I'm Petra
Happy Tails Cat Care By Petra
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:
Petra is experienced with 6 types of medications
Check if Petra services your area
Unfortunately, Petra does not cover your area right meow.
I'm Petra
Cat Sitting in Urbana, IL
My experience with cats includes everything from bottle feeding kittens with supplemental formula to senior cats needing medication, special diets, and everything in between.
I'm no stranger to cats with special needs. Both of my cats require specific care. First is Fiona, a very social, brilliant, and beautiful tuxedo that I rescued from a floodplain when she was just 2-3 weeks old. She was my first experience with kitten replacement formula. Now she is 15, takes medication for hip arthritis, and loves to watch birds from her window seat. My other precious companion is Basil, a tiny, 6 lb, high-energy floof ball. She is also deaf and allergic to almost everything... I’ve had cats since I was a toddler and can't imagine life without them! Having cared for them for a few decades, I have a lifetime of experience and knowledge that make me uniquely qualified to provide the highest quality of care for your cat.
My experience with cats includes everything from bottle feeding kittens with supplemental formula to senior cats needing medication, special diets, and everything in between.
I'm no stranger to cats with special needs. Both of my cats require specific care. First is Fiona, a very social, brilliant, and beautiful tuxedo that I rescued from a floodplain when she was just 2-3 weeks old. She was my first experience with kitten replacement formula. Now she is 15, takes medication for hip arthritis, and loves to watch birds from her window seat. My other precious companion is Basil, a tiny, 6 lb, high-energy floof ball. She is also deaf and allergic to almost everything. After learning about her disability, I had to change how I communicate with her since she doesn't respond to my voice like Fiona does. Now, our relationship is stronger than ever!
My experience with cats requiring special care allows me to understand the situation more easily when learning about your cat's care routine. I am committed to taking excellent care of your furry friend as if they were my own.
From giving medication, managing special diets, cleaning the litter box, or providing stimulating playtime, I am committed to ensuring your cat’s comfort and happiness. Whether your cat is a playful kitten, a senior with health concerns, or a shy guy, I will adjust to meet their specific needs.
LOCATION: I am available in Champaign, Urbana, Savoy, and within Champaign County. My rates for towns outside the immediate Chambanavoy metro are higher to reflect the 1-hour round trip and gas used per visit to care for your cat. Please contact me with any questions about location/rates. If your town isn’t in my service area, I can easily add it and we can work out the details.
OTHER PETS: My green thumb is almost as old as my relationship with cats, and I am happy to care for your plants while catsitting for you. I've also had both fresh and saltwater aquariums before, so I am comfortable checking water levels and feeding pre-portioned food to fish and turtles.
Learn More About Petra
What is your experience with cat sitting, and how long have you been doing it?
🐈I have three decades of experience caring for cats, including kittens, seniors, and other special needs. I’ve been casually catsitting forever, but have become more dedicated to it over the last five years.
Are you usually available during holidays?
🌅As a cat parent, I understand the stress around organizing pet care on top of holiday travel. For your convenience and peace of mind, I am available for all holidays, including summer/winter/spring breaks. Spending Christmas visiting kitties fills me with joy!
How do you handle cats that are particularly timid or anxious?
💕Anxious, timid kitties have a special spot in my heart because my girl Basil is an anxious and timid little friend. Like with any cat, I want them to meet me on their own terms and not force anything. For an especially timid or anxious cat, I will do my best to not startle them by stepping quietly and avoiding any sudden movements or noises. If they’re in hiding when it’s meal time, I will bring the food to them and sit quietly nearby so they can see I’m friendly. I may also talk to them in a soothing voice or offer some treats/toys to coax them out of their shell. If the anxious cat chooses not to come out while I’m there, that’s their choice. I will respect it and keep trying a little each visit.
Medication Experience:
In-home cat sitting visits typically include:
Petra is experienced with 6 types of medications
Check if Petra services your area
Unfortunately, Petra does not cover your area right meow.
Melanie
This week
Petra is professional and communicates clearly during our trips. I love the daily videos and feedback on how our cat is doing while we are away. We've used Petra twice now and will continue to do so for upcoming trips.
Read more
Melanie
April 5, 2026
Petra is a great communicator and put us at ease quickly when our usual pet sitter fell through at the last minute. Petra provided our cat with much needed affection (and food) while we were away. We definitely be repeat customers!
Read more
Becki
This month
Always on time and grateful detailed visits updates with pics and vids. Our baby needed her attention and he got it!
Read more
Yi
January 13, 2026
Petra is the best pet sitter I’ve found. She is reliable, attentive, always kept me updated with everything about my cats and the house. She loves cat and sends the cutest photos of our cats when we were away:) I highly recommend her service!
Read more
Jim
March 24, 2026
Petra is an excellent cat sitter. She was sincere and attentive in performing the job. Her knowledge of cats is extensive. I would recommend her to anyone.
Read more
Matea
This week
Service Area & Availability
Drop in visits rates
Petra's is 30%
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
Petra's holiday surcharge is 30%.
Drop in visits rates
Petra'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
Petra's holiday surcharge is 10%.
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.
Juneteenth is coming up soon (June 19th, 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.
Urbana cat sitting rates will vary based on the sitter's experience and services, but the average price is $24.00. 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
Melanie
This week
Petra is professional and communicates clearly during our trips. I love the daily videos and feedback on how our cat is doing while we are away. We've used Petra twice now and will continue to do so for upcoming trips.
Melanie
April 5, 2026
Petra is a great communicator and put us at ease quickly when our usual pet sitter fell through at the last minute. Petra provided our cat with much needed affection (and food) while we were away. We definitely be repeat customers!
Becki
This month
Always on time and grateful detailed visits updates with pics and vids. Our baby needed her attention and he got it!
Yi
January 13, 2026
Petra is the best pet sitter I’ve found. She is reliable, attentive, always kept me updated with everything about my cats and the house. She loves cat and sends the cutest photos of our cats when we were away:) I highly recommend her service!
Jim
March 24, 2026
Petra is an excellent cat sitter. She was sincere and attentive in performing the job. Her knowledge of cats is extensive. I would recommend her to anyone.
Matea
This week
Sarah
November 30, 2025
Petra was great. She took good care of our pet while we were away.
Kelly
July 23, 2025
Petra knows about cats! Not only has she taken care of my cats very professionally and thoroughly, we’ve also engaged in many interesting conversations about cats that shows me she’s truly passionate and well researched on different behavioral and health issues in cats. Petra is thorough and careful in her service. When she visits, I know my cats are being cared for by a true cat lover and informed caregiver.
Cynthia
July 23, 2025
Petra has taken care of our house very well and done an excellent job of keeping everything in good condition while we were gone.
Meowtel
July 23, 2025
Petra is a background-checked cat sitter in the Urbana area. Their profile has been verified and their references have been checked by Meowtel.
😻 New Client Offer: Enjoy 10% off your first reservation with Petra!
Free Cancellation (48+ hrs)