I'm Mel

Name: Mel A Cat Fanatic
Address: Reston, VA, 20190, US
Rating: 5.00

Mel A Cat Fanatic

+7 Photos View all

5.00

19 Reviews

< 30 mins Response Time

4 Repeat clients

Background Checked

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I'm Mel

Mel A Cat Fanatic

Reston, VA

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

Mel is experienced with 3 types of medications

Topical Ointments Eye/Ear Drops Oral Medication / Pills

You aren't charged until Mel confirms your request. Cancel anytime up to 48 hours before the reservation begins for a 100% refund.

Check if Mel services your area

Good news! Mel covers your area.

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I'm Mel

Cat Sitting in Reston, VA

I love cats more than anything! I volunteer with 4paws cat rescue to feed the community colonies and provide care for the adoptable cats in the petco habitats. My love for cats comes from the fact that I've always grown up with cats and for my senior honors project I'm studying animal psychology. I'm especially passionate about seni... I love cats more than anything! I volunteer with 4paws cat rescue to feed the community colonies and provide care for the adoptable cats in the petco habitats. My love for cats comes from the fact that I've always grown up with cats and for my senior honors project I'm studying animal psychology. I'm especially passionate about senior kitties, they just have so much love to give! I have 3 babies of my own, Baxter (9M), Rey (8F), and Darcy (3F) . My cats have a wide variety of temperments and through my cat volunteering I feel like I've dealt with it all. I love cat sitting for those in my community and I promise to love your fur babies as if they were my own.

Learn More About Mel

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

I especially love working with senior cats. The most impactful cat I bonded with that wasn't my own was Loki, he was 15 and so sweet and vocal. When I gave him kisses on the head he would butt his head up into me and it was the cutest thing ever. When I heard it was time for him to be put down I visited him the day before the appointment and got to give him treats one last time. I definitely mourned him like he was my own and I think about him often.

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

I try to remember everything they may forget! Before leaving for a trip it can be stressful and difficult to remember everything but I ask a lot of questions to make sure I'm prepared to provide the best care possible. I also send frequent updates and pictures to the parents so they can be assured that their kitties are safe.

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

I let them come to me on their own terms. Before their parents leave I like to ask the parents about their cat's frequent hiding spots so even if the cat doesn't come out to say hi to me I can at least lay eyes on them to make sure everything is ok without stepping over their boundaries

Medication Experience:

Topical Ointments Eye/Ear Drops Oral Medication / Pills

Skills:

Shelter Volunteer

I'm Mel

Mel A Cat Fanatic

Reston, VA

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

Mel is experienced with 3 types of medications

Topical Ointments Eye/Ear Drops Oral Medication / Pills

You aren't charged until Mel confirms your request. Cancel anytime up to 48 hours before the reservation begins for a 100% refund.

Check if Mel services your area

Good news! Mel covers your area.

Unfortunately, Mel does not cover your area right meow.

5.00

19 reviews

5.0

Attention to Detail

5.0

Communication

5.0

Tidiness

Aimee

January 15, 2026

Mel was wonderful with my kitties! They kept me up to speed every time they visited, complete with photos, and was so gentle that the cats allowed tummy rubs. The cats don’t even do that with me! 100000/10 if you are looking for someone who can provide gentle care for any shy cats.

Meowtel-verified reservation 1+ week long

Suzanne

June 24, 2025

We will definitely us Mel again. They kept us well informed on how the cats were doing and confirmed they received their medication.

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits

Rachel

December 3, 2024

Mel was fantastic, both with me and my kitty. I get pretty anxious about leaving Leon alone, and Mel always responded to my messages promptly. She also sent over many photos and videos! Leon definitely seemed to love hanging with her too.

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits

Dulce

April 5, 2026

Meowtel-verified reservation with twice per day visits

Madison

March 13, 2026

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits

Brittlan

December 25, 2025

Meowtel-verified reservation with twice per day visits

Service Area & Availability

Drop in visits rates

$24.50 / 20min

$40.75 / 45min

$54.25 / 60min

Overnight stay rate

$72.75 / Overnight

Mel's is 10%

Overnight Availability

Mel's Holiday Surcharge Applies

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4.8

Rating on
Google

4.9

300,000+
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.

Memorial Day is coming up soon (May 25th, 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!

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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.

Reston cat sitting rates will vary based on the sitter's experience and services, but the average price is $29.00. 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!

5.00

From $24.50

Free Cancellation (48+ hrs)