Meow! How Can We Help?

Sitters on Meowtel may offer two types of in-home services:

1. Drop-in Visits: Your sitter can visit your home once, twice, or up to three times per day. These visits can be booked in 20-minute, 45-minute, or 60-minute increments.
2. Overnight Stays: Your sitter can stay overnight in your home for at least 12 hours. The total duration may vary depending on the sitter's schedule and what you both agree upon. Overnight stays may include dinner and breakfast feedings, and you're welcome to discuss any additional preferences or expectations directly with your sitter. *Please note that necessities for your sitter's comfort and privacy are appreciated, such as a bed, clean linens, heat/AC, an internet connection, and a usable bathroom.

The following services are not found on Meowtel:

1. Cat boarding or kenneling, where the cats stay in the sitter's home
2. Cat grooming
3. House sitting (long-term or 24/7)
4. Dog walking

If these types of arrangements are made through the platform, we won't be able to provide customer support and your cat parent account may be suspended.

Prices start at $20 for 20 minutes of in-home cat sitting.

Rates may vary from sitter to sitter, as cat sitters on Meowtel are independent and set their own rates. Due to the cost of living in select cities, some areas will have different average rates than others.

Holiday surcharge rates also vary by sitter. You will always have the opportunity to review pricing before requesting your reservation.

Start your search here to find a sitter that fits your budget and needs.

Yes! Ask your sitter about a free Meet & Greet.

After you put in a reservation request, you may start setting up your free Meet & Greet by clicking the Chat with Sitter button on your request confirmation screen. You can also initiate a message to your sitter via the Meowtel Inbox, or by clicking the Chat button in your Reservations screen.

We recommend proposing two to three Meet & Greet times that will work best for you, so your sitter can quickly cross-check their schedule.

The Meet & Greet is a 15-30 minute meeting with your sitter to help you, your cats, and your sitter get acquainted with each other. It's a great way to see if your sitter will be the purrfect fit and establish trust between both parties before the reservation takes place.

At the Meet & Greet, please provide your sitter with a copy of your key(s) so they do not have to make another trip to your home to pick it up.

Yes! All sitters go through a third-party background check process.

1. Kittens: Drop-in twice per day or overnight stays
2. Seniors: Drop-in twice per day or overnight stays
3. Healthy, self-sufficient: Drop-in once per day or every other day
4. Healthy, likes attention: Drop-in twice per day or overnight stays
5. Special/Wet food diets: Drop-in twice per day
6. Medication requirements: Can vary by type of medication and administration schedule
7. Diabetic: Drop-in twice per day or overnight stays
8. Special needs: Drop-in twice per day or overnight stays

Still not sure which service type your cat will need? Email [email protected] or call/text us at 1-844-MEOWTEL.

After each visit, cat sitters typically send you a message update, along with at least one photo or video. Many sitters will provide multiple photos or videos! If you'd like specific updates, such as before-and-after photos of food bowls, water dispensers, or litter box(es), feel free to request this from your sitter at your Meet & Greet!

Meowtel is a cat-centric platform, and the Meowtel Promise is designed for that purpose.

If you have other pets in addition to cats, sitter availability depends on their comfort level. Before booking, discuss your other pet care needs with the sitter to ensure they're comfortable.

Please note that only the cats listed on your reservation are eligible for the Meowtel Promise and not any other pets.

As you prepare to have your cat sitter care for your kitties while you are away, here are a few important things to review during a Meet & Greet and to keep in mind:

1. Ensure you have completed the Vet Release Form for emergencies, and share your emergency contact(s) with your sitter.
2. Ensure you have stocked up on enough supplies for the duration of your reservation: food, treats, litter, litter disposal bags, cat toys, and medication if required.
3. Complete your cat(s) profile(s) to include all care instructions.
4. If your kitty requires medication(s), please share with your sitter specific instructions, tips, and best practices for administering their meds.
5. Provide your sitter with whatever they need to safely and smoothly access your home, such as a key that has been tested recently, accurate key pad or lockbox codes, etc. If possible, it's also a good idea to have a spare key available or leave a backup key with a trusted neighbor or property manager.
6. Provide your sitter with any additional important information, such as additional emergency contacts, where additional supplies are stored, if there's any particular places your cat(s) like to hide, or if there's a sticky lock or any other household quirks they should be aware of.
7. If you've booked a sitter for Overnight Stays, please ensure they have access to basic accommodations, such as a bed, clean linens, heat/AC, an internet connection, and a usable bathroom with privacy.

