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Joyces Fear Free Certified Cat Care
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Background Checked
Repeat clients: 8
Response time < 1 hr
Hello,

I'm Joyce

A cat sitter in Chicago, IL

5.00/5.00
Exceptional
26 REVIEWS

You aren't charged until Joyce confirms your request. Cancel anytime up to 48 hours before the reservation begins for a 100% refund.

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Over 100,000+ happy kitties serviced on Meowtel

I'm Joyce | Cat Sitting in Chicago, IL

Learn More About Joyce

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

I have watched a few of my friends cats while they have been away on vacation....Ive been doing that for the last couple of years. I have been a nanny for 16 years to the family I am currently with ....the youngest in the family is getting older and I have had a few days open up that I am free ...Im taking this change to do something that I have been wanting to do for so long and open myself up to becoming a cat sitter professionally....I look forward to hearing from you and having the opportunity to come and visit and take care of your furbaby.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

I love animals in general...I extremely love cats...they are beautiful....I love being able to spend time with all kinds of cats of different personalities. I have 2 cats and I love being home with mine...I volunteer at the Anti Cruelty so I can spend time with the cats there and help to make their shelter stay more accomodating..I get fulfillment from being able to help cats feel comfortable...I know cat owners cant always be home with their cats and I would love to be able to help out that owner who wants to have peace of mind that their baby is being taken care of while they are away at work or on vacation.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

Ive really enjoyed them all....its so fun getting to work with different cat personalities....I love all of them...and Im so thankful to be able to help their human parents be able to feel comfortable about their time away and be able to enjoy their time without being worried about their babies being at home.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

I currently have 2 cats....Timmy who is a senior boy who loves to sun bathe, sleep and give lots of love....I adopted him from Treehouse in 2012....he was the featured cat for their Stray Cat Strut that year...he had been thrown out of a car on Lake Shore Drive (LSD)...he full name is Timothy Leary who was the LSD guru of the 60s...lol...funny how shelters come up with the names for their cats...he now goes by Timmy and has always beeen such a lovable boy. My 2nd cat is named Mr. Wick....I gave him that name...yes...Im a big Keanu /John Wick fan! Mr. Wick is fearless and loving and sleeps on my head sometimes at night. He is resting next to me right now as I write this..I love him and his crazy ways so much

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a cat sitter?

Make sure that you give your sitter a detailed set of instructions....include the little things that will really make your cat comfortable...the little possible quirky things...it helps because we want to make them feel so secure while you are gone. Make sure the sitter is a good fit for you...if your personalities dont seem to mesh, look for a different sitter...dont settle....make sure you are comfortable before the job starts.

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

I want us to be able to have a good detailed conversation of what they want...I will have questions and I am willing to answer any questions that they have for me...I want to be able to take care of their animal exactly how they want. If there is anything else I can help with while they are on vacation, let me know .. When I am at their house, I will make sure to send updates and pictures...I want us to have an open communication line...I want them to be able to enjoy their time knowing their baby is being taken care of .

How do you ensure the safety & security of the cats and the home while cat sitting?

Im going to make sure that there is nothing laying around the house that could be potentially dangerous to the cats..Im going to make sure that I lock up before I leave...double check the locks.

Are you usually available during holidays?

It really depends on the holiday...but please contact me and we can see what we can work out.

What is your favorite cat toy?

I love Da Bird....its a wand toy that has what looks like a bird on the end of it...my cat, Mr. Wick absolutely loves it and will want to play with it whenever I bring it out. I also like crinkly balls...Mr. Wick can play a short game of fetch with them from time to time, when hes feeling like he wants to :)

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

I am going to follow their cues as to how much attention they are wanting from me. I will try to approach them gently, quietly. Sit on the floor next to them if they are out....not trying to grab at them but just sitting there, letting them know that Im not a threat. Im not going to approach them head on or even look them in the eyes...that can be very intimidating to a cat who is feeling anxious or nervous at someone new at the house. I can try to approach them from the side, not giving direct eye contact. Im not going to push a cat to interact if they are not comfortable so it really would be a case by case kind of situation as to what steps I would take.

Joyce's Reviews

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Attention to Detail
5.0
Communication
5.0
Tidiness
5.0
Stephanie

Stephanie

Joyce was really communicative and I felt so reassured while away. She won over my shy boy and got the tortie playing with the laser very quickly , quite the cat whisperer!

