playing and emptying litter trays. She also has “conversations” with the pets and says many of them have her under their thumbs (or rather, paws). “Some [people] may think I’m a crazy cat lady – I’m not,” Anna told Jam Press. “I’m just someone who loves cats and it just happens to be my job to look after them. “I wanted a job which was doing something I love, working for myself and that I can fit around my life.” Anna’s obsession with cats first began when she got her first kitten, Tommy, at the age of three. She said: “Tommy had no teeth and wasn’t the most sociable, but he was our first cat and lived to a good age of 17, so very special to us all. “He used to get in my pram, and would always know if we were ill and become friendlier and lie on our beds.” Now, Anna shares her home with Garfield, an eight-year-old ginger tabby who she compares to the cartoon Garfield. She said: “I always say, he’s Garfield. Lazy, loves his food and loves sleeping.” “When we got him, he was terrified of his own shadow, never mind people. “He came from a rescue which had 40+ cats in a house, plus some kind of 
Story from Jam Press (Cat Lady) Pictured: One of the cats looked after by Anna Wan. This is Rolo. Woman gives up high-flying job to become a full-time CAT SITTER looking after 150 felines – but insists she’s NOT a “crazy cat lady” A woman has revealed how she gave up her high-flying corporate career to become a full-time cat sitter caring for 150 felines – but insists she’s not a “crazy cat lady”. Anna Wan, 38, from Wokingham, Berkshire, gave up her career in PR and events management in 2018 after deciding she wanted to work for herself in a job that was more flexible. Having loved cats since she was a young child, she decided to launch a cat-sitting service and now has over 150 felines in her care. On a regular day as a professional cat whisperer, she could be hanging out with more than 20 cats – with tasks including feeding, playing and emptying litter trays. She also has “conversations” with the pets and says many of them have her under their thumbs (or rather, paws). “Some [people] may think I’m a crazy cat lady – I’m not,” Anna told Jam Press. “I’m just someone who loves cats and it just happens to be my job to look after them. “I wanted a job which was doing something I love, working for myself and that I can fit around my life.” Anna’s obsession with cats first began when she got her first kitten, Tommy, at the age of three. She said: “Tommy had no teeth and wasn’t the most sociable, but he was our first cat and lived to a good age of 17, so very special to us all. “He used to get in my pram, and would always know if we were ill and become friendlier and lie on our beds.” Now, Anna shares her home with Garfield, an eight-year-old ginger tabby who she compares to the cartoon Garfield. She said: “I always say, he’s Garfield. Lazy, loves his food and loves sleeping.” “When we got him, he was terrified of his own shadow, never mind people. “He came from a rescue which had 40+ cats in a house, plus some kind of w 
Story from Jam Press (Cat Lady) Pictured: One of the cats looked after by Anna Wan. This is Jasper. Woman gives up high-flying job to become a full-time CAT SITTER looking after 150 felines – but insists she’s NOT a “crazy cat lady” A woman has revealed how she gave up her high-flying corporate career to become a full-time cat sitter caring for 150 felines – but insists she’s not a “crazy cat lady”. Anna Wan, 38, from Wokingham, Berkshire, gave up her career in PR and events management in 2018 after deciding she wanted to work for herself in a job that was more flexible. Having loved cats since she was a young child, she decided to launch a cat-sitting service and now has over 150 felines in her care. On a regular day as a professional cat whisperer, she could be hanging out with more than 20 cats – with tasks including feeding, playing and emptying litter trays. She also has “conversations” with the pets and says many of them have her under their thumbs (or rather, paws). “Some [people] may think I’m a crazy cat lady – I’m not,” Anna told Jam Press. “I’m just someone who loves cats and it just happens to be my job to look after them. “I wanted a job which was doing something I love, working for myself and that I can fit around my life.” Anna’s obsession with cats first began when she got her first kitten, Tommy, at the age of three. She said: “Tommy had no teeth and wasn’t the most sociable, but he was our first cat and lived to a good age of 17, so very special to us all. “He used to get in my pram, and would always know if we were ill and become friendlier and lie on our beds.” Now, Anna shares her home with Garfield, an eight-year-old ginger tabby who she compares to the cartoon Garfield. She said: “I always say, he’s Garfield. Lazy, loves his food and loves sleeping.” “When we got him, he was terrified of his own shadow, never mind people. “He came from a rescue which had 40+ cats in a house, plus some kind of 
Story from Jam Press (Cat Lady) Pictured: One of the cats looked after by Anna Wan. This is John. Woman gives up high-flying job to become a full-time CAT SITTER looking after 150 felines – but insists she’s NOT a “crazy cat lady” A woman has revealed how she gave up her high-flying corporate career to become a full-time cat sitter caring for 150 felines – but insists she’s not a “crazy cat lady”. Anna Wan, 38, from Wokingham, Berkshire, gave up her career in PR and events management in 2018 after deciding she wanted to work for herself in a job that was more flexible. Having loved cats since she was a young child, she decided to launch a cat-sitting service and now has over 150 felines in her care. On a regular day as a professional cat whisperer, she could be hanging out with more than 20 cats – with tasks including feeding, playing and emptying litter trays. She also has “conversations” with the pets and says many of them have her under their thumbs (or rather, paws). “Some [people] may think I’m a crazy cat lady – I’m not,” Anna told Jam Press. “I’m just someone who loves cats and it just happens to be my job to look after them. “I wanted a job which was doing something I love, working for myself and that I can fit around my life.” Anna’s obsession with cats first began when she got her first kitten, Tommy, at the age of three. She said: “Tommy had no teeth and wasn’t the most sociable, but he was our first cat and lived to a good age of 17, so very special to us all. “He used to get in my pram, and would always know if we were ill and become friendlier and lie on our beds.” Now, Anna shares her home with Garfield, an eight-year-old ginger tabby who she compares to the cartoon Garfield. She said: “I always say, he’s Garfield. Lazy, loves his food and loves sleeping.” “When we got him, he was terrified of his own shadow, never mind people. “He came from a rescue which had 40+ cats in a house, plus some kind of w
“Dealing with those is never fun but a shovel and a shoe box are the go to tools for these jobs.”
Anna’s family and friends are happy with her new career choice and she never wants to go back to a ‘regular’ job.
The cat lover said: “They have all been really supportive and generous with recommending me and some of them using my services, which they really didn’t have to do.
“It’s me, myself and I, a one-woman band.
“The only person I need to count on is myself and I would never want to go back to having a full time job anywhere else.”
In other news, Good boy named Crème Egg hopes someone will give him a home on Good Friday – after spending a YEAR in shelter
