I'm Rukana
Rue's Kitkat Heaven
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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:
Rukana is experienced with 3 types of medications
Check if Rukana services your area
Unfortunately, Rukana does not cover your area right meow.
I'm Rukana
Cat Sitting in Sunnyside, NY
My name’s Rukana but you can call me Rue and I absolutely love cats. I have one little boy myself who has just turned two named KitKat. He’s a sensitive cat and has given me loads of experience dealing with his food allergies and giving medications to kitties who may need just a lil extra help. I’ve got experience hand feeding kittens as well thanks to hi... Hey there!
My name’s Rukana but you can call me Rue and I absolutely love cats. I have one little boy myself who has just turned two named KitKat. He’s a sensitive cat and has given me loads of experience dealing with his food allergies and giving medications to kitties who may need just a lil extra help. I’ve got experience hand feeding kittens as well thanks to him and have gained experience with a multitude of different cats with meowtel varying from physical disabilities to behavioral and temperamental differences.
I know how stressful it can be finding the right sitter for your cat and I would love to be of help. I can’t wait to meet your kitties and hope to give you that ease of mind knowing your cats are in safe hands.
Learn More About Rukana
What is your experience with cat sitting, and how long have you been doing it?
I have been cat sitting for over two years now and have loved every day of it! I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many different types of kitties with varying personalities and have loved being given the opportunity to grow within my experiences with them!
How do you handle cats that are particularly timid or anxious?
I have taken care of many sweet cats that have a bit more trouble than others when it comes to meeting new people and always make sure they’re given the same care and attentiveness all the other cats are given. I make sure to give them lots of space and time to feel comfortable with me entering their environment and always make sure to listen to what they’re telling me using their body language so they don’t feel pressured by me in any way.
Medication Experience:
Skills:
In-home cat sitting visits typically include:
Rukana is experienced with 3 types of medications
Check if Rukana services your area
Unfortunately, Rukana does not cover your area right meow.
Keith
December 1, 2025
Ru generally did a good job checking on my cats. The update with videos was very much appreciated. And the litter box was cleaned up nicely. My only concern is that the feeding instructions were not followed exactly. I came home to water in the additional bowls that were set out for their dry food. So, I was a little concerned they didn't receive as much food as instructed.
Read more
Anthony
December 7, 2025
Rukana did a wonderful job sitting for week, she made it very easy for my cat to feel comfortable and trusting. I really appreciated the daily videos and smooth communication. Would definitely hire again!
Read more
Rob
May 20, 2025
We are so glad we had Ru taking care of our babies while on vacation. She is great at making them feel comfortable enough to come out and enjoy a treat (they’re very shy). We loved all the videos and pictures she sent with each visit too!
Read more
Melanie
August 26, 2024
Rue is the best! I am so glad we booked with her. I’d never left my kitty alone for more than a weekend before, so I was nervous about my ten-day trip outside of the country, but Rue put all my fears at ease. She was super communicative, sent fabulous pics and videos of my happy kitty that brightened my day, and bonded with my sweet girl. Upon return I could tell that she was very well cared for the whole time! Rue was also amazing with little extra things like grabbing the mail and some packages, handling stinky garbage—these little things make such a big difference when you’re thousands of miles away. If Rue is available, don’t hesitate to book with her!
Read more
Rachel
April 23, 2024
Rue took great care of my cats. One of them is very shy and did not want to come out for the first few days but Rue made sure she ate her food in her hiding places and Rue was able to hand feed her treats. She did a great job!
Read more
Janai
September 23, 2024
Ru is amazing!! I am such a helicopter mom so i was super nervous to leave the kitties with anyone. I also have a RUNNER so it made things even more nerve -racking. Rukana was great with them and had a great technique for preventing slippery little guys from running out of the house. Shes so sweet and responsive. My shy girl ran away from her most days- but not all! And my little ham loved all the attention she gave him. Hes not super big on toys so he loved being spoken to and rubbed. I dont go on trips often but i 100% would book Rukana again!
