I'm Melissa
Your Cat's New Best Friend In Jax Clay
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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:
Melissa is experienced with 5 types of medications
Check if Melissa services your area
Unfortunately, Melissa does not cover your area right meow.
I'm Melissa
Cat Sitting in Fleming Island, FL
I have had cats as part of my life since infancy (Puddy) and was caring for kittens and giving insulin injections to one of my cats at the age of 10 (Bitsy). Over the years, we have had -- LOTS of cats as part of our family, always rescues (except McKenna, our irresistible Scottish Fold)... I will take care of your kitties from the beaches to Middleburg, and from Orange Park to Green Cove Springs. We live in Fleming Island but I am used to traveling. Across the river, please check the map to see where I'll drive to make sure your furbabies are well cared for in your absence. For some areas, I can stay overnight but can't make daily visits unless it's part of the same booking. For other areas over the river, I can visit once a day but not two or three times because of traffic concerns. If you're not sure or have questions about what I can do to help you, please contact me and I'll get back with you quickly!
I have had cats as part of my life since infancy (Puddy) and was caring for kittens and giving insulin injections to one of my cats at the age of 10 (Bitsy). Over the years, we have had -- LOTS of cats as part of our family, always rescues (except McKenna, our irresistible Scottish Fold). Once they become part of our family they are a part of it for life. I have cared for cats as old as 19 years old (Bubba) and as young as 2 weeks old (Bear - now a healthy 2 year old). I've given pills , injections, and subcutaneous fluids to cats. But mostly, I love to play with, love on, pet, and just hang out with, cats of all kinds. Cats are fascinating and ever-evolving, and there is always more to learn about them.
My husband and I share our home with seven cats, from 3 months to 13 years old. They are in charge of our home and we exist to serve them, I think! They are all so different from each other and a lot of fun! We have made our home in Fleming Island since 2011, and I am self-employed part-time, with flexible hours, so I can easily meet you and your cats' needs, from drop-in play time visits, or as overnight stays.
Professionally, I was an attorney in Arizona but quit to homeschool our three children. I worked for about a year as a pet sitter in Phoenix. When we moved to Michigan, we ran our own pet sitting company for about 12 years, caring for all kinds of pets, mostly cats and dogs. Now that we have the time to focus on pet sitting again, we are excited to work with more cats and cat people.
Learn More About Melissa
What is your experience with cat sitting, and how long have you been doing it?
Professionally, I was a cat sitter in Phoenix for about a year, and then we moved to Michigan, where my husband and I owned and operated Pet Sitting Plus for about 12 years. I have had cats as a part of my family all my life except about a year when I lived on campus at school. I spent three months in Brazil and managed to find a litter of kittens there who needed to be bottle-fed so I even had cats there! I've cared for kittens two weeks old and sick, elderly cats 19 years old and every age in between.
What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?
I enjoy experiencing the different personalities and quirks of each cat, and getting to know them over time. Cats are so unique, with different color and breed patterns and of course different behaviors. It really seems like cats are evolving and are so much MORE than they ever used to be!
Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?
My favorite cat sitting job would have to be for a client who deployed to Iraq and needed someone who could care for his three babies in their own home for several months. They had distinct personalities of course and I got to spend significant time and gain the shy one's trust. Mellow was the kitty I remember the most -- he was elderly and just wanted to be cuddled.
Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?
Of course! Seven right now. From the eldest to youngest, they are: Davy Crockett (Davy), Emma, (Buke - leave it to my husband Nick to Nick-name the cats), Maya Angelou (Tones - short for Kitonian), Albert Einstein (Bear), Moonlight (Moonie), Maverick (Mav). And Edgar Allan Poe (Poe), the kitten.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a cat sitter?
Make sure they have cats of their own and check for reliability. Go with your instincts at the Meet and Greet. Ask if their cats are indoor only and if they are spayed/neutered. Ask if they would take their cats with them if they had to move. If they don't get offended and say they're part of the family, I wouldn't hire them because they don't value their cats enough and likely wouldn't value yours.
What is your typical process for working with a new cat parent?
I meet the cat parents of course, and also try to get to know the cats themselves. I listen but also write things down, and I have a template for questions to be sure to ask. I make sure I know the temperament of the new cat(s) and how they interact with their cat siblings or other animals. I try to learn as much as I can about what the cat parent expects and if there are any small things that are important as far as feeding and playtime, favorite toys, etc., that the parents may forget because they are so close to the cat.
How do you ensure the safety & security of the cats and the home while cat sitting?
I make sure I am careful to keep the cats inside at all times. I check your home for hazards to the cats, just like I would for our cats at home, making sure windows are closed and there are no window or electrical cords that are hazardous. I make sure not to leave items of my own accessible to the cat, and when I leave, I make sure the food bowls are picked up and washed so old food is not left out. Of course, dry food will be freshened and left out if instructed, and water bowls will be washed and refilled. I check to make sure your cat does not seem ill or injured, and get them to a vet if needed, after calling you. And of course I lock up and make sure your cats are safely inside when I leave.