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
This month
Ashley

Ashley

Some people say know one can care for your fur child as good as you. Well let me just say that statement is not true. Joyce was incredible with my Crew of 5, kept the same feeding schedule I have them on early in the mornings and mid to late evenings. Incredible consistency in communication plenty of pictures and video. Followed my instructions to to T! I have 2 cats that have special needs 1 with kidney disease that is elderly and on a special diet. Joyce took special time with her to make sure she was not over looked and no one got into her food dish. I have another cat with severe allergies that cannot come in contact with certain proteins. Joyce was very punctual in making sure that did not happen. I am beyond greatful for her and will definitely look to book with her again in the future!

Meowtel-verified reservation with twice per day visits
October 1, 2025
Elijah

Elijah

Joyce was truly, by far, the best cat sitter I have ever hired! Even from the first meeting, I could tell how deeply she loves and cares for all cats while still making me & my cats feel special. She came extremely prepared and whether it was cleaning duties, playing, feeding, you name it - she went above and beyond in every single aspect. Her detailed summary of each visit along with the many photos and videos gave me such peace of mind while I was away. I will 100% without a doubt be re-booking Joyce any chance I get.

Meowtel-verified reservation 1+ week long
August 19, 2025
Olivia

Olivia

Joyce is a wonderful catsitter. I was nervous to leave our two for a 10 day trip and she put my mind right at ease at our first meeting. She is attentive, compassionate, thoughtful and she really understands and loves cats. She provided detailed, daily updates and it made our trip so much more enjoyable to know they were well taken care of. She treated our two like her own. Best catsitter you could find in 10 lifetimes!

Meowtel-verified reservation 1+ week long
September 2, 2025
May Lee

May Lee

I highly recommend Joyce as your cat sitter! When we did our meet and greet, she came prepared with questions and really gravitated towards my cats. During her visit, she sent me numerous photos and many detailed notes. I could tell my cats enjoyed her company. She went above and beyond and brought my treats that she had approved with me first and extra toys for my cats to play with. She was just so kind and was really committed to taking care of my cats while I was gone, which gave me so much peace of mind. I will definitely be booking her for the future!

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
January 1, 2025
Jacqueline

Jacqueline

Joyce took amazing care of my cats! She asked so many great questions during the initial meeting so that she has a good understanding of their individuals needs and personalities. She kept me informed throughout the visits and sent many great photos. I highly recommend!

Meowtel-verified reservation 1+ week long
July 11, 2025
Jay

Jay

Joyce was organized, thorough, easily reachable, and the cats loved her. Even the one cat who is very shy immediately warmed up to Joyce. I would highly recommend her.

Meowtel-verified reservation with twice per day visits
December 27, 2024
Alexa

Alexa

Joyce was lovely! She was very communicative and provided great updates on the day of her visits! She took great care of Ganni and gave her so much care and attention! I would definitely recommend Joyce!

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
December 29, 2024
Ashton

Ashton

Joyce was one of the most attentive cat sitters I have ever had! You can tell she has a deep love for cats through her above and beyond care, and I'd highly recommend Joyce to anyone looking for a sitter!

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
December 30, 2024
Alexa

Alexa

Joyce is always so wonderful! She is extremely communicative and truly cares your for cat just as you would. I’m thankful to have Joyce around to look after my cat while away!!

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
July 28, 2025
Mary

Mary

Joyce is the perfect cat sitter! She took amazing care of my cat while I was on vacation. She went above and beyond. She will be my go to option whenever I need sitting for my cat moving forward. She is super kind, reliable, and thoughtful.

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
October 15, 2025
Aaron

Aaron

Joyce is a great cat sitter. My cat, Campbell, loves her. She is conscientious and thoughtful in the performance of her cat sitting obligations.

Meowtel-verified reservation with twice per day visits
Response from Joyce on Sep 23, 2025 "Thanks so much Aaron!! :) its a joy taking care of Campbell!! 🥰"
September 23, 2025
Jay

Jay

Joyce is by far the best cat sitter I have ever had. She goes above and beyond in her care of the cats and in her communication with her clients. I feel 100% comfortable with my cats in her care when I am away.