Read moreService Area & Availability
Drop in visits rates
Rukana'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
Rukana's holiday surcharge is 20%.
Drop in visits rates
Rukana'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
Rukana's holiday surcharge is 20%.
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.
Memorial Day is coming up soon (May 25th, 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.
Sunnyside cat sitting rates will vary based on the sitter's experience and services, but the average price is $30.00. 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
Keith
December 1, 2025
Ru generally did a good job checking on my cats. The update with videos was very much appreciated. And the litter box was cleaned up nicely. My only concern is that the feeding instructions were not followed exactly. I came home to water in the additional bowls that were set out for their dry food. So, I was a little concerned they didn't receive as much food as instructed.
Anthony
December 7, 2025
Rukana did a wonderful job sitting for week, she made it very easy for my cat to feel comfortable and trusting. I really appreciated the daily videos and smooth communication. Would definitely hire again!
Rob
May 20, 2025
We are so glad we had Ru taking care of our babies while on vacation. She is great at making them feel comfortable enough to come out and enjoy a treat (they’re very shy). We loved all the videos and pictures she sent with each visit too!
Melanie
August 26, 2024
Rue is the best! I am so glad we booked with her. I’d never left my kitty alone for more than a weekend before, so I was nervous about my ten-day trip outside of the country, but Rue put all my fears at ease. She was super communicative, sent fabulous pics and videos of my happy kitty that brightened my day, and bonded with my sweet girl. Upon return I could tell that she was very well cared for the whole time! Rue was also amazing with little extra things like grabbing the mail and some packages, handling stinky garbage—these little things make such a big difference when you’re thousands of miles away. If Rue is available, don’t hesitate to book with her!
Rachel
April 23, 2024
Rue took great care of my cats. One of them is very shy and did not want to come out for the first few days but Rue made sure she ate her food in her hiding places and Rue was able to hand feed her treats. She did a great job!
Janai
September 23, 2024
Ru is amazing!! I am such a helicopter mom so i was super nervous to leave the kitties with anyone. I also have a RUNNER so it made things even more nerve -racking. Rukana was great with them and had a great technique for preventing slippery little guys from running out of the house. Shes so sweet and responsive. My shy girl ran away from her most days- but not all! And my little ham loved all the attention she gave him. Hes not super big on toys so he loved being spoken to and rubbed. I dont go on trips often but i 100% would book Rukana again!
Katyann
May 15, 2024
this is my third time using Rukana’s services and she never disappoints! She even got my shy kitty to come out, which never happens! Will definitely be using Rukana again :)
Brooke
August 26, 2024
Rukana did an awesome job. She took care of our cat's special feeding needs and gave him medicine when needed. She texted daily so we knew everything was OK. She went above and beyond looking after our apartment. 100% Recommend!
Elizabeth
July 7, 2024
Rue was amazing!! She quickly befriended my cat who tends to be shy around strangers, provided great updates and photos, and was someone I quickly trusted to take care of my dearest pet. I look forward to working with her again in the future!
Jas
May 18, 2024
Rue did amazing with our cat Milo! we had just moved in to town and had a trip scheduled for our wedding and were super nervous to leave him! Rue was able to connect with Milo very quickly and be the best caretaker for him! she would send us daily updates and noticed so many details about Milo which gave us a lot of comfort and assurance that he was in fantastic hands! we highly recommend Rue to care for your cat! I know we will connect with Rue again in the future for Milo!
Andrea
May 12, 2024
We are so happy to have found Rue as our catsitter. She took care of our kitties for 9 days while we were away and we came back to very calm and happy cats. Our boy Roar was a little shy at the beginning but Rue knew how to win his trust and make him feel comfortable. We got so many videos, photos and updates that gave us peace of mind and let us see how good our kitties were being taken care of. Rue, you are the best!!!!
Danielle
January 8, 2025
Rukana is an amazing cat sitter. This is our second time working with her. It is wonderful to have peace of mind when traveling halfway around the world, that all is well at home with the kitties. She provided daily updates and videos. Highly recommend and I look forward to booking Rukana again the next time we are away.
