I'm Hiat
Welcome To The Hiat Meowtel
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In-home cat sitting visits typically include:
Hiat is experienced with 5 types of medications
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I'm Hiat
Cat Sitting in Tacoma, WA
I specialize in meeting cats exactly where they are. Shy cats who need quiet patience, spicy cats who need respectful boundaries, confident cats who demand attention, and seniors who need a gentle, predictable routine... Hello! I’m Hiat. I like to say that cats get five star service when they’re with me (just like the hotel my name sounds like). I’m a lifelong cat lover who works in veterinary medicine, and I bring practical experience in feline behavior, stress reduction, and everyday health awareness to every stay.
I specialize in meeting cats exactly where they are. Shy cats who need quiet patience, spicy cats who need respectful boundaries, confident cats who demand attention, and seniors who need a gentle, predictable routine. Each one has a place, and I’m committed to earning their trust and proving I’m safe to share space with. I’m comfortable supporting anxious kitties, multi-cat households, and those who need a little extra observation or a more mindful approach.
I’m a slow-blink expert, a respecter of spicy moods, and an enthusiastic playtime partner for the cats who crave engagement. I’m calm, detail oriented, and trained to notice subtle shifts in behavior or comfort that many people might miss.
Whether your cat wants calm companionship, silly enrichment, structured routine, or someone who understands their quirks, they’ll be cared for just as I care for my own. When you’re not able to be home, your fur baby will be safe, understood, and genuinely adored.
Learn More About Hiat
What is your experience with cat sitting, and how long have you been doing it?
I’ve been caring for cats for many years for friends, family, and colleagues who trust me with their pets. I also work in veterinary medicine, which means I’m around cats every day and have extensive hands-on experience reading behavior, supporting different temperaments, and helping cats feel safe. Between my personal cats, my vet med background, and years of informal pet sitting, I’m very comfortable caring for a wide range of feline personalities and needs.
Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?
I have three cats! Their names are Ricky Ravioli, Rodney Ragu, and Romi Rigatoni. (If you want to see photos, please ask! I love to talk about them!)
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a cat sitter?
I think it’s important to look for a sitter who truly understands feline behavior and is comfortable working with different personalities. A good sitter should be able to read body language, respect boundaries, and adjust their approach for shy, spicy, or highly social cats. Ask how they build trust, how they handle stress signals, and how they support cats who need a quieter or slower introduction. Clear communication is key too, so choose someone who listens closely and takes your routines seriously. Most of all, pick a sitter who treats your cat as an individual, not a one-size-fits-all job.
What is your typical process for working with a new cat parent?
When I work with a new cat parent, I start by getting to know their cat’s routine, personality, and any specific needs or concerns. I ask detailed questions about feeding, litter habits, preferred hiding spots, behavior quirks, and anything that helps me understand what makes their cat feel safe. I share my approach, double check instructions, and make sure expectations are clear on both sides. During the stay, I keep communication open with updates and photos so cat parents always feel connected. My goal is to build trust with both the cat and their human and create a smooth, stress free experience.
How do you ensure the safety & security of the cats and the home while cat sitting?
I’m a very detail oriented person, so I make a clear plan with each family before a visit. I read through every instruction, ask questions, and take your concerns seriously. I want to care for your cat and home exactly the way I’d want mine cared for. During visits, I double and triple check doors, food, medications, and allergy notes because tiny details matter when it comes to safety. My work in veterinary medicine has trained me to notice the small things, from changes in behavior to signs of stress, so if something seems off I catch it early. Both your and your kitty’s comfort, security, and peace of mind are always my priority.
Are you usually available during holidays?
Most holidays I am available. The major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years) I am always available. If you would like to book in advance for a trip for any occasion, advanced notice helps me maximize time spent with your cat.
What is your favorite cat toy?
My (and my cat’s) favorite toy is a long wand with a long string. Their favorite attachment is a three feather propeller that makes a swooshing sound when flown through the air. They go crazy for it!
How do you handle cats that are particularly timid or anxious?
Timid or anxious cats need patience, predictability, and a calm presence, so I always let them set the pace. I avoid direct eye contact, move slowly, keep my voice soft, and give them plenty of space to observe me from a safe distance. I use behavior cues — like slow blinking, small movements, and positioning myself low to the ground to show I’m not a threat. I never force interaction. Instead, I create a quiet, stable environment where they can approach when they’re ready. My veterinary-medicine experience also helps me recognize signs of stress early, so I can adjust my approach to keep them feeling safe.
Medication Experience:
Skills:
In-home cat sitting visits typically include:
Hiat is experienced with 5 types of medications
Check if Hiat services your area
Unfortunately, Hiat does not cover your area right meow.
Jennifer
January 7, 2026
Hiat was an amazing sitter for my 2 kittens. He sent lots of updates and kept everything clean! He was very accommodating with my last minute request and would highly recommend him!
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Celia
December 29, 2025
This is our second time booking with Hiat and the care continues to be incredible. Communication is clear, timely, and accurate. And, most importantly, our kitty is always healthy and happy when we return!
Read more
Celia
December 25, 2025
Hiat is amazing and we will definitely be booking again. Our kitty was well cared for, communication was excellent, and the house was in great shape when we returned. Thank you, Hiat!
Read more
Celia
February 1, 2026
Hiat continues to provide incredible care for our kitty friends.
Read more
Sam
December 16, 2025
Hiat was awesome! I would trust him any time with my fur baby!
Read more
Erika
December 5, 2025
Experienced, knowledgeable, thorough, gentle, fear free approach. Will not find a more passionate cat lover or care taker.
Read moreService Area & Availability
Drop in visits rates
Hiat's is 20%
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
Hiat's holiday surcharge is 20%.
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.
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!
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.
Tacoma cat sitting rates will vary based on the sitter's experience and services, but the average price is $27.00. 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!
Rating breakdown
Jennifer
January 7, 2026
Hiat was an amazing sitter for my 2 kittens. He sent lots of updates and kept everything clean! He was very accommodating with my last minute request and would highly recommend him!
Celia
December 29, 2025
This is our second time booking with Hiat and the care continues to be incredible. Communication is clear, timely, and accurate. And, most importantly, our kitty is always healthy and happy when we return!
Celia
December 25, 2025
Hiat is amazing and we will definitely be booking again. Our kitty was well cared for, communication was excellent, and the house was in great shape when we returned. Thank you, Hiat!
Celia
February 1, 2026
Hiat continues to provide incredible care for our kitty friends.
Sam
December 16, 2025
Hiat was awesome! I would trust him any time with my fur baby!
Erika
December 5, 2025
Experienced, knowledgeable, thorough, gentle, fear free approach. Will not find a more passionate cat lover or care taker.
Holly
December 5, 2025
Hiat is patient and gentle and a true cat lover. He is medically trained in caring for small animals and also understands cat behaviors very well. He provides so much care and attention to each pet and is an excellent caretaker. I would recommend him to anyone who loves their cat!
Meowtel
December 5, 2025
Hiat is a background-checked cat sitter in the Tacoma area. Their profile has been verified and their references have been checked by Meowtel.
Free Cancellation (48+ hrs)