'How feeding cats paid for my $10k trip to Europe'

Mortgages, rent, strata fees, gas bills, electricity, groceries... the rising cost of living isn't slowing down anytime soon.But a side hustle I've been building on for the past five years means that despite the grim rise in the price of everything, I have not had to forfeit one of my biggest loves.Holidays.READ MORE: How to see cherry blossoms in full bloom without going to JapanREAD MORE: The top 10 destinations in Asia that Aussies are travelling to right nowMy husband and I have so far been able to continue to go on multiple trips a year - thanks to our hobby of cat sitting.Last year we paid for our trip to Europe thanks to the money we'd made from it (as well as some airline points from credit card bonuses).Cat sitting works via a couple of different pet sitting apps, such as Madpaws and Pawshake.You set up a profile, and people can then book you to look after their fur baby. We only visit cats in their own home, once or twice a day.We also have to be able to walk there from our place.READ MORE: Side hustles to pay for your next holidayREAD MORE: These are Australia's most beautiful outdoor bathtubsNow, when I tell people, they're always envious of my money-making hobby, and say they're going to do it themselves.They rarely do. Because it really is not for for everyone.We've given up having a Christmas holiday for the past few years, because that's our busiest time. Instead of grilling shrimps on the barbie we're likely to be hiking the streets visiting people's cats.Last year, we did about 15 visits between us, on Christmas Day.READ MORE: The best lookout points in Australia crowned in Uniquely Aussie AwardsREAD MORE: Should pets be allowed in holiday rentals - here's what Australians thinkThen there are the mishaps.For example, my husband once had to rescue a poor sick woman from the bath when he visited to feed her cat.I once came face to face with a woman in a tiny towel bursting out of the bathroom because the people 'forgot' to tell us they had a 'friend staying'... also known as listing their place on Airbnb.READ MORE: Train travel is booming in Europe right now - here's everything you need to know about Eurail PassesAnother apartment's lift was out and we had to walk up to the 14th floor, twice a day.I was also once told off for feeding the cat 'in the wrong dish'.One time I went to feed a cat before the people had even left their apartment... oops.Being spied on by owners who have cameras is common. However, getting a complaint that you had not been early enough is not cool.We've cared for cats in lavish terraces, luxury penthouses, and hoarder houses where the folk didn't even flush the loo before going on holiday.But every time something bad happens, I just think about my next holiday - I'm going to Japan soon - and suck it up.