I'm Melissa
Cats First Humans Second
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In-home cat sitting visits typically include:
Melissa is experienced with 6 types of medications
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I'm Melissa
Cat Sitting in Gainesville, FL
I specialize in keeping tiny feline CEOs happy while their humans are away. Whether your cat is a cuddle machine, a professional hider, or a judgmental loaf who watches from across the room, I meet them exactly where they are. I follow routines closely, respect boundaries, and know that trust with cats is earned, not rushed... Let’s be honest… I’m not here for you. I’m here for your cat. 😸
I specialize in keeping tiny feline CEOs happy while their humans are away. Whether your cat is a cuddle machine, a professional hider, or a judgmental loaf who watches from across the room, I meet them exactly where they are. I follow routines closely, respect boundaries, and know that trust with cats is earned, not rushed.
My visits include all the essentials (food, water, litter, meds if needed) plus playtime, enrichment, and calm companionship. I pay attention to the little things — energy shifts, appetite changes, favorite toys — because cats communicate in subtle ways and I take that seriously. You’ll also get updates so you can relax knowing your furry boss is thriving.
What makes me different? I genuinely love the quirky, weird, hilarious personalities cats bring. I’m patient, observant, dependable, and just quirky enough that most cats decide I’m acceptable… which is basically the highest compliment possible.
Cats first. Humans second. Always.
Learn More About Melissa
What is your experience with cat sitting, and how long have you been doing it?
My cat experience goes back a while. I started caring for cats around age 14 and have been happily employed by them ever since. Over the years I’ve looked after cats for friends, neighbors, and fellow cat lovers who needed someone they could trust with their furry family member members. At home we currently have 10 cats - a mix of exotics and former street cat who decided our house was the place to be. Many came to us as a trays, so I’m very comfortable with shy cats, cautious cats, and the occasional dramatic personality. Living with a small feline village has taught me patience, and how to read cat body language like a second language. Whether your cat wants playtime, quiet company, or respectful space, I’m happy to oblige. In short. I’m very well trained… by cats.
Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?
Yes… we absolutely have cats. In fact, we currently share our home with 10 feline dictators. Let’s see if I can name them all without someone judging me from across the room: Jafar, Nebula, Shenzi, Bonsai, Blackbeard, Napoleon, Lafou, Charlie, Scar, Dinah. Yes, we are a very Disney-loving household, and each cat definitely lives up to their name in personality. Some are dramatic, some are sweet, some tiny troublemaker, and a few believe they rule the entire house (they’re not wrong). Many of them were rescued from bad homes or the streets, so our home has become a bit of a cat sanctuary for big personalities and second chances. Life with 10 cats means lots of purring, lots of laughs, and plenty of experience, understanding exactly what cats need.
How do you ensure the safety & security of the cats and the home while cat sitting?
Cats are tiny, escape, artists, and professional mischiefmakers, so safety is always my top priority. During visits, I double check doors, windows, and screens to make sure no curious explorers make a surprise adventure outside. I also keep a close eye on food, water, litter boxes, and overall behavior, so I can quickly notice if anything seems off. I follow your cats normal routine as closely as possible because cats thrive on consistency. I’m also very careful about keeping things tidy and secure in your home, just as I would my own. Living with 10 cats is trained me well in spotting potential trouble before it happens. In short, I’m calm, observant, and very used to keeping clever little fluffballs, safe.
Medication Experience:
Skills:
In-home cat sitting visits typically include:
Melissa is experienced with 6 types of medications
Check if Melissa services your area
Unfortunately, Melissa does not cover your area right meow.
Meowtel
March 5, 2026
Melissa is a background-checked cat sitter in the Gainesville area. Their profile has been verified by Meowtel.
Read moreService Area & Availability
Drop in visits rates
Melissa's is 25%
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 25%.
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.
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.
Memorial Day is coming up soon (May 25th, 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.
Gainesville cat sitting rates will vary based on the sitter's experience and services, but the average price is $22.00. 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
Meowtel
March 5, 2026
Melissa is a background-checked cat sitter in the Gainesville area. Their profile has been verified by Meowtel.
😻 For a Limited Time Only: Enjoy $20 off when you book Melissa!
Free Cancellation (48+ hrs)