I'm Kara

Rio Cat Collective

4.98
208 Reviews
< 15 mins Response Time
68 Repeat clients
Background-checked
Background-checked
Meowtel Top 5% Sitters in 2025
Meowtel Top 5% Sitters in 2025
250+ Meowtel reservations completed
250+ Meowtel reservations completed
Rare Find (usually a fully booked sitter)
Rare Find (usually a fully booked sitter)
Purrfect Planner
Purrfect Planner
Background Checked

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

Kara is experienced with 6 types of medications

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

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Rio Cat Collective

I'm Kara

Cat Sitting in Austin, TX

Hi! I’m Kara! I am available to care for your cat fam in Austin, New Braunfels, Kyle, Buda, Wimberley, Dripping Springs, Canyon Lake, Seguin, and most all surrounding areas. As a copywriter and freelancer, my flexible schedule means your kitties get the time and attention they deserve. I’ve been passionate about animals my whole life. With 15 years of experience in wildlife and animal rescue, I’ve been through all kinds of situations—emergencies and everyday care—... Hi! I’m Kara! I am available to care for your cat fam in Austin, New Braunfels, Kyle, Buda, Wimberley, Dripping Springs, Canyon Lake, Seguin, and most all surrounding areas. As a copywriter and freelancer, my flexible schedule means your kitties get the time and attention they deserve. I’ve been passionate about animals my whole life. With 15 years of experience in wildlife and animal rescue, I’ve been through all kinds of situations—emergencies and everyday care—and I’m confident in my ability to keep your cat safe, comfortable, and well-fed. It’s hard to fully relax on vacation or concentrate on work trips when you’re worried about your beloved animal fam at home. From pricey boarding facilities to unreliable care, it can be stressful to find the right fit. I’d love to be a solution you can count on, and I can’t wait to meet your kitties, love on them, and give you true peace of mind while you’re away. Let’s talk! Kara🐾

Learn More About Kara

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

My favorite part about cat sitting is knowing that I can give kitty parents real peace of mind while they’re away. It’s so rewarding to know their cats are safe, comfortable, and cared for. I also love meeting so many different cats and seeing their unique personalities, no two are ever the same! Cats are amazing teachers when it comes to patience and boundaries, and I learn something new from each one I meet.

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

Open and consistent communication is key when finding the right cat sitter. Look for someone who’s dependable about staying in touch, someone who sends regular updates, photos, and messages that show your cat is happy and well cared for. A great sitter doesn’t just feed and clean; they take the time to notice little things, like changes in your cat’s mood or habits, and communicate them clearly. It’s also important that they’re responsive and easy to reach, so you never have to worry while you’re away. The best sitter makes your absence feel as stress-free as possible, for both you and your cat!

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

I always start with a meet and greet, virtual or in person options are available. This allows me to meet the cats with their family there, helping everyone feel comfortable. It’s also a great opportunity to go over all the detail like access instructions/keys, lockbox or door code, favorite toys and treats, and any likes or dislike, so I can tailor care to each cat’s needs. My goal is to make the entire experience stress-free and ensure both the cats and their humans feel completely confident and at peace.

Are you usually available during holidays?

My family lives locally and we typically travel before or after holidays. So yes! I am likely available and willing!

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

It’s vital to give cats their space. I will often allow the cats to come to me and if they don’t, I’ll talk to them from afar, sit quietly and respect their energy and space always.


Medication Experience:

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

Skills:

Animal CPR Trained Foster Parent T-N-R Shelter Volunteer

4.98
208 reviews
5.0
Attention to Detail
5.0
Communication
5.0
Tidiness
Mary Kate

Mary Kate

May 26, 2026

Kara was amazing. I was nervous to leave for the first time after one of my cat's diabetes diagnosis. but he got his shots and loved kara. this biggest surprise of my weekend away was that my really shy cat immediately warmed up to Kara and was excited when she'd drop in for the visits. amazing experience and communication!

Read more
Meowtel-verified reservation with twice per day visits
Alexander

Alexander

March 3, 2026

This was my first time using Meowtel on the customer side, and I was nervous about what kind of chaos my large cat fam would cause while I was out of town, but Kara was amazing and ensured everything went smoothly! She made sure my boy Gus got his medication each evening, and spent time with all of my cats, earned the favor of a few shy babies and gave plenty of love to the more social ones. She was also thorough in checking on everyone, and successfully got photos of each kitty every single visit, even the ones who tucked themselves away! 😸 Everyone was in good spirits when I returned home and eased back into their routines with no fuss. I highly recommend Kara!

