I'm Melba
Kind And Dependable
Book With Confidence
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In-home cat sitting visits typically include:
Melba is experienced with 3 types of medications
Check if Melba services your area
Unfortunately, Melba does not cover your area right meow.
I'm Melba
Cat Sitting in Rockville, MD
Not having my own cats actually works entirely to your advantage. I can offer your cats the undivided focus and dedicated care they deserve. I treat every cat I watch with the exact same love, patience, and safety precautions that I would demand for my own. Whether your cat is easygoing and loves play and cuddles, or unpredictable and prefers to keep their distance, I am perfectly happy to cater to their unique personality and daily routine... Hi. Iām Melba. I provide cat-sitting services in Rockville, MD. I have over 20 years of cat-parent experience, both as a child and as an adult. While I currently do not have permanent cat companions, I make up for it by pouring all of my love, time, and attention into caring for your cats.
Not having my own cats actually works entirely to your advantage. I can offer your cats the undivided focus and dedicated care they deserve. I treat every cat I watch with the exact same love, patience, and safety precautions that I would demand for my own. Whether your cat is easygoing and loves play and cuddles, or unpredictable and prefers to keep their distance, I am perfectly happy to cater to their unique personality and daily routine.
I am familiar with cat body language, dietary needs, and environmental enrichment. I pride myself on being detail-oriented, reliable, and trustworthy. You can rest easy knowing I am fully comfortable handling specific care instructions. I provide the following cat sitting services:
-Feeding wet/dry food
-Meticulous litter box scooping
-Keeping their environment safe and stimulating
-Cuddling (if your cat is ok with it)
-Sending written, photo, and video updates
-Checking mail
-Watering plants
I love getting to know the unique quirks of every cat I meet. I also know that leaving your pets behind can be stressful for both of you. That is why I prioritize clear communication to give you complete peace of mind while you are away.
I would love the opportunity to meet you and your cats. Please reach out to schedule a free meet-and-greet to discuss their daily routines, favorite toys, and how I can make their time at home fun and relaxing!
Learn More About Melba
Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?
From elementary through high school, I had cats named Fluff and Sunshine. As a young adult, I adopted Apollo and Athena, who are deceased now. I would like to cat-sit because I enjoy being around cats, but I no longer have my own. My husband and I chose our current fur baby (Mac) after learning that Pomeranians get along with cats. We found this to be true.
Are you usually available during holidays?
Yes, in general, I can cat sit during holidays. The only exception is Christmas. I understand how challenging it can be for a pet parent to find a pet sitter during the holidays. I will work to be as flexible as possible and provide coverage.
How do you handle cats that are particularly timid or anxious?
With timid or anxious cats, I give them their space, pay attention to their body language, and let them come to me. Eventually, the cat may warm up to me, but it's okay if that never happens. I just want to take care of the cat and ensure its safety while its parents are away. As a dog parent, I focus on reducing the likelihood of bringing dog smells that may increase anxiety. I will maintain proper hygiene by changing clothes and washing my hands before visits.
Medication Experience:
In-home cat sitting visits typically include:
Melba is experienced with 3 types of medications
Check if Melba services your area
Unfortunately, Melba does not cover your area right meow.
Michelle
August 22, 2026
Melba took great care of my new kitten with an upper respiratory infection for several days. Melba ensured my kitten got his medicine and ate his food even though the kitten was congested and didnāt want to eat. She followed my instructions fully and kept me very well informed on his progress with pictures and videos. She is very responsive to messages and a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend her to care for your kitties.
Read moreResponse from Melba
Thanks so much, Michelle. It was a pleasure to take care of Smokey. Looking forward to seeing him next week!
Read more
Sheena
This month
Melba was very patient and sweet with my two cats. Additionally, she was very responsive and communicative when coordinating their needs. One of my cats is not used to new people as much. However, she did a great job troubleshooting ways to make him feel as comfortable as possible while in her care.
Read more
Jordan
This month
Melba was good at reading our cat. She gave her space when she was afraid, yet still gave her presence and positive affirmation since she was lonely. We appreciated Melba's caregiving.
Read more
Michelle
September 2, 2026
Melba did a great job looking after my cat and was a pleasure to work with. I love the pictures and videos she sent me to keep me updated on my catās condition.
Read more
Jiyoon
This month
Josue
August 31, 2026
Service Area & Availability
Drop in visits rates
Melba's is 20%
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
These are the date ranges in 2027 to which the holiday surcharge applies:
- January 1-4: New Year's 2027
- January 15-21: MLK Day
- February 12-18: Presidents Day
- May 28-June 3: Memorial Day
- June 16-22: Juneteenth
- July 1-7: July 4th
- September 3-9: Labor Day
- October 8-14: Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day
- November 8-14: Veterans Day
- November 22-28: Thanksgiving
- December 22-28: Christmas
- December 29-31: New Year's 2028
Melba's holiday surcharge is 20%.
Drop in visits rates
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.
375,000+
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.
Thanksgiving is coming up soon (November 26th, 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.
Rockville cat sitting rates will vary based on the sitter's experience and services, but the average price is $28.00. 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 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 Meet & Greet!
Rating breakdown
Michelle
August 22, 2026
Melba took great care of my new kitten with an upper respiratory infection for several days. Melba ensured my kitten got his medicine and ate his food even though the kitten was congested and didnāt want to eat. She followed my instructions fully and kept me very well informed on his progress with pictures and videos. She is very responsive to messages and a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend her to care for your kitties.
Response from Melba
Thanks so much, Michelle. It was a pleasure to take care of Smokey. Looking forward to seeing him next week!
Sheena
This month
Melba was very patient and sweet with my two cats. Additionally, she was very responsive and communicative when coordinating their needs. One of my cats is not used to new people as much. However, she did a great job troubleshooting ways to make him feel as comfortable as possible while in her care.
Jordan
This month
Melba was good at reading our cat. She gave her space when she was afraid, yet still gave her presence and positive affirmation since she was lonely. We appreciated Melba's caregiving.
Michelle
September 2, 2026
Melba did a great job looking after my cat and was a pleasure to work with. I love the pictures and videos she sent me to keep me updated on my catās condition.
Jiyoon
This month
Josue
August 31, 2026
Meowtel
June 22, 2026
Melba is a background-checked cat sitter in the Rockville area. Their profile has been verified by Meowtel.