Meowtel-verified reservation with twice per day visits
May 14, 2025
Aaron

Aaron

Meowtel-verified reservation with twice per day visits
This week
Aaron

Aaron

Meowtel-verified reservation with twice per day visits
This week
Ashley

Ashley

Meowtel-verified reservation with twice per day visits
This month
May Lee

May Lee

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
This month
Mary

Mary

Joyce will always be my go to! she’s amazing!

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
This month
Shannon

Shannon

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
October 11, 2025
Jacqueline

Jacqueline

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
September 7, 2025
Aaron

Aaron

Meowtel-verified reservation with twice per day visits
Response from Joyce on Aug 26, 2025 "Thanks so much Aaron for the wonderful review :)"
August 25, 2025
May Lee

May Lee

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
August 8, 2025
Alexa

Alexa

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
Response from Joyce on Jul 27, 2025 "Thanks so much Alexa "))"
July 18, 2025
Claudia

Claudia

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
July 7, 2025
May Lee

May Lee

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
Response from Joyce on May 28, 2025 "Thanks May : ))"
May 26, 2025
Meowtel

Meowtel

Joyce is a cat sitter in the Chicago area. Her profile has been verified and her references have been checked by Meowtel.

October 30, 2022

Joyce's Service Area & Rates

  • Free Meet & Greets
  • Drop-in visits to your home
  • $26.00 / 20min $39.00 / 45min $56.00 / 60min
  • Overnight stays
    $67.50 / Overnight stays in your home
  • Joyce's Holiday Surcharge is 30%
Service Area

Availability

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Always Communicate & Pay Through Meowtel

Always Communicate & Pay Through Meowtel

Doing so will ensure you fully qualify for all of the benefits of the Meowtel Promise, including speedy support from a real human and insurance coverage.

Joyce's Qualifications & Experience

Qualifications

  • Shelter Volunteer

Transportation

  • Bike
  • Ground

Medication Experience

  • Topical Ointments
  • Eye/Ear Drops
  • Oral Medication / Pills

Each Visit Includes

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

Cancellation Policy

Customers may cancel within 24 hours of making their reservation and receive a 100% refund, and the sitter will not receive any earnings. After the first 24 hours, the following cancellation rules apply:

Customers will receive a 100% refund to their Account Balance if they cancel anytime up to 48 hours before the start date of the reservation, and the sitter will not receive any earnings.

Customers will receive a 50% refund, and the sitter will earn 50% of their planned earnings if the customer cancels between 24-48 hours of the start of the reservation.

No refund will be issued within 24 hours of the reservation, and the sitter will keep 100% of their planned earnings.

The Meowtel Promise & Satisfaction Guarantee

We are proud to provide each of our independently-contracted Meowtel cat sitters with the full benefits of our Meowtel Promise on eligible reservations. For reservations where each visit is at or above $20 and paid for through Meowtel, your cat(s) will automatically be covered under our insurance policy in the event that things don't go as planned.

If you are not fully satisfied with your sitter after the Meet & Greet or during the reservation, please call 1-844-636-9835 so we can help you re-book with a new sitter to ensure we can deliver on our purrfect hospitality promise.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago cat sitting rates will vary based on the pet sitter's experience and expertise, but the average price for a cat sitter is $29.00. Prices will also depend on how long your cat needs company for, whether that be a drop-in visit or overnight stay in your home. Meowtel sitters offer 20, 45, and 60-minute drop-in visits that allow for fully tailored care for your kitties. Your caregiver may also need to charge a little more if they have to travel far, so we'll match you with the best options which are close by.

Every Meowtel cat sitter has been thoroughly vetted, background-checked, and is insured through Meowtel on eligible reservations via our Meowtel Promise. To ensure total peace of mind while you're away, every Meowtel reservation comes with a free Meet & Greet so you (and your kitties!) can have full confidence in 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 for your kitties. This is why Meowtel was created, so tailored in-home care is brought to you.

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

Each Meowtel cat sitting visit will include the whole 9 yards: feeding, refreshing the water bowls, litter box scooping, tidying up, medications, updates with photos, lots of playtime, as well as any special requests you may have. We know every kitty is different and that's why we offer tailored, in-home services since cats don't do well outside their own homes. Plus, every reservation comes with a free Meet & Greet so you can meet your sitter before you leave to ensure it will be a purrfect fit.

Joyces Fear Free Certified Cat Care
5.00 • 26 reviews • From $26.00