I'm Mary Kate
Local Cat Whisperer For Your Kitty Needs
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:
Mary Kate is experienced with 4 types of medications
Check if Mary Kate services your area
Unfortunately, Mary Kate does not cover your area right meow.
I'm Mary Kate
Cat Sitting in Newark, DE
I've been mom and foster mom to a few cats over the course of 25+ years. Over that time, I seem to be the go-to for coworkers, friends and family members with questions on their kitties, especially when adding a new friend to the mix. And I'm always happy to give peace of mind, by knowing their cats and other animals are taken care of while they're away.
I've experienced medical emergencies (my own cats), and aging-related diseases as well as the care that goes along with it, including deafness, cancer, arthritis and Kidney Disease... Hi, I'm Mary Kate.
I've been mom and foster mom to a few cats over the course of 25+ years. Over that time, I seem to be the go-to for coworkers, friends and family members with questions on their kitties, especially when adding a new friend to the mix. And I'm always happy to give peace of mind, by knowing their cats and other animals are taken care of while they're away.
I've experienced medical emergencies (my own cats), and aging-related diseases as well as the care that goes along with it, including deafness, cancer, arthritis and Kidney Disease. We've dealt with ointments, pills, liquids, and even Subcutaneous fluids, but nothing more important than snuggles and love shared.
I even volunteer at a local animal shelter, where they tell me I'm especially good with the scared and fractious kitties. I just give them the space they need and speak in calming tones, while being present in their space. I'm even willing to trim their nails, if it's needed; sometimes it's a two person job, but I can frequently find a way to help each one be more comfortable with the process. Kitty calls the shots, though; when they decide they're done, I respect that boundary. We always follow up with love and care, in whatever way kitty will accept.
*Full transparency: I have a non-standard fulltime work schedule. My "weekdays" and "weekends" are slightly shifted, but explained in my scheduling constraints*
Learn More About Mary Kate
What is your experience with cat sitting, and how long have you been doing it?
I have been a kitty sitter for over 10 years, but mostly for friends. I've helped with cats that need medicating (even when it's a challenge) as well as those that need a gentle friend. I'm happy to take care of food, water and litter, and I also make sure to never miss an opportunity to share pets and snuggles, and give attention how each cat wants it. I know how hard it is to find a kitty sitter you can trust. I want to be that for you and your furkids.
Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?
A family with cats and dogs, they each respond to me differently. One of the cats--the biggest one--had earned the nickname "Squeaker" due to his meow. This time, I commented to his humans, asking if he'd lost his squeaker. Fast forward, he found it again before his people came home. Couple that with dogs that acted like cats and I never lacked entertainment, that's for sure! I always enjoyed spending time with these furry friends, until the family moved away.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a cat sitter?
I know how important it is to not have to question or worry about the quality of care that your kitty is getting while you're away from home. I've experienced that concern, and try to do everything to keep other cat parents from experiencing that. We'll discuss the frequency that they want communication, including pictures. Written details are always beneficial, because it helps avoid misunderstandings; share them beforehand so there's opportunity for questions, on both sides. If you'd like your mail brought in, or a specific trash can used, this is also where to list this. It's always best to write out your detailed expectations, to ensure everyone is agreeing to the same thing. It helps build a solid relationship for everyone. If you don't have a warm and fuzzy with your interactions with the pet sitter, ahead of time, always listen to your gut.
Are you usually available during holidays?
I'm available most holidays to check on your kitty/kitties and bring in any mail that may be delivered. Travel as much as you want, with the peace of mind that kitty is well taken care of.
Medication Experience:
Skills:
In-home cat sitting visits typically include:
Mary Kate is experienced with 4 types of medications
Check if Mary Kate services your area
Unfortunately, Mary Kate does not cover your area right meow.
