I'm Mary Kate

Mary Kate's Kitty Kare

  • Mary Kate's Kitty Kare
  • Mary Kate's Kitty Kare
  • Mary Kate's Kitty Kare
4.96
28 Reviews
< 30 mins Response Time
15 Repeat clients
Background-checked
Background-checked
50+ Meowtel reservations completed
50+ Meowtel reservations completed
Speedy Sitter/Quick Response Time
Speedy Sitter/Quick Response Time
Active in the last week
Active in the last week
Meowtel Sitter for 3+ years
Meowtel Sitter for 3+ years
Background Checked

Book With Confidence

Meowtel provides customer support 365 days a year to help cat parents feel informed and supported at every step - including before a reservation is made.

In-home cat sitting visits typically include:

Litter box cleaning
Feeding
Water refresh
A text update with at least 1 photo
Playtime and belly rubs

Mary Kate is experienced with 3 types of medications

Topical Ointments Eye/Ear Drops Oral Medication / Pills

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Mary Kate's Kitty Kare

I'm Mary Kate

Cat Sitting in Oakland, CA

I grew up with cats from a young age, and I think they are the best companions! I love their independence coupled with affection. It’s such a compliment when a new cat likes you! I currently have one cat, Elmer, who is a sweetheart and a ball of energy. I live... I grew up with cats from a young age, and I think they are the best companions! I love their independence coupled with affection. It’s such a compliment when a new cat likes you! I currently have one cat, Elmer, who is a sweetheart and a ball of energy. I live in the Lake Merritt area, but am willing to drive to you if the distance isn’t too far. I work a 9-5 job so I would most likely be coming to see your cat after work, or more flexibly on the weekend. I look forward to meeting you and making a new kitty friend!

Learn More About Mary Kate

What is your experience with cat sitting, and how long have you been doing it?

I have been sitting with Meowtel for about 2 years, but have lived with and cared for kitty companions since childhood, so 30+ years!

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

Just being around cats makes me happy. I like to take care of things I love, and I love animals!

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

I have a boy named Elmer who I adopted from the SPCA. He was a stray and was nervous to be with a stranger in a new home at first, but now we’re best friends, and coming home to him is the best part of my day.

What is your typical process for working with a new cat parent?

I will ask for basic info about feeding, water, litter box, and treats, and ask what the cat likes to do (petting, playing). I like to know if the cat has any boundaries as far as petting and what their temperament is usually like. I will also give parents info about how I update during the sitting.

How do you handle cats that are particularly timid or anxious?

I like to give cats space when they need it. If they seem uncomfortable, I usually sit on the floor and let them come to me, or just talk to them so they can get used to me without me touching them. I find that cats will let you know when they want to be pet. Cats have boundaries just like people!

Medication Experience:

Topical Ointments Eye/Ear Drops Oral Medication / Pills
4.96
28 reviews
5.0
Attention to Detail
4.9
Communication
4.9
Tidiness
Chris

Chris

January 9, 2026

Had a good meet and greet with Mary Kate. My cat was fed and watered and got his meds while I was gone. I got regular updates and photos when he came out of hiding. However, I did have some unmet expectations. I returned home to a few days worth of scattered clay litter outside of the litterbox, despite having pointed out a broom and dust pan that belonged to that area. Also, I was told my cat had an accident on the tile floor outside of the bathroom and when I returned home, I could see exactly where, because there were remnants of it, despite having told Mary Kate where there was a bottle of cleaning spray and paper towels.

Read more
Meowtel-verified reservation 1+ week long
Sarah

Sarah

August 25, 2024

Mary Kate was a delight from the time she accepted my booking to her final update! I was concerned that our cat situation was going to sound complicated (indoor/outdoor cat, kittens, outdoor cats) but she quickly put me at ease and let me know we aren’t crazy. She sent great updates and handled one of the kittens getting a goopy eye situation perfectly. All the critters were calm and happy when we got home.