Emily
October 21, 2024
Always going to recommend Rukana! She's my first pick every time I need someone to watch my cats. She's professional, attentive, she follows directions perfectly and helps my old lady cat get her medicine -- and best of all, you can tell she really, really loves cats.
Kate
May 23, 2024
I’ve booked Rukana multiple times and plan to again! she was sweet with my baby, who’s shy at the best of times, and was wonderful with pics and videos that really made my day
Melissa
October 17, 2024
Rue is awesome! Super trustworthy and dependable. My cat is super shy so she is taking a while to warm up to Rue but it is going well. She definitely likes her and I will definitely be asking her to catsit again!
Zak
March 5, 2024
everything was smooth and rue was just awesome with our kitty. she’s shy and a bit territorial, but by the end it seemed rue was able to get her to be friendly. Riis is hard to care for and other people who have helped have been scared off by her challenges but not rue. the vids and pics were so helpful along w the long messages!!
Abigail
November 26, 2023
As someone with a shy shelter kitty, Rukana did a great job. She had timely responses and was very thorough, and also dealt with a few small issues on my end regarding his medication. Will definitely be booking again!
Melissa
February 26, 2024
Rue was wonderful with our two cats. They can be difficult, but she was patient with them and provided thorough updates on each visit. She even visited them amid a snow storm, which was truly above and beyond. It made us feel at ease while we were away. She was great!
Patrick
February 14, 2024
Rukana took great care of our two cats, and charmed our very shy one on the first night, getting him to eat his food, which can be a chore. We'll definitely hire her again!
Julia
February 4, 2024
this is my second time booking with rue and she exceeded expectations, yet again! my cat is an anxious girl and rue knew exactly how to bring her out of her shell and make her comfortable. I came home to a very happy cat! i will definitely be booking with rue whenever I can!
Abby
October 9, 2023
Rue was great with Zuzu and kept me updated with photos and videos throughout. She even made sure to check in on Zuzu during the flooding in NYC, I was grateful for the care and attention she gave to her!
Pamela
September 2, 2023
Ru is a cat whisperer! She knows kitties! She was attentive and loving with my anxious little guy. She even received a chewy order for me unboxed it and set it up. She is reliable and trustworthy. She will put your mind at ease!
Kate
December 30, 2023
Rukana is an excellent sitter! I have a shy little baby, and I have never seen my little one so calm and acting normal for someone’s first visit. Rukana sent updates and pictures everyday, and I came home to a happy kitty. Hire her!
Nicole
December 29, 2024
Rue was great as always! She always sent the cutest pictures and thorough updates so I could enjoy my vacation knowing my kitty was well taken care of. Will be booking her again the next time I go out of town.
Erik
November 11, 2024
Rukana was wonderful to our cat and made sure to play with her and give her treats so she wouldn't be so sad. We really appreciated the photos and videos she sent us. I would highly recommend Rukana to watch over your cats too!
Jack
September 30, 2024
Fantastic! I could tell my boys were very comfortable around her and well taken care of. Rue was very attentive and flexible with scheduling. I got plenty of cute pics and updates that made me feel comfortable while I was away from my cats. Would definitely book again and recommend to anyone in the NYC area looking for a reliable cat sitter. thanks again!!! ☺️
Emily
September 18, 2024
Rukana is my go-to sitter! She is so reliable and she sends such detailed accounts, it really puts my mind at ease. She also manages to give my old lady medicine. Would highly, HIGHLY recommend her.
Kahmeeah
March 31, 2024
Ru was amazing and took great care of both my cats, including one who requires oral medication 2x daily! She followed all my instructions perfectly and went above and beyond to ensure the cats were safe and happy at all times. Ru also sent lots of cute pictures and updates daily which helped to make my entire trip stress free. I could tell my cats really loved her too! I would absolutely recommend Ru and hope to definitely book with her again in the future!
Abigail
February 5, 2024
Rukana did amazing as usual, and even was able to do a last minute check in when my trip was made longer. Have used her in the past, and definitely will be using again in the future!!