Please also review and ensure your home meets our Fit for Service Home Environments policy prior to your sitter's arrival.

Your sitter should contact you right away and ask if there is a spare key, alternate access point, or a property manager with a backup key. Sitters typically notify Meowtel in these situations as well.

If there are no spare keys or alternate entry options, your sitter may need to contact a locksmith to get a new key made and/or have the lock replaced.

As independent service providers, sitters are 100% responsible for contacting and paying for a locksmith or a replacement key if they lose, misplace, damage a client's key, or accidentally lock themselves out (e.g., leaving the key inside the home). This includes any situation related to theft or an unexplained loss of a client's key.

If the entry issue is due to a faulty key or faulty lock, or if you do not provide a correct entry code to your building or home, nor provide a key for your sitter, you will be responsible for resolving the issue, as well as any applicable costs.

We highly recommend completing the Vet Release Form before the start of your reservation.

If your kitty becomes sick or injured during your reservation, and the symptoms appear to be life-threatening, your sitter may immediately take your cat to the vet listed on your Vet Release Form. 

If the Vet Release Form has not been completed, your sitter will typically contact you immediately for guidance on where to take the cat. 

Note: Many vet clinics will not begin treatment without the cat parent's written consent.

Cats love having small spaces to hide, as it helps them to feel calm and secure. Please share your cats' possible hiding spots (closets, under beds, in basements, laundry rooms, etc) to help your sitter locate your kitty.

We suggest sharing these possible hiding spots during the Meet & Greet so your sitter can take note of them before the reservation starts.

If you feel uncomfortable with your sitter at any point, or if you don't think they're a purrfect fit for your cat(s), please call 844-MEOWTEL (1-844-636-9835) as soon as possible so we can help you cancel the reservation, rebook with another sitter, and provide support.

Yes! If your cat sitter on Meowtel services your friend's area, we're sure they would appreciate the referral. (And if they don't service your friend's area, they might find other options on Meowtel!) 

As a reminder, please be sure to keep all referrals on the Meowtel platform, and never share your sitter's personal contact information directly with anyone. The Meowtel Promise applies only to reservations booked on the platform.

Since cat sitters on the Meowtel platform are often specializing in cats and cats only, your kitty can be cared for by someone who understands and appreciates cats. Additionally, cat sitters on the Meowtel platform have undergone a criminal background check and completed our onboarding process. If you aren't comfortable with the sitter you've selected after a Meet & Greet, our support team will be ready to assist you.

Cats are creatures of habit, and are happiest when in their home environment. Booking a cat sitter through Meowtel helps ensure that your cats remain in their familiar surroundings, which can minimize stress and disruption. Your cat sitter typically provides updates with each visit, letting you know how your cat is doing. Plus, you'll likely come home to purrfectly happy kitties!

During each visit, your cat sitter will typically serve your cat fresh food and water (per your directions during the Meet & Greet), clean the litter box, give your cat playtime (and cuddles, if allowed!), administer medications (if agreed upon), and send you a message update, along with at least one photo or video.

For the safety of your cat(s) and sitters on Meowtel, we strongly recommend that cats remain indoors during a reservation. The Meowtel Guarantee will be void if cats go outdoors. This includes, but is not limited to:

1. Patios
2. Hallways
3. Balconies
4. Backyards or gardens
5. Garages
6. Rooftop decks

We recommend that all cats remain fully indoors for the duration of the reservation, even if they normally go outside when you are home. This helps prevent accidents, escapes, and other safety concerns that can arise when cats have outdoor access.

Exception: Fully enclosed catios that are securely attached to the home and allow your cat to access the space without ever being exposed to the outdoors are allowed. The catio must be completely secure, escape-proof, and structurally enclosed so your sitter never has to open an exterior door or let your cat into an unprotected outdoor area.