Morgan
August 3, 2026
This was the third reservation that Mary Kate watched my senior kitty, Maddie, and I have been exceptionally happy with all three reservations! Maddie can often start out shy with new people, and at the first meet and greet, Maddie did not immediately run away and hide but also did not want to directly interact. Mary Kate gave a valiant effort to slowly introduce herself with calm and slow non-threatening movements and a soft voice. She was also great at reading Maddie's body language and respected her boundaries when Maddie started to indicate that she wasn't in the mood to meet new people right then. I wasn't really surprised by Maddie's reaction and was pleased that she didn't run away and hide right away which is often her response to new people visiting. Well, it only took about 2 days into that first reservation for Mary Kate to win her over and Maddie was performing all her standard happy and comfortable behaviors when Mary Kate was there, including her dolphin jumps to give head butts and demanding all the brushies time attention that she loves so much! Mary Kate messaged me updates and photos of Maddie every day during all three reservations, greatly easing my anxious cat-mom mind while I was away. I am so grateful to have found Mary Kate! I feel much more comfortable now traveling knowing that Maddie is in such caring and capable hands. 🧡🐈
Read moreResponse from Mary Kate
Thank you so much for your kind words and even moreso for trusting me to love on and care for Maddie while you travel.
Read more
Stephanie
August 2, 2026
Mary Kate was an outstanding cat sitter, and I would happily book her again. Her communication was exceptional. Every day she sent thoughtful updates along with photos and videos of my kitties, which gave me so much peace of mind while I was away. I especially appreciated that she paid close attention to their behavior and eating habits, asking thoughtful questions to better understand what was normal for each of them and whether anything might be cause for concern. It was clear she genuinely cared about their well-being and wanted to provide the best possible care. She also went above and beyond by letting us know about a potential issue with our door lock, something she easily could have overlooked. That level of attentiveness really impressed me. Leaving your pets behind is never easy, but Mary Kate made it so much easier. I felt completely reassured that my cats were safe, happy, and well cared for. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for someone reliable, communicative, and genuinely caring.
Read more
Cynthia
April 9, 2026
This is my second time booking with Mary Kate because she makes both me and my cat feel like she is family, not hired help. I had to travel suddenly to visit my dying father then unexpectedly had to extend my trip another week. It's an understatement to say how valuable her care with my cat was during this initial booking plus the add-on time. I selfishly want to keep her to myself because my Freddy loves her so much. But I also want her to be appreciated by others as much as I do.
Read more
Cynthia
April 2, 2026
Mary Kate has been so helpful to my peace of mind of watching my cat while he was healing from an injury. I had to leave home to visit my dying father in Florida. My cat was very happy to see her again and it means so much to trust her with my cat during this time.
Read more
Cynthia
November 30, 2025
Mary Kate was very pleasant and kind to my male cat. He took to her immediately and I felt very comfy leaving him in her care. She even brought a small delivery package into my home for safe keeping until I returned.
Read more
Star
December 29, 2025
Mary Kate took such good care of our old orange boy! She sent us regular updates and we were reassured that even though we were far away, our cat was in excellent care.
Read moreService Area & Availability
Drop in visits rates
Overnight stay rate
Mary Kate's is 15%
Holiday Surcharge
Due to high demand during holidays, sitters on Meowtel have the option to set their own holiday price increase, which can be found in the rates section of their profiles. If your reservation falls within three (3) days before and/or after a federal holiday, or on the holiday itself, a holiday surcharge, determined by your sitter, will be added to your reservation.
These are the date ranges in 2026 to which the holiday surcharge applies:
- January 1-4: New Year's 2026
- January 16-22: MLK Day
- February 13-19: Presidents Day
- May 22-28: Memorial Day
- June 16-22: Juneteenth
- July 1-7: July 4th
- September 4-10: Labor Day
- October 9-15: Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day
- November 8-14: Veterans Day
- November 23-29: Thanksgiving
- December 22-28: Christmas
- December 29-31: New Year's 2027
Mary Kate's holiday surcharge is 15%.
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.
325,000+
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.
Labor Day is coming up soon (September 7th, 2026)
Cat sitters on Meowtel are usually pretty busy, don't forget to book your sitter!
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.
Newark cat sitting rates will vary based on the sitter's experience and services, but the average price is $25.00. 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 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 Meet & Greet!