Danielle
January 1, 2024
Rukana was an amazing cat sitter for our two kitties. She provided photo/video and detailed updates after each visit and was always quick to respond to any messages. I hope that Rue is available the next time we travel, as it brings great peace of mind to have a responsible, warm, and caring person such as her look after the cats.
Julia
December 3, 2023
Rue is the best! My cat (noonie) loved Rue the minute she met her, and noonie is super picky with humans!! I was so grateful for Rue’s consistent photos/updates each time she visited noonie. i will definitely be booking with Rue again!
Danielle
January 5, 2026
Rukana always does an amazing job. Our cats come out for her and I appreciate her updates and videos. I always have great peace of mind when traveling, knowing that Rukana is there taking good care of the cats.
Katie
September 2, 2024
Rue is great! She gives very thorough updates. She does a great job managing our cats meds and coaxing her out during her visits.
Brent
October 26, 2023
Rue was so helpful and communicative throughout!! so happy we found her. There was an issue with our door that required our landlord to drop by to fix and she was super cool and understanding about the whole thing. The cat also warmed up to her really quickly which put our minds at ease :)
Hattie
October 17, 2025
I think we’ve hired Rukana 3-4 times now and she is always amazing! She’s sure to give a little report after every visit and sends multiple photos/videos of the cats which absolutely makes my day! she’s the best!!!
Nicole
October 13, 2024
Rue is amazing! She took great care of my kitty, and her thoughtful updates (and many cute pictures and videos) made my trip so much better, knowing that my cat was being well taken care of! I could tell from the videos Rue sent that my kitty absolutely loves her, and I will definitely be booking Rue again!
Andrea
April 28, 2024
We have had a great experience using Rukana to take care of our two kitties. She is knowledgeable about cats needs, detail oriented and caring. Thank you Rukana!! Rise and Roar look forward to see you soon :)
Emily
December 27, 2023
Rue was so good with our cats! It was a real load off our minds while we were on vacation. She even managed to get our old lady to take her medicine, which can be a struggle. Would highly recommend. She's also professional, prompt and she's really thorough.
Nicole
April 29, 2025
Rue was great as always! She was timely, responsive and sent great photo/video updates of a very happy kitty during her visit!
Andrea
September 29, 2024
As always Rukana took amazing care of our kitties during our vacation. We are so happy to have found Rukana and we can tell our kitties love her 😻
Brent
January 19, 2024
Second time booking Rue to watch over our older kitty, and she continues to put our minds at ease. We know he's in good hands when Rue comes over! The pictures and videos are so appreciated, and they show just how much our cat has warmed up to her these last two visits. Definitely going to continue booking Rue for all our cat watching needs :)
Katyann
August 26, 2023
Rukana was an amazing cat sitter for my two kitties! She updated me promptly & even was able to come an extra day due to flight changes. Would definitely recommend her to anyone!
Helen
February 25, 2026
Anthony
January 15, 2026
Dylan
January 5, 2026
Tina
January 2, 2026
Elise
December 27, 2025
Paul
December 25, 2025
Nancye
November 30, 2025
Hasia
November 29, 2025
Brent
November 27, 2025
Yun
November 5, 2025
Helen
October 18, 2025
Dylan
September 26, 2025
Brent
September 2, 2025
Dylan
August 17, 2025
Amna
August 15, 2025
Jessica
August 13, 2025
Audrey
August 12, 2025
Rukana is the best!! Will be booking with her again :)
Nancye
August 10, 2025
Amazing! Great communication and pictures. Will book again!
Jay
August 5, 2025
Brent
July 27, 2025
Vanessa
July 19, 2025
Rukana did an excellent job caring for and being attentive to our girls while we were away and we always looked forward to her updates!
Dylan
June 22, 2025
Hattie
April 20, 2025
as always Rukana was amazing!!
Paul
April 8, 2025
Jessica
March 25, 2025
Zak
March 18, 2025
Rukana is amazing and Riis loves her!
