I'm Melissa
Melissa Here And Happy To Help
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:
Melissa is experienced with 3 types of medications
Check if Melissa services your area
Unfortunately, Melissa does not cover your area right meow.
I'm Melissa
Cat Sitting in Chester, VA
I am a mother of 7, so I have been caring for pets and people for some time now, and customer service is the 'name of my game'!
I pride myse... Hi, I'm Melissa, and I am here to put you at ease, while you are away from your special pet and home, and assist with all your cat needs ; )
I am a mother of 7, so I have been caring for pets and people for some time now, and customer service is the 'name of my game'!
I pride myself in being customer service oriented, with Many years experience in the work force.
My life Motto is the Golden Rule, so your home and pet are safe in my care, and I aim to please... I believe communication is the key, so Let me know your request, and I'll aim to accommodate you.
Learn More About Melissa
What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?
I like connecting with cats... I enjoy how new cats are typically shy and reserved, and then how the relationship evolves over each visit, and then we are able to build a purr-fecct repoire 😹
What is your typical process for working with a new cat parent?
When I meet a new cat parent I like to be as communicative As Possible!.... So we can be on the same page, and everything can run smoothly for the cat parent, the cat, and my self. I aim to please, so I get specifics on schedules, preferences, tips/notes/pointers , meds/supplements and all need to know informtion prior.
How do you ensure the safety & security of the cats and the home while cat sitting?
As a mom of 7 and God fearing woman... I was taught at a young age (by my great grandmother) that if you ever borrow something you give it back in just as good, if not Better form, and I look at cat sitting like that.... I know I am caring for people's precious 'four legged friend' so I treat their loved one, like my loved one 😻 I am on the cat's 'turf' & time, so I am patient and caring, as I wait for them to warm up at their speed, and respect their boundaries. (For the more reserved and hesitant cats)
Are you usually available during holidays?
I'm pretty flexible, and always open to work .... Book with me early to ensure your holiday coverage, and I'll plan around it ☺️
How do you handle cats that are particularly timid or anxious?
I like to get down at there level, and give them the opportunity to get comfortable with me and smell me. I will also pet to comfort them, if they allow... And of course, ask the owner of any special tricks/toys, and information that could help.
Medication Experience:
In-home cat sitting visits typically include:
Melissa is experienced with 3 types of medications
Check if Melissa services your area
Unfortunately, Melissa does not cover your area right meow.
Beth
May 26, 2026
Melissa was so wonderful!! She took care of everything to a high standard, ensured I came home to a pleasant and tidy space and no dirty dishes. Communication was clear and timely, daily pictures and videos kept me informed. And she even took the time to position toys around the house to give the kids more independent play options. Will book again!
Read more
Patricia
September 20, 2026
We were so happy to be able to book Melissa again. She takes wonderful care of our kitties, and it means so much to know they are taken care of while we are away. She cleaned up after them and made sure they were fed and happy. We'll definitely keep using Melissa when we travel!
Read more
Kathleen
October 7, 2025
Melissa was very good at communicating, both before my trip and during it. She sends plenty of photos daily and it looks like my skittish cat warmed up to her! She took my suggestions of things to try to make the cat comfortable and made suggestions based on her experience as well. Recommend!
Read more
Arlene
This month
Melissa was the best! Went above and beyond then what I asked. She replied to my request quickly and provided update pics everyday. I hesitate to let anyone else know how great she was because I want to keep her all for myself but seriously if you want the best sitter then use Melissa. You won’t be disappointed!! Thank you Melissa for loving our fur babies like we do!!
Read more
Alyssa
August 10, 2025
Once again, Melissa was fantastic! She not only took care of my boys but went above and beyond to help with an ant crisis in my apartment! I can’t thank her enough!
Read more
Jessica
September 8, 2026
Melissa was extremely thorough and communicated everything through the messaging app, also including pictures. We would absolutely hire her again to watch over our kitties!!
Read moreService Area & Availability
Drop in visits rates
Melissa'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
These are the date ranges in 2027 to which the holiday surcharge applies:
- January 1-4: New Year's 2027
- January 15-21: MLK Day
- February 12-18: Presidents Day
- May 28-June 3: Memorial Day
- June 16-22: Juneteenth
- July 1-7: July 4th
- September 3-9: Labor Day
- October 8-14: Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day
- November 8-14: Veterans Day
- November 22-28: Thanksgiving
- December 22-28: Christmas
- December 29-31: New Year's 2028
Melissa's holiday surcharge is 30%.