Are you usually available during holidays?
Yes. Our family is local and they understand pets' needs. Our times to get together with our kids are flexible.
What is your favorite cat toy?
It used to be Da Bird, the flying feathered "bird" on a string attached to a pole. But for the last two years, the cats have unanimously voted for a toy that is similar in concept to Da Bird but has a wire that is curved, instead of a string, with three feathers around a swivel at the end. The wire makes the pattern easier to vary for the cat and you can kind of bounce it to make the "bird" move differently. Thankfully it's pretty easy to get replacement feathers because the cats go through them pretty quickly when they catch a bird!
How do you handle cats that are particularly timid or anxious?
I bring a book, cue up some of my relaxation music for cats that I have on a playlist on my phone, and sit for a while. I call their name and gently encourage them to come out, and offer a toy if they seem to want to play, but mostly I wait for them. I do want to see all your cats before I leave, of course, to make sure they're safe and healthy. As far as the music, our Little Bear needed relaxation music when he was a very young (2 weeks old) kitten and it really helped him. Our cats all like the music and there is a lot of it available so I think most cats do. If they'd prefer, our cats like jazz, too, so I would try that.
Medication Experience:
In-home cat sitting visits typically include:
Melissa is experienced with 5 types of medications
Check if Melissa services your area
Unfortunately, Melissa does not cover your area right meow.
Alyssa
June 13, 2026
Great communication, photos, and she was willing to medicate my cat with FHS! I appreciated how she played with my cats, pet them and gave them treats. I would use Melissa again in the future. Also! during our meet and greet, she asked lots of questions, too, so I felt confident trusting her with our pets.
Read more
Cindi
September 28, 2025
Melissa is fantastic ! From our initial meet & greet, I knew she would be the right person to take care of Gil and Jootie while I was away. She has a gift for knowing how to gain the trust from cats. Our elderly guy has kidney disease which requires him to have meds twice daily. This was a concern I had when leaving him but Melissa put my mind at ease. I had complete confidence in her being able to give him his meds. Our shy little 2year old girl, warmed up to her quickly. Melissa stayed in contact with me throughout my trip and sent pictures and observations on both cats. This was so helpful and gain, allowed me to relax while on my trip. I will ask for Melissa for all future needs. Highly recommend Melissa ! Thank you !
Read more
Cindi
April 29, 2026
Jootie loves Melissa. She takes time with her and helps her relax while I am away. She lets Melissa pick her up and that is not typical of Jootie. I have the peace of mind and comfort that Jootie is being well cared for.
Read more
Michelle
This month
Leaving my fur kids behind is never easy, but Melissa made it so much easier. She took wonderful care of my cats while I was away, including a mama cat with five kittens and their big brother. Melissa provided so much love and attention to my babies that I never had to worry while I was away. She made sure everyone was cared for and treated them like family. She kept me updated on a daily basis and sent lots of pics and also brought in the mail and packages. It’s clear this isn’t just a job for her—she truly loves animals, and it shows in everything she does. Coming home to happy, content cats was the greatest gift! I would trust her with my babies again without hesitation and highly recommend her to anyone looking for exceptional pet care!
Read more
Karen
May 30, 2026
The reservation was pretty easy and quick response. Melissa is personable and great with cats. The one thing I would say is to make sure that you and your cats to do list is detailed for you and your cats day to day routine.
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Patricia
October 13, 2025
We are so thankful for Melissa! she took care of our 2 sweet kitties for 2 weeks while we were traveling. Melissa was caring and gave our senior kitties much love and attention!! We have already booked her again for several days in November and we would definitely recommend!
Read moreService Area & Availability
Drop in visits rates
Overnight stay rate
Melissa's is 10%
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
Melissa's holiday surcharge is 10%.
Overnight stay rate
Melissa's is 10%
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
Melissa's holiday surcharge is 10%.
Communicate & Pay Through Meowtel
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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.
Fleming Island cat sitting rates will vary based on the sitter's experience and services, but the average price is $26.00. 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!
Rating breakdown
Alyssa
June 13, 2026
Great communication, photos, and she was willing to medicate my cat with FHS! I appreciated how she played with my cats, pet them and gave them treats. I would use Melissa again in the future. Also! during our meet and greet, she asked lots of questions, too, so I felt confident trusting her with our pets.