Rachel
March 10, 2025
Hattie
February 24, 2025
once again Rukana was wonderful! kind, caring and communicative♥️
Dylan
February 10, 2025
Katie
January 15, 2025
Madeleine
January 13, 2025
Melissa
January 4, 2025
Simply the best. I highly recommend Rukana.
Rachel
December 29, 2024
Katie
December 28, 2024
Jessamin
December 27, 2024
Nicole
December 2, 2024
Rachel
November 30, 2024
Emily
November 24, 2024
Paul
November 22, 2024
Melissa
November 21, 2024
Jas
November 17, 2024
Tina
November 17, 2024
Mike
November 14, 2024
Ari
November 12, 2024
Melissa
November 10, 2024
Rosie
November 5, 2024
Jessica
November 4, 2024
Rue is the best! Always know our kitties are in goods hand when we go away. Thank you, Rue!!
Jessamin
November 3, 2024
Shelby
October 30, 2024
David
October 27, 2024
Rukana was fantastic. Whenever I need a cat sitter, she will be my first choice.
Rosie
October 21, 2024
Rachel
October 21, 2024
Katie
October 18, 2024
Ari
October 16, 2024
Hattie
October 16, 2024
Patrick
October 16, 2024
Ari
October 14, 2024
Rukana is absolutely amazing! Very responsive, on time, professional and so so sweet. My cat adored her from the start and I felt confident he was being cared for and loved like he was her own. Will abolsuelty rebook with her again!!
Dylan
October 8, 2024
Rachel
October 5, 2024
James
October 3, 2024
Jessica
October 1, 2024
Rue is the best! We are so glad we found her and now feel comfortable leaving our two kitties while we go out of town, knowing they will be well taken care of.
Vittoria
September 22, 2024
Hannah
September 14, 2024
Katie
September 8, 2024
Dylan
September 7, 2024
Richie
September 4, 2024
Katyann
September 2, 2024
Rachel
August 31, 2024
Paul
August 31, 2024
Marisol
August 26, 2024
Best overall cat sitter. have only used Rukana for over a year now.
Raleigh
August 24, 2024
Patrick
August 10, 2024
Rukana did a terrific job caring for our two cats over an extended time … she sent great photos and videos
Kimberly
August 5, 2024
Andrea
August 4, 2024
like always Rukana did an amazing job with our kitties!!! 😻
Paul
July 19, 2024
Tina
July 16, 2024
John
July 16, 2024
Hasia
July 15, 2024
Rukana was great! She gave detailed updates, cute photos and you could tell she took the time to read through everything! I will definitely be checking her availability for any future trips we take.
Roberta
July 14, 2024
Mike
July 10, 2024
Kate
July 8, 2024
Marielle
July 8, 2024
Katie
July 8, 2024
Brent
July 8, 2024
Madeleine
June 28, 2024
Dylan
June 17, 2024
Allie
June 15, 2024
Paul
May 27, 2024
Matthew
May 24, 2024
Brent
May 14, 2024
Andrea
May 12, 2024
Andrea
May 12, 2024
Dylan
May 6, 2024
Sarah
April 25, 2024
Brent
April 23, 2024
Zak
April 23, 2024
Katyann
March 21, 2024
My second time hiring Rukana and would definitely hire again! Very responsive, and takes care of my kitties perfectly. Thanks Rukana!
Andrea
March 18, 2024
Emily
March 11, 2024
Paul
March 1, 2024
Abigail
February 29, 2024
3rd time using Rukana now and she always does an amazing job!
Alex
February 12, 2024
Kate
February 4, 2024
Domenica
February 3, 2024
Matthew
January 14, 2024
Rue is an expert in kitty care. Dependable, knowledgeable, flexible, amiable, and responsive, I highly recommend her as a catsitter.
Paul
January 10, 2024
Vanessa
January 4, 2024
I loved Rukana. I felt like my cat was in good hands. She was a pleasure to work with.
Jessamin
December 28, 2023
Free Cancellation (48+ hrs)