Former hospital director finds the 'purr-fect' work-life balance

Sian Chandler, who up until August last year was a director of a private hospital with a turnover of £19m, has set up her own business – Home Loving Cats.

An alternative to catteries, Home Loving Cats offers a cat-sitting service for homes across Knutsford and other locations across Cheshire.

The mum-of-two said: “Many cats - and owners - get very distressed when they are taken to a cattery. This is a bespoke, professional and personal service in the cat’s own environment.”

Sian’s major career shift was triggered by her own negative experiences with cat-care arrangements. After leaving her high-pressured job to get ‘a break from the rat-race’, Sian set off on holiday to Singapore and Malaysia but struggled to find alternative care for her five-year-old moggies George and Bernard.

“The cats had previously been to a cattery, but were unhappy and hated the journey there,” she added.

“It made me think of alternative arrangements and started to look for some pet sitters– but no-one covered my area. The idea developed from that point on.”

Sian, who started out her career as a nurse, said her family were initially surprised by the career move but pleased she found an alternative occupation she is passionate about, without the stress and anxieties which came as part of the corporate package.

“Many people have remarked how much more relaxed and healthy I now look, which is indeed a reflection on how I feel,” she added.

Having taken the leap of faith, the Comberbach resident is now looking forward to her cat-caring future.

“My business is certainly keeping me busy and every day is so special – caring for all these wonderful feline friends. It’s a great job and I enjoy every single day,” she said.

“I would like to be in a position where I need to employ staff to meet the demand. That is my vision for the future.”

For more information about Sian’s cat-sitting service visit homelovingcats.com