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Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
Priya

Priya

December 13, 2024

I genuinely appreciate how thoughtful and attentive Mary Kate has been while watching our high-energy kitten while we were traveling for a week! Not only was she helpful with a couple of packages, but she was also timely and responsive about any questions/concerns we had. She also made sure to send daily updates and lots of photos. It was clear our little fuzzball adores her! we would definitely work with Mary Kate again!

Read more
Meowtel-verified reservation 1+ week long
Dhoris

Dhoris

May 10, 2024

Mary Kate took great care of our Ninja while we were away. She visited once a day to feed and play with him. She sent daily photos with updates. Thanks so much! We’ll definitely use her again next time we need a sitter.

Read more
Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
Jessica

Jessica

August 20, 2025

I felt very much at ease with Mary Kate watching my two cats. She kept me updated daily with photos and escalated any concerns promptly.

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Meowtel-verified reservation 2+ weeks long
Greg

Greg

September 3, 2022

Mary Kate was perfect! She sent me pictures and spent quality time with my cat! Thanks again! Definitely would use again and recommend to anyone.

Read more
Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits

Service Area & Availability

Drop in visits rates

$35.50 / 20min
$52.35 / 45min
$69.20 / 60min

Mary Kate's is 20%

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Overnight Availability
Mary Kate's Holiday Surcharge Applies
Service Area Map

Communicate & Pay Through Meowtel

Using Meowtel's messaging and payment tools helps keep booking details in one place and gives you access to platform support if you need help.

4.8
Rating on
Google
4.9
Reviews.io

300,000+
Reservations Completed

Trust & Safety

Every reservation is backed by the Meowtel Promise, giving you and your cat world-class customer support every step of the way.

If it doesn't feel like the right fit at the Meet & Greet, or if you have any concerns during the reservation, please call 1-844-MEOWTEL (1-844-636-9835) so we can help you re-book with another sitter.

Curious cat peeking over the banner

Memorial Day is coming up soon (May 25th, 2026)

Cat sitters on Meowtel are usually pretty busy, don't forget to book your sitter!

Book ahead, cat sitters on Meowtel fill up fast for the holidays!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Reservations officially begin at 12:00 AM in the sitter's time zone on the start date. Cat Parents may cancel within 24 hours of booking and receive a full refund, as long as the reservation has not yet started. After the first 24 hours, the following cancellation rules apply:


  • More than 48 hours before the reservation start date: Full refund. The sitter will not receive any earnings.
  • 24–48 hours before the reservation start date: 50% refund. The sitter will earn 50% of their planned earnings.
  • Within 24 hours of the reservation start date (or after it has begun): No refund. The sitter will earn 100% of their planned earnings.

All refunds are initially applied to the Cat Parent's Meowtel Account Balance for use toward a future reservation or tip. Funds may be returned to the original payment method at any time.

Meowtel is a marketplace that connects cat parents with independent sitters. For eligible reservations booked and paid for through Meowtel, the Meowtel Promise explains how we support cat parents if something unexpected comes up.

If it doesn't feel like a purrfect fit after a Meet & Greet or during a reservation, our support team is here to help at 1-844-Meowtel (1-844-636-9835). We'll take time to understand what happened and help you consider next steps, which could include help with a new reservation.

Oakland cat sitting rates will vary based on the sitter's experience and services, but the average price is $37.00. Prices depend on visit duration (20, 45, or 60 minutes) and whether you need drop-in visits or overnight stays.

Every cat sitter on Meowtel completes a background check. Ask your sitter about a free Meet & Greet so you (and your kitties!) can feel comfortable with your sitter before you leave.

Cats are territorial animals and don't do well in new environments. The presence of other cats, dogs, and even birds in kennels or animal hotels cause an immense amount of stress. This is why Meowtel was created, so tailored in-home care is brought to you.

We recommend booking daily visits to keep your cats in their routine and help minimize feline anxiety while you're away.

Each visit typically includes: feeding, refreshing water bowls, litter box scooping, tidying up, medications, updates with photos, lots of playtime, and any special requests. Ask your sitter about a free Meet & Greet!

4.96
28 reviews
4.96
From $35.50

Free Cancellation (48+ hrs)