A London “cat man” has devised a system where he can forgo the expense of paying rent in the city while at the same time providing a valuable service free of charge.
Matt Weatherall offers free housesitting where he keeps a home safe from burglars, waters houseplants and feeds the family cat. He’s done this for two years.
Ninety-percent of the time Matt has lived in houses (25 in total) and looked after 30 cats. The money he’s saved on rent has gone into helping his business get off the ground. Matt stated in an interview with Metro UK
‘I’d been living in backpackers hostels because I thought that might be the answer to the housing puzzle. After a sleepless week in my favourite hostel, I met a friend. He took one look at my tired face and invited me to look after his flat while he went on holiday. ‘One week I was sharing a bunk bed with boozy backpackers, the next I had the keys to a one-bed flat in Putney. I had the space to breathe, to dream, to create…and that gave me an idea.’
Matt invested £2 for his website to be the first to show up when London residents search for a cat sitter. Not only are his clients happy to get is services for free, but they’re also interested in his creative project and are glad they’re playing a role in making it a success.
When he isn’t house sitting, Matt will stay with his parents, friends or in a hostel. He has a carefree life not tied down to paying rent, insurance and the other amenities of home rental/ownership.
For Matt to have stayed in so many homes he must have very good references. Talk about a dream job: Matt has definitely hit the jackpot with this idea!
