I'm Vanessa
Can't Imagine My Life Without Cats
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In-home cat sitting visits typically include:
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I'm Vanessa
Cat Sitting in Columbus, OH
I love cats dearly... Greetings and salutations, fellow cat lovers, my name is Vanessa. I have been a cat mom for about 30 years, and have non-professionally checked in on others' cats for about 10 or so years. I have little experience with giving medication to kitties, I'm afraid, but have worked as a home healthcare provider in the past, becoming trained and licensed during that time, meaning I am willing and able to learn how to provide such care.
I love cats dearly. I've met no other animal that consistently brings me such joy to meet and try to befriend. I grew up in the country where people would abandon cats and even kittens nearby, and my family got used to caring for them all, with some indoor, some outdoor, and some mixed, even having as many as 13 at one point in time. Now as an adult in her 30s, I've had my girl cat Claire for more than 12 years now, and I love her to pieces. So while my professional cat sitting experience may be low, I assure you, my love for cats and desire to be their new friend and caretaker has been long developed. I can't wait to meet your kitties!
Learn More About Vanessa
What is your experience with cat sitting, and how long have you been doing it?
I've non-professionally checked on friends' and neighbors' cats for over a decade now, the main one being a couple that frequently goes on trips and needs someone to check on their void cat. He likes to act cute like he wants pets, only to then freak out and likely swat at someone trying to touch him. I figured out that he's easily overstimulated, and have been able to lay claim to being the only person he'll come out of hiding for and allow to sit near him well enough to take pictures to send to his owners.
What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?
Meeting the kitties themselves. Petting them, playing with them, seeing them happy... There's nothing better when you have a happy cat, and even better when the cat chooses to grace you with love and affection because they like you. They're not all angels, but they're still so full of love and the desire to be loved. Getting to greet them and see them react happily to your presence is a true gift to the heart and soul.
How do you handle cats that are particularly timid or anxious?
I have two main methods, and will try both if one doesn't work. I will either lay on my stomach facing the cat in question, making eye contact but keeping my body and voice small, speaking infrequently but softly and sweetly, and maybe even lay out an arm away from me, palm up, to give the cat the decision on whether they want to approach me. If they show no indication of wanting to get closer, I'll get back up as slowly and quietly as I can to avoid scaring them, then either sitting or going about regular tasks quietly. Sitting quietly fully puts the ball in their court on if they want to approach me, at which point I'll let them smell me at their leisure. Doing regular tasks tells them I'm not there to harass them, so they can observe me on their own time and conditions.
In-home cat sitting visits typically include:
Check if Vanessa services your area
Unfortunately, Vanessa does not cover your area right meow.
Meowtel
July 23, 2026
Vanessa is a background-checked cat sitter in the Columbus area. Their profile has been verified by Meowtel.
Read moreService Area & Availability
Drop in visits rates
Vanessa's is 50%
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
Vanessa's holiday surcharge is 50%.
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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.
Columbus 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 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
Meowtel
July 23, 2026
Vanessa is a background-checked cat sitter in the Columbus area. Their profile has been verified by Meowtel.