Saving Nearly $30,000 by Catsitting While Traveling: One Woman’s Clever Money-Saving Hack

Madolline Gourley, a wanderlust travel writer from Australia, once faced the common dilemma of wanting to see the world but lacking the funds to do so. However, she cleverly discovered a unique solution to her problem. Instead of traditional house-sitting, Gourley offers her cat-sitting services in exchange for accommodation while she explores different countries. She documents her feline adventures on her blog “One Cat at a Time”, where she shares heartwarming stories of caring for beloved pets.

In a recent interview with Bored Panda, Madolline shared her journey: “I stumbled upon the idea of house-sitting while at work one day. Curious, I did some research online and found TrustedHousesitters. Since joining in 2017, I have saved an estimated $28,000 by looking after cats in homes across Australia and North America. While TrustedHousesitters is my go-to platform, I also utilize other sites to find opportunities.”

For a glimpse into her incredible travel experiences and adorable cat companions, you can follow Madolline Gourley on Instagram or visit her blog at onecatatatime.co. Get to know this globetrotter who has found a unique way to see the world while spreading love and care to furry friends along the way.

Woman Saves Almost $30K By Taking Care Of People's Cats While Traveling

Credit for the image goes to Madolline Gourley. My focus has been on house and cat sitting primarily in the USA, but I recently secured my first Canadian sit starting on 1 July. I will be spending around two and a half weeks in Montreal before heading to Ottawa for another sit. I am hoping to land sits in Toronto and/or Quebec City while I am in Canada. Looking ahead, my desire is to explore house and cat sitting opportunities in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and New Zealand, along with other parts of Canada during the colder months.
I have also undertaken sits across Australia (my home country). Thanks to house and cat sitting, I have had the chance to visit Launceston, Darwin, Newcastle, and Sydney. While I am still interested in cat sitting in other parts of Australia, my current focus is on international opportunities as travel restrictions ease up.

Woman Saves Almost $30K By Taking Care Of People's Cats While Traveling

Credit for the image goes to Madolline Gourley.

Woman Saves Almost $30K By Taking Care Of People's Cats While Traveling

Photo credits: Madolline Gourley
Madolline has looked after numerous felines during her travels

Woman Saves Almost $30K By Taking Care Of People's Cats While Traveling

Credit for the image goes to Madolline Gourley. Since December 2017, I’ve had the pleasure of caring for around 50 cats, with most of them being rescue cats from shelters. It’s been eye-opening to see just how many people are choosing to adopt rather than buy from breeders. I’ve had the chance to care for various breeds like Ragdolls, Birmans, and Persians,” she explains. Madolline has a remarkable memory and can recall all the cats’ names she’s looked after.

Woman Saves Almost $30K By Taking Care Of People's Cats While Traveling

Photo courtesy: Madolline Gourley
“I’ve had the privilege of taking care of a number of senior cats, one of them being a 20-year-old feline named Bones. I had the pleasure of looking after him in Salt Lake City back in February 2022. I can recall the names of every cat I’ve had the pleasure of caring for.” Discover some of the most adorable kitties Madolline has crossed paths with during her adventures!

Woman Saves Almost $30K By Taking Care Of People's Cats While Traveling

Photo courtesy to Madolline Gourley

Woman Saves Almost $30K By Taking Care Of People's Cats While Traveling

Photo credit: Madolline Gourley
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Woman Saves Almost $30K By Taking Care Of People's Cats While Traveling

Credit for the image goes to Madolline Gourley.

Woman Saves Almost $30K By Taking Care Of People's Cats While Traveling

Photo courtesy of Madolline Gourley
“I’ve had the opportunity to house and cat sit in Launceston, Darwin, Newcastle, and Sydney. While I do enjoy exploring different parts of Australia, I am more intrigued by the idea of cat sitting internationally.”

Woman Saves Almost $30K By Taking Care Of People's Cats While Traveling

Photo courtesy of Madolline Gourley

Woman Saves Almost $30K By Taking Care Of People's Cats While Traveling

Photo courtesy of Madolline Gourley.

Woman Saves Almost $30K By Taking Care Of People's Cats While Traveling

Image courtesy: Madolline Gourley

Woman Saves Almost $30K By Taking Care Of People's Cats While Traveling

Photo by Madolline Gourley
Making a new pal in every town

Woman Saves Almost $30K By Taking Care Of People's Cats While Traveling

Credit for the image goes to Madolline Gourley. In her own words, she mentions that traveling alone can sometimes feel lonely, but having a cat waiting for you at home each day can make it feel like you have a companion with you no matter where you are. Taking care of a pet provides a sense of duty and a daily routine, which can be comforting especially during long trips that last for several months.

Woman Saves Almost $30K By Taking Care Of People's Cats While Traveling

Looking after cats comes with a feeling of accountability and a structured routine.”

Woman Saves Almost $30K By Taking Care Of People's Cats While Traveling

Credit for the image goes to Madolline Gourley.

Woman Saves Almost $30K By Taking Care Of People's Cats While Traveling

Credit for the image goes to Madolline Gourley.

Woman Saves Almost $30K By Taking Care Of People's Cats While Traveling

Photo courtesy of Madolline Gourley.

Woman Saves Almost $30K By Taking Care Of People's Cats While Traveling

Photo courtesy of Madolline Gourley. Do you fantasize about having a career like hers? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Woman Saves Almost $30K By Taking Care Of People's Cats While Traveling

Photo courtesy: Madolline Gourley
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