It is okay for sitters to provide care to outdoor cats or feral cats that you normally care for, however, please note that the Meowtel Guarantee will be void for indoor/outdoor cats, outdoor cats, cats that are allowed outside per client instructions, or feral cats.

Yes - your sitter can provide care for indoor/outdoor cats, outdoor-only cats, or feral cats that you regularly care for. However, it's important to understand how this affects your reservation.

Cats who spend time outdoors face a significantly higher risk of injury, illness, escape, or unexpected emergencies. Because of these inherent risks, the Meowtel Guarantee does not apply to any reservation that includes indoor/outdoor cats, outdoor cats, or feral cats.

If your household includes a mix of indoor cats and outdoor/feral cats, your sitter can still care for all of them; just keep in mind that the reservation will not be eligible for the Meowtel Guarantee.

Every sitter on Meowtel operates as an independent service provider and runs their own cat-sitting business. While each sitter manages their own workflow, a common best practice is to provide clear, consistent updates with photos or videos. Most sitters send a visit update for each completed visit that includes a message about how your cat(s) are doing along with photos or videos and any important notes from the visit.

If you prefer to receive updates at specific times, such as when your sitter arrives and when they leave, you are welcome to request this in the chat or during a Meet & Greet. Most sitters are consistent with their updates and responsive through the Meowtel chat throughout the reservation.

Some cat parents choose to use home security cameras such as Ring or similar devices that show entry and exit activity. This is completely optional and not required.

If you ever have concerns about visit timing or sitter communication, our support team is here to help.

A cat care checklist should include everything your sitter needs to safely follow your cat’s daily routine while you’re away.

Before your trip, providing clear, detailed instructions helps your cat sitter deliver consistent care and keeps your cat comfortable in their home environment.

Your checklist should include:

Feeding instructions

• Food type

• Portions

• Timing

• Preparation

• Proper storage

Locations of important items

• Food

• Water

• Litter

• Trashcan

• Cleaning supplies

• Carriers in case of emergencies

Medications or supplements 

• Dosage

• Timing

• Storage

• Tips for administering

Litter box care 

• Location

• Cleaning routine

• Disposal

• Extra supplies

Your cat’s behavior and preferences 

• Hiding spots 

• Routines

• Favorite toys

• Behaviors to look out for

• Access to rooms

Emergency contacts 

• Your number 

• A backup contact

• Your veterinarian (and/or local emergency vet)

Home details 

• Entry instructions

• WiFi 

• Alarm systems if applicable

• Cleaning preferences 

• Key handling or entry code

The more closely a sitter can follow your cat’s normal routine, the more comfortable and stress-free their experience will be.

The best cat sitting app is one designed specifically for cats and their unique care needs and behaviors.

Cat-focused platforms like Meowtel connect cat parents with background-checked sitters who specialize in in-home cat care, allowing cats to stay in a familiar, comfortable environment while receiving personalized attention.

When choosing a cat sitting app, look for:

1. Sitters with cat-specific experience
2. Verified reviews from other cat parents
3. In-app messaging and updates during your trip
4. A secure system for reservation booking and payments
5. Quality customer support that can be reached 24/7, 365 days per year

With Meowtel, reservations booked and paid through the platform are backed by the Meowtel Promise, which provides added customer support and peace of mind. Some reservations may also be eligible for the Meowtel Guarantee.

Before leaving your cat, you should prepare your home with enough supplies and clear organization so your sitter can easily maintain your cat’s routine and comfort.

Even though your cat is staying home, setting up everything in advance ensures smooth, consistent care while you’re away.

Be sure to:

1. Stock enough food and litter for the entire trip (plus extra)
2. Leave out clean bowls, water fountains, and feeding supplies
3. Set aside treats and enrichment toys
4. Clearly label any medications or special care items
5. Create a clean, safe, and accessible environment
6. Note any particular storage considerations for food, medications, or cleaning products

Preparing ahead of time allows your sitter to focus on your cat - not logistics - and helps keep cats purring with uninterrupted daily routines.