Drop in visits rates
Melissa'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
These are the date ranges in 2027 to which the holiday surcharge applies:
- January 1-4: New Year's 2027
- January 15-21: MLK Day
- February 12-18: Presidents Day
- May 28-June 3: Memorial Day
- June 16-22: Juneteenth
- July 1-7: July 4th
- September 3-9: Labor Day
- October 8-14: Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day
- November 8-14: Veterans Day
- November 22-28: Thanksgiving
- December 22-28: Christmas
- December 29-31: New Year's 2028
Melissa'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.
375,000+
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.
Veterans Day is coming up soon (November 11th, 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.
Chester cat sitting rates will vary based on the sitter's experience and services, but the average price is $35.00. 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
Beth
May 26, 2026
Melissa was so wonderful!! She took care of everything to a high standard, ensured I came home to a pleasant and tidy space and no dirty dishes. Communication was clear and timely, daily pictures and videos kept me informed. And she even took the time to position toys around the house to give the kids more independent play options. Will book again!
Patricia
September 20, 2026
We were so happy to be able to book Melissa again. She takes wonderful care of our kitties, and it means so much to know they are taken care of while we are away. She cleaned up after them and made sure they were fed and happy. We'll definitely keep using Melissa when we travel!
Kathleen
October 7, 2025
Melissa was very good at communicating, both before my trip and during it. She sends plenty of photos daily and it looks like my skittish cat warmed up to her! She took my suggestions of things to try to make the cat comfortable and made suggestions based on her experience as well. Recommend!
Arlene
This month
Melissa was the best! Went above and beyond then what I asked. She replied to my request quickly and provided update pics everyday. I hesitate to let anyone else know how great she was because I want to keep her all for myself but seriously if you want the best sitter then use Melissa. You won’t be disappointed!! Thank you Melissa for loving our fur babies like we do!!
Alyssa
August 10, 2025
Once again, Melissa was fantastic! She not only took care of my boys but went above and beyond to help with an ant crisis in my apartment! I can’t thank her enough!
Jessica
September 8, 2026
Melissa was extremely thorough and communicated everything through the messaging app, also including pictures. We would absolutely hire her again to watch over our kitties!!
Beth
September 10, 2026
Melissa was diligent in taking care of the cats and notifying me with pictures and messages. I highly recommend her!
Rachel
January 9, 2026
reservation overall went good:) only issues i had were with communication and arriving at agree upon times. otherwise, she was very attentive and made sure my baby was happy and comfortable💓 thank you so much again !!
Tim
April 29, 2026
Melissa was wonderful! She was very accommodating last minute and kept us up to date with messages and lots of photos of our kitties! She went above and beyond for us while we were away. Will definitely be booking with her next time we go out of town!
John
July 5, 2026
Melissa was amazing and she took such good care of our kitties! We have one cat who needs some special attention and she kept good care of him and the others. Communication was good and it was so nice to return home from our trip and see that everything was so well taken care of. We'll definitely be using her again!
John
August 1, 2026
Melissa goes above and beyond for our kitties. I'm so glad we found her, and we'll use her every time we need to be away. Everything was clean and neat, and the kitties were happy when we returned. Thank you!
Alyssa
July 13, 2025
My boys seemed to really enjoy me being away, all thanks to Melissa! ;) They were well taken care of!
Beth
August 4, 2026
Melissa did a wonderful job with the cats! She kept us informed of their activities and feeding to ensure we had a carefree vacation.
Beth
June 21, 2026
Second experience with Melissa, and she was wonderful again!
Holt
December 28, 2025
Kathleen
November 12, 2025
Alyssa
September 20, 2025
Melissa
June 16, 2025
Tobe
March 21, 2025
Melissa is an amazing pet sitter with exceptional customer service! I have been using her for years and wouldn’t trust my pets with anyone else!
Brandi
March 21, 2025
A wonderful choice. Your pet will be in great hands.
Meowtel
March 21, 2025
Melissa is a background-checked cat sitter in the Henrico area. Their profile has been verified and their references have been checked by Meowtel.