Rating breakdown
Morgan
August 3, 2026
This was the third reservation that Mary Kate watched my senior kitty, Maddie, and I have been exceptionally happy with all three reservations! Maddie can often start out shy with new people, and at the first meet and greet, Maddie did not immediately run away and hide but also did not want to directly interact. Mary Kate gave a valiant effort to slowly introduce herself with calm and slow non-threatening movements and a soft voice. She was also great at reading Maddie's body language and respected her boundaries when Maddie started to indicate that she wasn't in the mood to meet new people right then. I wasn't really surprised by Maddie's reaction and was pleased that she didn't run away and hide right away which is often her response to new people visiting. Well, it only took about 2 days into that first reservation for Mary Kate to win her over and Maddie was performing all her standard happy and comfortable behaviors when Mary Kate was there, including her dolphin jumps to give head butts and demanding all the brushies time attention that she loves so much! Mary Kate messaged me updates and photos of Maddie every day during all three reservations, greatly easing my anxious cat-mom mind while I was away. I am so grateful to have found Mary Kate! I feel much more comfortable now traveling knowing that Maddie is in such caring and capable hands. 🧡🐈
Response from Mary Kate
Thank you so much for your kind words and even moreso for trusting me to love on and care for Maddie while you travel.
Stephanie
August 2, 2026
Mary Kate was an outstanding cat sitter, and I would happily book her again. Her communication was exceptional. Every day she sent thoughtful updates along with photos and videos of my kitties, which gave me so much peace of mind while I was away. I especially appreciated that she paid close attention to their behavior and eating habits, asking thoughtful questions to better understand what was normal for each of them and whether anything might be cause for concern. It was clear she genuinely cared about their well-being and wanted to provide the best possible care. She also went above and beyond by letting us know about a potential issue with our door lock, something she easily could have overlooked. That level of attentiveness really impressed me. Leaving your pets behind is never easy, but Mary Kate made it so much easier. I felt completely reassured that my cats were safe, happy, and well cared for. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for someone reliable, communicative, and genuinely caring.
Cynthia
April 9, 2026
This is my second time booking with Mary Kate because she makes both me and my cat feel like she is family, not hired help. I had to travel suddenly to visit my dying father then unexpectedly had to extend my trip another week. It's an understatement to say how valuable her care with my cat was during this initial booking plus the add-on time. I selfishly want to keep her to myself because my Freddy loves her so much. But I also want her to be appreciated by others as much as I do.
Cynthia
April 2, 2026
Mary Kate has been so helpful to my peace of mind of watching my cat while he was healing from an injury. I had to leave home to visit my dying father in Florida. My cat was very happy to see her again and it means so much to trust her with my cat during this time.
Cynthia
November 30, 2025
Mary Kate was very pleasant and kind to my male cat. He took to her immediately and I felt very comfy leaving him in her care. She even brought a small delivery package into my home for safe keeping until I returned.
Star
December 29, 2025
Mary Kate took such good care of our old orange boy! She sent us regular updates and we were reassured that even though we were far away, our cat was in excellent care.
Laura
August 9, 2025
Mary Kate took such great care of anxious boys! My panthers have differing needs and she made sure to make them both feel safe and comfortable in my absence. Highly recommend!
Sarah
April 20, 2026
Mary Kate was amazing! I felt so comfortable with her taking care of my two cats. She sent me daily updates and pictures and I felt able to relax while away.
Deborah
This month
Deborah
August 3, 2026
Morgan
May 26, 2026
Jennifer
July 8, 2025
Mary Kate offers a warm heart to all cats, especially those that are facing challenges or difficulties. Both their health and happiness are very important to her and she finds unique ways to improve their quality of life.
Heather
July 8, 2025
Mary Kate is my go-to person when I need someone to look in on my kitty fur babies in my home. She has experience with felines in all stages of life, and she ensures they have the appropriate care (special diets, medication, enrichment/playtime, grooming, etc). I know my kitties are in good hands with Mary Kate and they will be well loved while I am out of town.
Meowtel
July 8, 2025
Mary Kate is a background-checked cat sitter in the Newark area. Their profile has been verified and their references have been checked by Meowtel.