I'm Lara
Lara's Westside Cat Sitting Service
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In-home cat sitting visits typically include:
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I'm Lara
Cat Sitting in Portland, OR
In addition to caring for your kitties, I am comfortable with watering your plants, bringing in the mail and packages, and taking out the trash when it is needed.
I really enjoy the process of attaching a cat's personality to their name. I've lived with kitties named Fruitcake, Muffin, Lady, White Schmoa (AKA Koshka), and Brown Schmoa. I like how a cat's personality and cuteness become permanently attached to the name (which is usually creative and always cute as well!), creating a perfect match between the two... Throughout my life, I've had many cat roommates. I love getting to know each cat's individual personality and go out of my way to say "Hi" when a potential new furry friend crosses my path. I have experience with giving cats medication including eye/ear drops, oral medication, topical ointments, and subcutaneous fluids. I am also very comfortable with handling multiple litter boxes, making sure the boxes and surrounding areas are tidy, and cleaning up messes that require enzyme cleaners.
In addition to caring for your kitties, I am comfortable with watering your plants, bringing in the mail and packages, and taking out the trash when it is needed.
I really enjoy the process of attaching a cat's personality to their name. I've lived with kitties named Fruitcake, Muffin, Lady, White Schmoa (AKA Koshka), and Brown Schmoa. I like how a cat's personality and cuteness become permanently attached to the name (which is usually creative and always cute as well!), creating a perfect match between the two. When getting to know your cat(s) I am patient and versed in cat body language. My top priority is making sure a cat is comfortable and well-loved.
Aelfwynn, my furry companion, got her name from a piece of history. Aelfwynn was the daughter of Aethelflaed, a female ruler of Mercia in the 10th century, one of the 7 kingdoms that eventually became England. I've read that in Old English it means "elf joy" --> aelf "elf" and wynn "joy".
Aelfwynn and I work from home which makes my schedule flexible, this helps to ensure your companion gets the attention and care they need day or night. I currently work as an Education Manager at a company that sets up machine shops such as wood shops, metal shops, and 3D printing labs. I primarily write and edit educational material and schedule training sessions. This means I get to learn about new tools all the time which, as a maker and educator, is very exciting.
I've been clicker training Aelfwynn, she's been learning how to jump up and down from surfaces, come when her name is called, and she has aced low and high-fives. She loves eating cat grass I grow for her and we both enjoy hanging out in the sunlight together.
My gallery shows Aelfwynn who is a Torbie, and one of my favorites, Miss Fierce, who lived a long life of 18 years.
I look forward to meeting you and your cat. =^..^=
In-home cat sitting visits typically include:
Check if Lara services your area
Unfortunately, Lara does not cover your area right meow.
Alexandra
January 2, 2025
Lara did a great job - my cats immediately trusted her. She sent detailed updates and left my place sparkling clean!
Read more
Mickey
February 10, 2025
I've used multiple people to sit for my cats both here on Meowtel and elsewhere and yet I've never seen any of them get my formerly street cats to engage with them as much as Lara did. She's amazing without being intrusive to their space.
Read more
Emily
January 27, 2025
It was my first time leaving our senior cat alone for a few days. We usually board him. He was the same cranky cat when we got home as he always is! Lara was a GREAT playmate, super communicative, our cat snuggled her like she was an old friend. Such peace of mind! Will definitely book Lara again.
Read more
Akbar
January 2, 2024
Lara did a phenomenal job taking care of my cat, Cassie. Cassie had gotten very sick the week before and had started recovering but needed three different types of medications administered in different ways. Lara was easily able to handle that for the 5 days I was away with no issues. I would highly recommend Lara to anyone looking for a detail-oriented, compassionate, and very skilled catsitter.
Read more
Barbara
April 18, 2024
Lara was great with our two cats. They have complicated feedings which she mastered and she cleaned up after my puker cat did his thing. She sent great updates with lots of photos and was very responsive. Even my shy kitty warmed up to her. I'm going to book her again for next month!
