I'm El

Ellie's Kind Kitty Care

4.96
54 Reviews
< 1 hr Response Time
18 Repeat clients
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Meowtel Top 1% Sitters in 2025
Meowtel Top 1% Sitters in 2025
50+ Meowtel reservations completed
50+ Meowtel reservations completed
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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:

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

El is experienced with 5 types of medications

Topical Ointments Eye/Ear Drops Oral Medication / Pills Subcutaneous Fluids Inhalers

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Ellie's  Kind Kitty Care

I'm El

Cat Sitting in Sylva, NC

Cats are special in the world of domestic animal companions. All cats need species- specific care and I offer them respect on their terms. I have cared for so many cats throughout my life, and rescued and/or fostered ten over the years. I let them approach me while blinking slowly, they can hear my quiet voice, get my scent and come closer when they're ready. My references and attention to detail are excellent, my goal is to follow your directions to a T. I share daily notes and cute pictures of them with you while you're away... Cats are special in the world of domestic animal companions. All cats need species- specific care and I offer them respect on their terms. I have cared for so many cats throughout my life, and rescued and/or fostered ten over the years. I let them approach me while blinking slowly, they can hear my quiet voice, get my scent and come closer when they're ready. My references and attention to detail are excellent, my goal is to follow your directions to a T. I share daily notes and cute pictures of them with you while you're away. I am a creative problem solver should something unexpected occur. Like the postman of history, I will get to your cats in severe weather events, and can extend visits if your travel plans are unexpectedly delayed. I ask questions if anything is not covered in the meet and greet. I offer flexibility and dependability.
My hobbies include gardening, healthy cooking, yoga, hiking, reading, and a variety of creative outlets. I am within months of finishing my MSW, and caring for cats is a perfect study break!
I look forward to meeting you and your feline friends. I know they are part of your family and I provide the assurance you need to enjoy your time away- they will hardly know you're gone!🙂

Learn More About El

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

Over 30 years. I've met so many personalities and love reading about cat behavior. The slow blink works really well for the cat who's just not sure!

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

So many personalities! It's exciting to meet new Cats and their owners! I have the opportunity to learn from so many people and their kitties. I've gained experience caring for senior kitties and those with chronic or terminal conditions. And I get to play with kittens sometimes!

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

I have enjoyed a sibling duo of orange kitties who love to play with the feather flirt toy! Their acrobatics were really amazing and sometimes hilarious! One loved physical touch, and eventually the brother came to seek it out, too!

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

One right now named Pancho. He came to a friend's backyard a few months before I planned to go to the shelter to get a cat. Saved both of us a trip to the shelter!

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

The star ratings, while helpful, don't tell you details, so read reviews. Have a meet and greet, and see if the sitter has questions. Ask the sitter at least one question.

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

We work together to schedule a meet and greet AFTER you have booked. This is for everyone's benefit and strongly recommended by Meowtel. I come to meet you and your cat(s) and ask questions, and you have the opportunity to ask me, also. I listen to all that you wish to share about your cat's personality, habits, favorite toys and hiding places as well as details of feeding, medication, location of all water bowls and litter boxes. I always like to have the vets number in my book under your name (I've never had to call a vet for a cat fortunately!), and to know where to find cleaning supplies in case of stress vomiting or a loose stool.

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

I like to know in advance if your cat is an escape artist. Then I can carefully plan and maneuver my entrance and exit to prevent any escapes. I never leave anything out that a cat should not have access to, loose plastic or such, nor do I move anything unless the item was moved by the cat between my visits. Each visit, I try to make a visual confirmation of your cat even if they are hiding. If they are used to playtime, I always work that in!

Are you usually available during holidays?

I am almost always in town for the holidays because that's when I can offer you the opportunity to travel and know your cats are in good hands!

What is your favorite cat toy?

The flirt or fishing toy. I like it better than a laser because the cat can actually 'catch' it. Some cats even like a piece of string! Currently my cat is enjoying a rechargeable robot 'ball'. And string!

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

I use the slow blink, or I'll look a little to the side. I use a very soft and reassuring neutral voice to talk to them and just sit quietly on the floor where they can see me. I offer treats with your permission/direction.


Medication Experience:

Topical Ointments Eye/Ear Drops Oral Medication / Pills Subcutaneous Fluids Inhalers

Skills:

Foster Parent

4.96
54 reviews
5.0
Attention to Detail
4.9
Communication
5.0
Tidiness
Lynn

Lynn

October 3, 2025

El is terrific! From the moment she met my two kitties, they immediately took to her. She took great care of them while I was gone, and they weren't even mad at me when I returned! Both require medicine, which she was easily able to give. I got daily pictures and updates which made me feel reassured they were in good hands. I highly recommend El for anyone looking for a great petsitter!

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Meowtel-verified reservation with twice per day visits
Julianna

Julianna

November 22, 2025

El took such good care of my cats and my shy kitty warmed up to her so fast ❤️I was so happy with how comfortable my cats were with her

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Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
Emiliana

Emiliana

July 7, 2025

El is an excellent cat sitter! During our initial meeting, she instantly put my cat at ease. She communicated with me every day to let me know that everything was fine. I highly recommend El!

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Meowtel-verified reservation with twice per day visits
Sarah

Sarah

December 30, 2024

El took great care of my two cats! She even got my shy cat to come out of her shell. Highly recommended sitter!

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Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
Evan

Evan

August 29, 2024

Took great and consistent care of my two kitties and even fed my turtle while I was away on a trip with lots of communication and photos, can't recommend enough!

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Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
Natalie

Natalie

June 23, 2024

this was our second reservation with El and it was as perfect as the first. she is so good with our kitties and was always responsive and proactive with updates. plus, we had a couple of packages arrive early and she was kind enough to bring them inside for us, even though we only booked her for kitty care.

Read more
Meowtel-verified reservation with twice per day visits

Service Area & Availability

Drop in visits rates

$25.00 / 20min
$38.00 / 45min
$48.00 / 60min

El's is 10%

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Overnight Availability
El's Holiday Surcharge Applies
Service Area Map

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.

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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.

Curious cat peeking over the banner

Labor Day is coming up soon (September 7th, 2026)

Cat sitters on Meowtel are usually pretty busy, don't forget to book your sitter!

Book ahead, cat sitters on Meowtel fill up fast for the holidays!

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.

Sylva cat sitting rates will vary based on the sitter's experience and services, but the average price is $25.00. 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!

4.96
54 reviews
4.96
From $25.00

Free Cancellation (48+ hrs)