I'm Nikki
Keeping Your Kitty Content And Happy
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:
Nikki is experienced with 4 types of medications
Check if Nikki services your area
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I'm Nikki
Cat Sitting in Lakeland, FL
Whether your cat is playful, shy, or somewhere in between, I take the time to understand the... Hi! My name is Nikki Hand, and I’m a dedicated and compassionate cat lover with a deep appreciation for feline personalities. With a background in resource processing and a strong attention to detail, I bring reliability, responsibility, and genuine care to every cat-sitting job.
Whether your cat is playful, shy, or somewhere in between, I take the time to understand their unique needs and routines. I’m experienced in feeding, litter box maintenance, administering basic medications, and providing plenty of cuddles (if they’re into that!). My goal is to ensure your cat feels safe, loved, and stress-free while you're away.
I’m based in Lakeland, FL, and available for short- or long-term sitting. I’d love to meet you and your furry friend!
Learn More About Nikki
What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?
I enjoy earning their trust, learning their routines, and being a comforting presence while their humans are away. Spending time, caring for, and knowing I’m helping them feel safe and loved is rewarding for me.
Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?
I have three fur babies of my own - Georgia, Marky Mark, and Rip. They bring me joy and laughs everyday!
How do you handle cats that are particularly timid or anxious?
When caring for timid or anxious cats, I take a calm and quiet approach. I avoid sudden movements and loud noises. My goal is to reduce stress even if that means simply being a quiet, reassuring presence.
Medication Experience:
In-home cat sitting visits typically include:
Nikki is experienced with 4 types of medications
Check if Nikki services your area
Unfortunately, Nikki does not cover your area right meow.
Tara
June 6, 2026
Nikki did an awesome job! She took great care of my cats! She was able to pet my shy cats who never come out if we aren't home. She took great care of my disabled cat. She followed my many instructions and had great communication! Thank you, Nikki!
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Kimberly
October 22, 2025
Nikki was really good. No problems or issues. Although my cat's are very shy, and she only saw 1 of them. There wasn't much to do, but yes I would recommend her definitely. I'm hoping you get a great chance to meet. Very kind gentle person.
Read more
Leigh
June 30, 2026
This was Nikki’s first time watching my two cats. It was a last minute booking and she was very gracious in stopping by for a quick meet and greet. She did a great job and sent pictures and updates. will definitely book again.
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Kristina
March 21, 2026
Nikki was wonderful and took great care of our two cats. I’m so happy we’ve found someone like her to pet sit when we are away! We will definitely be requesting her help again for our next trip.
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Maddie
June 15, 2026
From the time Nikki and I met at the meet and greet, I knew my fur babies would be in good hands. Thanks so much.
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Jaci
April 9, 2026
Service Area & Availability
Drop in visits rates
Nikki's is 5%
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
Nikki's holiday surcharge is 5%.
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.
Lakeland 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
Tara
June 6, 2026
Nikki did an awesome job! She took great care of my cats! She was able to pet my shy cats who never come out if we aren't home. She took great care of my disabled cat. She followed my many instructions and had great communication! Thank you, Nikki!
Kimberly
October 22, 2025
Nikki was really good. No problems or issues. Although my cat's are very shy, and she only saw 1 of them. There wasn't much to do, but yes I would recommend her definitely. I'm hoping you get a great chance to meet. Very kind gentle person.
Leigh
June 30, 2026
This was Nikki’s first time watching my two cats. It was a last minute booking and she was very gracious in stopping by for a quick meet and greet. She did a great job and sent pictures and updates. will definitely book again.
Kristina
March 21, 2026
Nikki was wonderful and took great care of our two cats. I’m so happy we’ve found someone like her to pet sit when we are away! We will definitely be requesting her help again for our next trip.
Maddie
June 15, 2026
From the time Nikki and I met at the meet and greet, I knew my fur babies would be in good hands. Thanks so much.
Jaci
April 9, 2026
Wonderful!!!
Janet
March 17, 2026
Alison
August 8, 2025
I have never met anyone who loves cats nor who, in return, cats love more than Nikki. She has a special way with them and they know she is trustworthy and safe. She loves them like children and is very responsible and respectful of them and the homes she sits for. She sat for my pets twice while I was away for a week each time and she was great with them and also clean and respectful of my home. I would highly recommend Nikki as a sitter.
Erin
August 8, 2025
I have known Nikki for 36 years and I trust her with my life (literally), this includes my pets but also my children who are my world. We call her the cat whisperer because she’s never met a cat that she couldn’t sweet talk out of letting her pet them. She loves all animals, but cats have always been her favorite. If Nikki is caring for your cat, consider yourself lucky and maybe play the lottery because you’ve hit the jackpot!
Meowtel
August 8, 2025
Nikki is a background-checked cat sitter in the Lakeland area. Their profile has been verified and their references have been checked by Meowtel.
Free Cancellation (48+ hrs)