Read more
Francesca
January 22, 2024
Lara was amazing! she was scheduled to cat sit for us during the week of terrible snow and ice this winter and she still came every day and made sure that the cats were taken care of. She also sent very long and detailed updates every day.
Read moreService Area & Availability
Drop in visits rates
Overnight stay rate
Lara's is 30%
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
Lara's holiday surcharge is 30%.
Drop in visits rates
Overnight stay rate
Lara's is 30%
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
Lara's holiday surcharge is 30%.
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.
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.
Portland 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 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
Alexandra
January 2, 2025
Lara did a great job - my cats immediately trusted her. She sent detailed updates and left my place sparkling clean!
Mickey
February 10, 2025
I've used multiple people to sit for my cats both here on Meowtel and elsewhere and yet I've never seen any of them get my formerly street cats to engage with them as much as Lara did. She's amazing without being intrusive to their space.
Emily
January 27, 2025
It was my first time leaving our senior cat alone for a few days. We usually board him. He was the same cranky cat when we got home as he always is! Lara was a GREAT playmate, super communicative, our cat snuggled her like she was an old friend. Such peace of mind! Will definitely book Lara again.
Akbar
January 2, 2024
Lara did a phenomenal job taking care of my cat, Cassie. Cassie had gotten very sick the week before and had started recovering but needed three different types of medications administered in different ways. Lara was easily able to handle that for the 5 days I was away with no issues. I would highly recommend Lara to anyone looking for a detail-oriented, compassionate, and very skilled catsitter.
Barbara
April 18, 2024
Lara was great with our two cats. They have complicated feedings which she mastered and she cleaned up after my puker cat did his thing. She sent great updates with lots of photos and was very responsive. Even my shy kitty warmed up to her. I'm going to book her again for next month!
Francesca
January 22, 2024
Lara was amazing! she was scheduled to cat sit for us during the week of terrible snow and ice this winter and she still came every day and made sure that the cats were taken care of. She also sent very long and detailed updates every day.
Rachel
January 7, 2024
Lara was so amazing with our two cats! We booked her for two whole weeks and she provided daily updates with pictures/videos. Our cats took to her right away and she was even able to teach one of them to give her a "high five" for a treat (which we didn't know our cat could do)! Lara even offered to get our mail and water plants while we were away, which was a big help! We returned to two very happy and healthy cats. Would highly recommend Lara!
Lee
December 27, 2023
Lara was the best cat sitter we have ever had. Every day, she sent us pictures and a detailed description of her time here. When we got back, the place and cat box were clean and our cats were happy and content. We will definitely use Lara again.
Mickey
March 26, 2024
Lara was great! My kittos are shy as they are formerly feral and it usually takes a long time for them to get used to new people. Yet Lara was able to get close to one of them fairly quickly. Updates regularly, good photos and everything handled well and within the windows of time that I requested. Will be taking advantage of her great kitto care skills again soon!
Marina
April 29, 2024
Laura did a great job taking care of our fussy cat Pearl and was even able to coax her out of her shell! She even went above and beyond when ants decided to invade while we where away, and provided detailed updates with photos and videos.
Courtney
March 31, 2024
Lara cared for our five kitty boys - she won over even our most skittish with patience and love. (One of them has never before come out of hiding whilst a sitter or guest is over, and Lara had him accepting treats and eating his meals like normal after just a few days.) Lara very clearly loves and understands cats (all personalities) and we felt so wonderful knowing our boys were with her whilst we were away. Thank you Lara!
Kathryn
March 22, 2024
Lara was wonderful with Jasper and gave him the company and playtime he really needs when we are away. Lara sent multiple photos and checked in with me on a potential concern with his health, which was much appreciated. I definitely recommend Lara to look after your cats and would love her to come back to look after Jasper next time we are away.
Laura
December 20, 2023
Lara is all around a fantastic cat sitter. Our two kitties, as cute and fun as they are, need an inhaler given 2x a day. With confidence, we knew that Lara would administer the meds correctly with her gentle touch. We highly recommend Lara as your next cat sitter!!! We’re 100% happy with Lara and her amazing attention to detail. Her many photos and videos provided a reassurance that our cats and our home were in the best of hands.
