I'm Marilyn

Marilyn Cat Sits In Madison

4.94
84 Reviews
< 30 mins Response Time
30 Repeat clients
Background-checked
Background-checked
Meowtel Top 10% Sitters in 2025
Meowtel Top 10% Sitters in 2025
100+ Meowtel reservations completed
100+ Meowtel reservations completed
Rare Find (usually a fully booked sitter)
Rare Find (usually a fully booked sitter)
Catographer
Catographer
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

Marilyn is experienced with 4 types of medications

Topical Ointments Eye/Ear Drops Oral Medication / Pills Inhalers

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Marilyn Cat Sits In Madison

I'm Marilyn

Cat Sitting in Madison, WI

Scientist by trade, cat lover at heart.

Currently have a 7 year old black cat I got as a ten week old kitten. My previous cat I got as a preteen and he lived to be 17 years old. I’ve also had two large dogs in my life, one of whom passed away just shy of his 16th birthday.

I began cat sitting on Meowtel in December 2022. At the time, I was living in Atlanta. I moved to Madison for work in September 2023. I currently work in the pharmaceutical industry after a 5 year career in academic and government lab settings...
Scientist by trade, cat lover at heart.

Currently have a 7 year old black cat I got as a ten week old kitten. My previous cat I got as a preteen and he lived to be 17 years old. I’ve also had two large dogs in my life, one of whom passed away just shy of his 16th birthday.

I began cat sitting on Meowtel in December 2022. At the time, I was living in Atlanta. I moved to Madison for work in September 2023. I currently work in the pharmaceutical industry after a 5 year career in academic and government lab settings.

My day job is located in Middleton, but I live in Madison on the east side. My cat sitting business has taken me all over the metro area from Verona to Sun Prairie.

Every visit includes me feeding, changing out water, scooping litter and sending photos/videos of your cats to you. Whatever time is left is spent playing with or doting on your cats depending on their comfort level. Cats have boundaries that must be respected, and I have had luck with shy and more aloof cats on occasion.

Looking forward to working with you and meeting your cats! Don’t hesitate to reach out to see what I can do to make your vacation better for you.

Learn More About Marilyn

What is your experience with cat sitting, and how long have you been doing it?

Started in December 2022 on the app. Done various pet sitting all my adult life for friends, family, neighbors, etc. I love doing it as a side hustle, it was initially done out of necessity because of the cost of living in Atlanta. Now I do because I enjoy it.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

I love seeing other people’s cats. Every cat is a little different so I love all the personalities I encounter.

Can you tell us about your favorite cat sitting reservation?

I have a repeat client who has three guinea pigs in addition to the two cats. It was a great new experience to get to provide that care.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

I have a 7 year old black cat named Floof. My friend found his mom in her apartment complex parking lot shortly before he was born. I brought him home at 10 weeks old. Floof is lovingly referred to as my feline overlord. My clients who also have black cats will always have a special place in my heart.

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

Make sure you communicate clearly with the sitter what you need done. Everyone takes care of their cats a little differently. Also if you can provide it in some kind of written format (ie as a message here on the app or a checklist in your home) that’s even better.

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

I set up a meet and greet to meet the parent and the cat. Ask about medications, quirks, favorite toys, this sort of thing. For me the important part of the meet and greet is to get instructions from you about what you need for the cats and any keys/fobs/door codes needed to access your home. I also ask if interested in other house sitting tasks such as getting mail, watering plants, or small pets such as fish (and even guinea pigs one time!). Also had a client with sourdough starters that needed feeding. Additional disclaimer: please let me know if traveling internationally so we can plan for contigencies in case you get stuck somewhere. We can almost always extend, but I just like to have a plan in place to make sure you’re not hyperventilating in an airport worried about your cats. Nobody wants to end a trip that way!

How do you ensure the safety & security of the cats and the home while cat sitting?

I always make sure doors are locked and I enter slowly in case someone is waiting at the door to make a break for it. I also check for packages and bring them in, letting you know where I’ve placed them upon request.

Are you usually available during holidays?

I’m usually available for holiday bookings. If I’m not, my calendar will reflect that. If a holiday is marked as unavailable, sometimes it’s because I’m booked up but still reach out to see if I can squeeze you in if it’s close enough to my home, work, or a different client.

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

I usually offer my hand to them to sniff and let them dictate how much socialization they want from me. I’ve had clients for as long as 10 days and the cats never came out, other times the shy kitties take to me very well. It all tends to vary but I always do my best. I’ve had really good luck with sitting quietly in people’s living rooms and waiting to see if the cat will come and investigate. I just remember this quote: “Dogs have owners, cats have staff”


Medication Experience:

Topical Ointments Eye/Ear Drops Oral Medication / Pills Inhalers

4.94
84 reviews
4.9
Attention to Detail
4.9
Communication
4.9
Tidiness
Sunil

Sunil

This month

Marilyn came as scheduled every day and provided daily updates. She also helped out with some new batteries for the automated feeder and when we ran out of some kitty supplies. And the cats love her!

Read more
Meowtel-verified reservation 2+ weeks long
Alison

Alison

April 17, 2026

Marilyn has sat for me multiple times now. She is so trustworthy and reliable, so I am always relieved when she accepts my bookings. She is also amazing with my cats - especially my boy who is leery of new people. Marilyn provides great communication throughout the sit with photos and takes the time to give treats and pets! She is really wonderful!

Read more
Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits

Response from Marilyn

thanks so much for the kind words and thank you so much for being such a loyal customer!! can’t wait to see Millie and Milo again ❤️

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Brittany

Brittany

April 20, 2026

I appreciate Marilyn's quick response. Even our skittish cat comes right out when she walks in. Thanks again!

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Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
Trevor

Trevor

September 2, 2025

Marilyn was very flexible and communicative throughout the visit with my cat. Charlotte had some medical concerns and Marilyn was able to accommodate those. I appreciated daily updates with pictures, and would definitely book with Marilyn again!

Read more
Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits

Response from Marilyn

Thank you so much for the kind words!! Had a great weekend with Charlotte!

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Jennifer

Jennifer

November 2, 2024

Marilyn - Did a great job and was patient with me leaving my cat with her for the first time. She adapted to some very specific cat requests (my cat likes to approach you and is specific about how she likes to be touched). All instructions followed.

Read more
Meowtel-verified reservation 1+ week long

Response from Marilyn

thanks so much Jennifer! looking forward to seeing Twinkle again soon!

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Lillian

Lillian

March 8, 2023

Marilyn was great. She sent me pictures/videos of Gendry every day and also included pictures of the clean litter and the water and food filled up. She also dealt with some silly kitty quirks like turning the shower on for him to drink and leaving an extra water cup by the bedside table in my room.

Read more
Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits

Service Area & Availability

Drop in visits rates

$23.00 / 20min
$37.00 / 45min
$48.00 / 60min

Marilyn's is 25%

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Overnight Availability
Marilyn'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!

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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.

Madison cat sitting rates will vary based on the sitter's experience and services, but the average price is $23.00. 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!

4.94
84 reviews
4.94 From $23.00