Most cats prefer staying at home rather than being boarded.

Cats are highly routine-driven and can become stressed in unfamiliar environments like boarding facilities, where new smells, stressors, sounds, unpredictability, and animals may disrupt their sense of safety. Cats are also territorial, which makes new environments more difficult for them than other animals. 

Staying at home allows cats to:

1. Maintain their normal routine
2. Stay surrounded by familiar scents and spaces
3. Avoid the stress of travel and environmental changes

For many cats, especially those who are shy, senior, or sensitive to change, in-home care is the most comfortable option.

The best option for most cats is in-home care, where they can stay in their familiar environment while receiving regular visits.

Cat parents typically choose between hiring a sitter, asking a trusted person, or boarding, but in-home care is often preferred because it minimizes stress and disruption for both cats and cat parents.

Your main options include:

1. Hiring an in-home cat sitter
2. Asking a friend, family member, or neighbor
3. Boarding your cat (stressful and less ideal for many cats)

In-home cat sitting allows your cat to maintain their routine while still receiving the familiar care of feeding, litter box upkeep, playtime, and monitoring they’re most comfortable and used to, throughout your trip.

Most cats need 1-2 visits per day, but the right schedule depends on your cat’s routine, health, and personality.

Visit frequency and duration should closely match your cat’s normal daily care, including feeding schedule, activity level, companionship and medical needs.

1 visit per day may be suitable for cats who:

1. Use automatic feeders and litter boxes
2. Are shy or prefer minimal interaction
3. Are healthy and low-maintenance

2 or more visits per day are recommended for cats who:

1. Eat wet food multiple times daily
2. Require medication
3. Are social, playful, or prone to loneliness
4. Are kittens, seniors, or need closer monitoring

When deciding, think about your cat’s current routine. If your cat is used to multiple meals, regular interaction, or specialized care, additional visits or longer visit durations will help maintain consistency while you’re away.

An in-home cat sitting visit typically includes feeding, litter box care, playtime and companionship, medication (when applicable), and a general wellness check.

Each visit can be customized to maintain your cat’s routine while ensuring they are healthy, comfortable, safe, and looked after in their home environment.

Visits may include:

1. Fresh food and water based on your instructions
2. Medications or specialized care, as discussed/needed
3. Litter box scooping and cleanup
4. Playtime and mental enrichment tailored to your cat’s personality
5. A wellness check to monitor behavior, appetite, and overall condition

Sitters may also provide updates, photos, message updates and/or notes so you can stay connected while you’re away.

Before you leave for your trip, you should share detailed instructions about your cat’s routine, behavior, and any special care needs with your cat sitter.

If possible, walk through everything during a meet and greet so your sitter can ask questions and feel fully prepared.

Clear communication helps your sitter provide consistent care and respond confidently to anything that may come up during your trip.

Be sure to tell your sitter:

1. Feeding schedule, portions, and timing
2. Medications, health considerations, behaviors to look out for
3. Litter box routine, location, and cleaning instructions or expectations
4. Your cat’s personality (social, shy, hiding spots, triggers, etc.)
5. Emergency contacts - including your veterinarian
6. Where to find cat carriers (in case of emergency)
7. Any home details they may need (entry, alarms, spare keys, etc.)

The safest way to leave your cat while on vacation is to arrange reliable care that keeps them in a familiar environment and ensures regular check-ins.

For most cats, this means in-home care, where they can stay in their own familiar space while a sitter visits to provide daily care and nourishment, and can monitor their wellbeing.

To keep your cat safe while you’re away:

1. Arrange consistent visits based on your cat’s needs
2. Provide clear care instructions and emergency contacts
3. Ensure your home is secure and hazard-free
4. Leave enough food, litter, and supplies for your entire trip
5. Keep all care instructions, communication, and payments on-platform when using a service

Using an established, structured platform like Meowtel can add an extra layer of security, such as background checked sitters. Additionally, reservations booked and paid through the platform are backed by the Meowtel Promise, which provides added customer support and peace of mind. Some reservations may also be eligible for the Meowtel Guarantee.