Cindi
September 28, 2025
Melissa is fantastic ! From our initial meet & greet, I knew she would be the right person to take care of Gil and Jootie while I was away. She has a gift for knowing how to gain the trust from cats. Our elderly guy has kidney disease which requires him to have meds twice daily. This was a concern I had when leaving him but Melissa put my mind at ease. I had complete confidence in her being able to give him his meds. Our shy little 2year old girl, warmed up to her quickly. Melissa stayed in contact with me throughout my trip and sent pictures and observations on both cats. This was so helpful and gain, allowed me to relax while on my trip. I will ask for Melissa for all future needs. Highly recommend Melissa ! Thank you !
Cindi
April 29, 2026
Jootie loves Melissa. She takes time with her and helps her relax while I am away. She lets Melissa pick her up and that is not typical of Jootie. I have the peace of mind and comfort that Jootie is being well cared for.
Michelle
This month
Leaving my fur kids behind is never easy, but Melissa made it so much easier. She took wonderful care of my cats while I was away, including a mama cat with five kittens and their big brother. Melissa provided so much love and attention to my babies that I never had to worry while I was away. She made sure everyone was cared for and treated them like family. She kept me updated on a daily basis and sent lots of pics and also brought in the mail and packages. It’s clear this isn’t just a job for her—she truly loves animals, and it shows in everything she does. Coming home to happy, content cats was the greatest gift! I would trust her with my babies again without hesitation and highly recommend her to anyone looking for exceptional pet care!
Karen
May 30, 2026
The reservation was pretty easy and quick response. Melissa is personable and great with cats. The one thing I would say is to make sure that you and your cats to do list is detailed for you and your cats day to day routine.
Patricia
October 13, 2025
We are so thankful for Melissa! she took care of our 2 sweet kitties for 2 weeks while we were traveling. Melissa was caring and gave our senior kitties much love and attention!! We have already booked her again for several days in November and we would definitely recommend!
Jen
October 23, 2025
Melissa is magnificent, not only is she a Cat Whisperer, she is also a People Whisperer! We love her and are SO thankful to have found such a caring person to tend to our pets and to our home. 5 Star Experience! She is organized and professional and very nice!
Cindi
March 25, 2026
Melissa and Jootie have become very good friends. Jootie is very selective so that confirms Melissa is a treasure. It is always difficult to leave your pet ( since they look at you with those sad eyes ) but I know Jootie smiles when Melissa gets here to take care of her.
Cindi
November 13, 2025
Melissa is such a treasure who takes care of our cats. She is patient and thorough and stays in communication. Jootie and Gill love her !
Angelina
May 5, 2025
This was our second time booking Melissa and she took wonderful care of our boys! They love her visits and I'm sure we will be booking her for any future plans as they come up too.
Cindi
January 28, 2026
Melissa is such a comfort to me and Jootie. I never like leaving home nd Jootie but I rest easy knowing Melissa is taking care of her. I think Jootie misses seeing Melissa, too.
Patricia
January 19, 2026
Our third time having Melissa take care of our 2 senior kitties. They love her and do well with her while we are away. We are very thankful for Melissa’s and It’s so comforting to know they will have excellent care.
Angelina
September 8, 2025
We are so thankful for Melissa and the great care she provides for the fur kiddos! Gideon, Ronin, and Dot love all the attention and love from their fav sitter!
Kayla
April 3, 2026
Melissa was an extraordinary experienced, caring, responsible and respectful cat sitter! She had great updates, followed instructions thoroughly, and went above and beyond! We couldnt have chosen a better cat sitter!
Angelina
April 20, 2025
Melissa was an absolute blessing for us and our boys, Gideon and Ronin. They took to her quickly and we had no worries at all that we left them in wonderful hands! We also loved the status and pic updates!
Patricia
November 26, 2025
Melissa is someone we can count on to take excellent care of our sweet kitties. We are grateful that we have found Melissa to watch them when we need to travel.
Angelina
May 3, 2026
Angelina
March 2, 2026
We always love having Melissa watch the kiddos! Thank you soooo much...and Gideon, Ronin, and Dot send you their kitty love!
Andrea
February 1, 2026
Helena
September 5, 2025
Kathy
July 4, 2025
Melissa is wonderful! she loves our cats as much as we do! she is very caring and she goes above and beyond! She even watered for me - very important while it is so hot! I highly recommend w!
Angelina
May 27, 2025
Gideon and Ronin absolutely love Melissa! 💕💕
Response from Melissa
Ronin and Gideon are two of the sweetest kitties I know, including my own! I love watching them and getting to know them better each time.
Christianne
April 2, 2025
Anita
March 27, 2025
Anita
December 30, 2024
Kathy
December 27, 2024
Kathy
December 2, 2024
Great experience! I highly recommend Meowtel! I will definitely be using them in the future!
Meowtel
June 7, 2024
Melissa is a background-checked cat sitter in the Fleming Island area. Their profile has been verified and their references have been checked by Meowtel.
😻 New Client Offer: Enjoy 10% off your first reservation with Melissa!
Free Cancellation (48+ hrs)