I'm Iris
Iris The Cat Sitter
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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:
Iris is experienced with 5 types of medications
Check if Iris services your area
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I'm Iris
Cat Sitting in White Plains, NY
I am an experienced cat sitter and cat behaviorist providing tailored care for cats in Westchester, NY, NJ and Conneticut.
I earned my PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley with specialization in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology (focusing on X-ray crystallography).
When I’m not cat sitting, I serve as full time science Faculty where I teach biology 🧬 , chemistry 🧪 , cancer biology research and infectious diseases. I’ve been volunteering for 8 years with several nonprofit cat/animal rescues in the NYC/NJ area where I provide support with difficult neonatal rescue cases, severe medical cases, special needs and other urgent rescues.
I volunteer with LittleWanderersNYC, 10livesnyc and Maria’s Meows (small rescue in NJ).
I have 3 cats of my own; tuxedo brothers Sherlock and Dr... Hello! I’m Dr. Iris
I am an experienced cat sitter and cat behaviorist providing tailored care for cats in Westchester, NY, NJ and Conneticut.
I earned my PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley with specialization in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology (focusing on X-ray crystallography).
When I’m not cat sitting, I serve as full time science Faculty where I teach biology 🧬 , chemistry 🧪 , cancer biology research and infectious diseases. I’ve been volunteering for 8 years with several nonprofit cat/animal rescues in the NYC/NJ area where I provide support with difficult neonatal rescue cases, severe medical cases, special needs and other urgent rescues.
I volunteer with LittleWanderersNYC, 10livesnyc and Maria’s Meows (small rescue in NJ).
I have 3 cats of my own; tuxedo brothers Sherlock and Dr. Watson, 2 year old Captain Jean-Luc Picard and a 5 year old special needs foster kitty named Holly Blue whose survival was compromised at birth.
When special needs foster kitty Holly Blue first came to me as a baby kitten the vet said she had type 2 atresia ani meaning that she was slowly dying since birth because her anatomy of her GI tract didn’t form completely leaving her without an opening to poop. After being told to euthanize Holly 6 times, I was able to find a neonatal surgeon who was able to successfully perform the lifesaving surgery she to have a chance to live. Although, she has received several applications from potential adoption families they all backed out at the end of the adoption process. I continue to provide the best care for Holly and make sure she is loved and cared for.
I look forward to meeting your cat! 🐈 🐈⬛🐈🐱
If you choose me as your cat sitter I can promise to provide detailed excellent care tailored to your cat’s specific needs, preferences and personality as well as any particular tasks you need me to take care of during your cats cat sitter reservation.
Learn More About Iris
What is your experience with cat sitting, and how long have you been doing it?
I’ve been cat sitting for over 15 years.
What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?
My favorite part of cat sitting is meeting your cat and spending quality time with them, get to know their personalities and play with them.
Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?
Yes! Sherlock, Dr. Watson, and Captain Jean-Luc Picard
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a cat sitter?
Make sure you hire someone who has some first aid/medical training when it comes to caring for cats. If a medical issue arises you’ll want your cat sitter to be able to recognize that something isn’t right with your kitty and will make sure they are checked out or receive the urgent care they need.
Are you usually available during holidays?
Yes I am available during most holidays.
What is your favorite cat toy?
I love catnip toys and wand toys to help your cat exercise and enjoy themselves.
How do you handle cats that are particularly timid or anxious?
I am very patient with nervous or timid cats. My own little tuxedo boy Dr. Watson is very nervous around anyone who isn’t mommy. When meeting a new cat I keep myself low to the ground to make myself small and talk quietly and reassuringly to your kitty. Anxious kitties need time to feel comfortable with a new cat sitter. I will often sit quietly and play with a toy or simply sit and ignore the kitty (no direct eye contact) and let the cat slowly get used to my presence.
Medication Experience:
Skills:
In-home cat sitting visits typically include:
Iris is experienced with 5 types of medications
Check if Iris services your area
Unfortunately, Iris does not cover your area right meow.
Dana
August 11, 2025
Iris was amazing with my two shy kittens. She made it her goal to make sure they were comfortable with her and even stayed for longer each day to build a bond. She followed all my directions beautifully and then some! She sent me daily photos and videos, and kept me updated on their feedings and playtime. It was really nice coming home to well taken care of kitties after my vacation.
Read more
Susan
July 27, 2024
From first contact to the end of the "sit," Iris was the perfect cat sitter. She responded quickly, came for a meet and greet, and immediately put me at ease. It was obvious from the beginning that she really loves cats and is very knowledgeable about cat behavior and care. She stayed overnight with Pearl. She sent many beautiful photos and frequent updates. I highly recommend her, and so does Pearl. In fact, I think our kitty was a little disappointed that we came home and Iris left. ☺️
Read more
Roberta
July 8, 2024
iris did a great job with our cats, even charming our shy cat out and getting pictures of him every day. she really cares about our cats and their well-being.
Read more
Emily
This week
Meowtel
June 13, 2024
Dr Iris is a background-checked cat sitter in the Somerset area. Their profile has been verified and their references have been checked by Meowtel.
Read moreService Area & Availability
Drop in visits rates
Iris'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
Iris'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.
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.
Labor Day is coming up soon (September 7th, 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.
White Plains cat sitting rates will vary based on the sitter's experience and services, but the average price is $31.00. 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
Dana
August 11, 2025
Iris was amazing with my two shy kittens. She made it her goal to make sure they were comfortable with her and even stayed for longer each day to build a bond. She followed all my directions beautifully and then some! She sent me daily photos and videos, and kept me updated on their feedings and playtime. It was really nice coming home to well taken care of kitties after my vacation.
Susan
July 27, 2024
From first contact to the end of the "sit," Iris was the perfect cat sitter. She responded quickly, came for a meet and greet, and immediately put me at ease. It was obvious from the beginning that she really loves cats and is very knowledgeable about cat behavior and care. She stayed overnight with Pearl. She sent many beautiful photos and frequent updates. I highly recommend her, and so does Pearl. In fact, I think our kitty was a little disappointed that we came home and Iris left. ☺️
Roberta
July 8, 2024
iris did a great job with our cats, even charming our shy cat out and getting pictures of him every day. she really cares about our cats and their well-being.
Emily
This week
Meowtel
June 13, 2024
Dr Iris is a background-checked cat sitter in the Somerset area. Their profile has been verified and their references have been checked by Meowtel.
Free Cancellation (48+ hrs)