Read more
Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits

Response from Kara

Thank you so much, Alex! It was so lovely to meet you and care for youradorable cat family, pleasure was mine and I definitely hope to see them again. Also so happy to have another sitter to recommend out. 🐾

Read more
Kelli

Kelli

April 23, 2026

Kara did such a great job with our very shy Miss Honey! This was the first time we have left her for a 2 week vacation and we were nervous because Honey really doesn’t “do” strangers. Kara sent daily pics and summary that eased our minds but what really made the impression? When we got home last night, and Honey knew it was us, she came right out of hiding. She meowed at us constantly and walked back and forth on the couch between us for pets and snuggles. She wasn’t mad at us, because she was so well cared for, she was just happy to see us. Thank you Kara for being so kind to our weird furry girl. Confirming she was eating and drinking helped ease our minds and allowed us to enjoy our vacation.

Read more
Meowtel-verified reservation 1+ week long
Kathy

Kathy

June 20, 2026

Kara did an excellent job of caring for my 3 cats, including a senior with medication. She provided a daily detailed report with pictures and spent time with each cat. I will not hesitate to use her professional services in the future.

Read more
Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
Eric

Eric

May 6, 2026

Kara was great at easing her way into my very shy cat's life. I really appreciate her cleaning up after Sage, sending pictures, and constantly communicating.

Read more
Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
Leslie

Leslie

November 12, 2025

Kara was amazing! She took excellent care of Jimmy and gave us updates each visit while we were gone. She went above and beyond expectations by dealing with some surprise issues with our water well. She has exceptional dedication and attention to detail. Kara is someone I trust completely to take care of my cat and to keep an eye on the house while we are gone. 10 Stars!

Read more
Meowtel-verified reservation 1+ week long

Service Area & Availability

Drop in visits rates

$32.00 / 20min
$42.00 / 45min
$55.00 / 60min

Overnight stay rate

$87.50 / Overnight
Calendar updated today

Kara's is 10%

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W
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Overnight Availability
Kara's Holiday Surcharge Applies
Service Area Map

Drop in visits rates

$35.00 / 20min
$45.00 / 45min
$55.00 / 60min

Overnight stay rate

$91.00 / Overnight
Calendar updated today

Kara's is 10%

S
M
T
W
T
F
S
Overnight Availability
Kara'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.

4.8
Rating on
Google
4.9
Reviews.io

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!

Featured Cat Sitters Near Austin, TX

  • Fabien brings patient care to shy or social cats alike, with his rescue boys Yuri and Roku shaping a gentle, trust-first style. He offers in-home visits across South Austin, East Austin, Downtown Austin, Buda, and Creedmoor, plus medication help, weekends, holidays, and fast replies 🐾✨

    Gentle care for shy kitties 🐾
    VIEW PROFILE
  • Shannon is a bubbly Austin sitter who accepts new clients, offers overnight visits, and is usually available on weekends and holidays. With 2 cats of their own, including shy Brody, they bring a gentle touch to topical ointments and oral meds 🐾

    Gentle Care for Cats 🐾
    VIEW PROFILE
  • Sophie is a background-checked cat lover with over 20 years of petsitting for friends and family. They give timid cats time to warm up, handle oral meds, eye/ear drops, and topical ointments, and welcome new clients. Fiona and Moxie inspire that same care 🐾. They also offer very fast response.

    Quick, Kind Cat Care 🐾
    VIEW PROFILE
  • Lisa, a school counselor on summer break in Austin, brings a gentle, quiet touch to cat care. She lives with Kamron, an affectionate rescue kitty, and has volunteered with Austin Pets Alive. She welcomes new clients and focuses on each cat's unique needs, including shy kitties 🐱

    Gentle Care for Shy Cats 🐱
    VIEW PROFILE
  • Kara R.
    (208)

    Kara is a Popular Austin sitter with very fast replies, overnight stays, weekend and holiday availability, plus a discount for new clients. She’s a Top 5% Sitter in 2025, handles meds from pills to injections, and keeps shy cats comfortable 🐾

    Fast, trusted cat care
    VIEW PROFILE
  • Diana cares for Cheshire and Elektra in Round Rock and across North Austin, bringing quick replies and a new-client discount to cat parents. She handles oral meds, injections, fluids, and eye or ear drops, with weekend visits often available. 😺

    Shy Cats, Fast Replies 😺
    VIEW PROFILE
  • Abbie cares for cats with medication needs, from pills and eye or ear drops to injections and inhalers. With Wilson and Hela at home, they bring 3+ years on Meowtel, 17 repeat clients, very fast responses, and usually take holiday and weekend visits. 😺

    Trusted Cat Care, Fast Replies 😺
    VIEW PROFILE
  • November is a background-checked sitter in Philadelphia who brings patient, attentive care to energetic kittens and sweet seniors alike 🐾 They also give topical ointments, eye/ear drops, and oral medication, with overnight, weekend, and holiday availability, plus fast responses and a 5.00 rating from 10+ reviews. Their detailed updates and adorable photos help cat parents relax.

    Patient care, happy cats 🐾
    VIEW PROFILE

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.

Austin cat sitting rates will vary based on the sitter's experience and services, but the average price is $26.00. 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!

4.98
208 reviews
4.98
From $32.00

Free Cancellation (48+ hrs)