Kat
January 12, 2024
Lara was wonderful to work with! Great communication and updates, super helpful with cleaning up unexpected messes that our kitties made, and spoiled them with excellent play time. Would definitely recommend.
Olivia
January 5, 2024
Lara was incredible with our senior kitty. She was super responsive, gave us updates all the time, and made sure Koa was as happy as could be.
Marina
August 19, 2024
Laura always goes above and beyond when taking care of our cat Pearl! She is really attuned to Pearl’s quirky mannerisms and is so good at getting her to come out of her shell. Thanks again Laura!
Emily
April 8, 2025
We are over the moon to have found Lara! Our cat is 13 years young. We’ve had a lot of catsitters through the years. Lara is top tier!
Marina
September 28, 2024
Lara has been such a great sitter for our cat Pearl while we’ve been away! She takes great care to play with Pearl and really knows how to make Pearl feel content and relaxed. It’s so nice knowing our kitty is in good hands!
Brittany
December 26, 2023
Lara was absolutely fantastic with our cat, Rocco! She sent fun photos and videos, gave us great updates, and took very good care of our lil guy! i would highly reccomend!
Laura
August 12, 2024
Trip planning is much less stressful knowing Lara will be taking care of our two kitties. With their medication treatment, an asthma inhaler, the kitties need someone both competent and kind to administer their morning puff routine. Lara is a master and most decidedly a cat whisperer. If our two fluffies could talk, I’m pretty sure they’d be saying- now where has Lara disappeared to. please get her back here ASAP. Lara is basically all around awesome!!!
Chase
October 5, 2025
Lisa
October 4, 2025
Courtney
March 30, 2025
Our five kitties have become so comfortable with Lara - even the shy few come right out when they know it’s her. Thank you Lara.
Barbara
February 28, 2025
Emma
February 19, 2025
Lara was a great cat sitter! She was kind, flexible, communicative, and detail-oriented. All the anxiety I had from being away from my cat was made better by the daily messages, updates, and cute photos from Lara. I really loved having her as my cat sitter and appreciated how much she cared. Both myself and my kitty loved Lara and will book with her again!
Lisa
February 2, 2025
Courtney
January 4, 2025
Lara is amazing with our five kitties - they love her and we do too!
Carly
December 31, 2024
Lisa
December 29, 2024
Akbar
October 31, 2024
Akbar
August 19, 2024
Akbar
August 2, 2024
Jack
July 24, 2024
Courtney
July 23, 2024
Barbara
May 27, 2024
Lara is great! This was our second time having her sit and we'll continue to have her back.
John
May 20, 2024
Janelle
April 14, 2024
Our two kitties have totally different personalities, yet they each get anxious while we are not with them. Lara did everything we asked of her and brought a warm and calming presence during our absence. We are very pleased.
Laura
March 26, 2024
Lara is the perfect cat sitter! I truly could not ask for someone more intuitive with cats who is a great communicator and e extremely conscientious. Lara is just wonderful in all ways!
Akbar
March 5, 2024
Diane
January 6, 2024
Zoe
January 3, 2024
Marina
December 31, 2023
Lara was a great pet sitter for our shy kitty Pearl! She was very patient and even got her to play a little.
Henry
December 31, 2023
Joni
December 26, 2023
Andrei
December 25, 2023
Lisa
December 5, 2023
Jasmine
November 28, 2023
Lisa
November 27, 2023
Gabrielle
November 26, 2023
Henry
November 14, 2023
Lara was very responsive and took great care of our cats over the weekend. Would definitely book again!
Elizabeth
November 13, 2023
Lara did a great job giving my kitty cuddles and playtime. Her photos and videos were great!
Meowtel
October 23, 2023
Lara is a background-checked cat sitter in the Portland area. Their profile has been verified and their references have been checked by Meowtel.