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Gretchen A.

5.0 out of 5 stars
214 repeat clients
Profile image

Gretchen A.

5.0 out of 5 stars
214 repeat clients

Contact for Drop-In Visits

from $37 per visit

Highlights

Gretchen has Star Sitter status!
Enhanced background check
25 years of experience

Pet care experience

Professional Cat Lady

Since 2018, I have had the honor of visiting many majestic and fun feline family members while their human parents are traveling. I have spent most of my working life selling home furnishings to Interior designers and started cat sitting as a fun way to make money while I transition my career into a different field, but it has turned into my full-time passion and primary source of income. I also work as a travel advisor which is a great complement to my cat sitting since I set my own hours, etc, and my days are filled with the two things I love most: spending time with cats and talking about/planning travel! I grew up with cats and have had a life-long infatuation with them. I also have experience with bird care and well-behaved small dogs. NOTE: I am accepting new cat requests on the West Side approximately south of 68th street and north of 42nd street, (I am at 52nd and 9th) At this point in my "professional cat lady" life, I consider myself to be an expert on all things related to cat litter and boxes. I keep my opinions to myself, but please let me know if you are interested in any suggestions.

Qualifications

214 repeat pet parents
96% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards
25 years of experience

Pets

Safety, trust & environment

I wash my hands constantly during visits. It is helpful to me if you leave a kitchen or hand towel for me to use, but I also bring my own. If you have recently adopted a young purebred cat, please confirm if your kitten was tested for FCOV. In general, I take my shoes off at most of the homes I visit. Because young purebreds are susceptible to developing FIP, I will want to wear socks that will only be worn in your home since I am around a lot of cat boxes and the FCOV is very contagious as the virus sheds through fecal matter and cats often like to smell the other cats on my socks. Sometimes I will also wear disposable booties over my shoes, (I reuse the pair only in your home). I am happy to do the same for non-purebred older cats, too. The Cat Health Center at the Veterinary School at Cornell is currently researching FCOV/FIP and offers good information if you would like to learn more about this. I will look out for poisonous flowers - mainly daffodils, tulips, and lilies. I am ok with and cameras you place around your home, (maybe not the bathroom, LOL).

Ratings and reviews

5.0
stars
1,097 ratings
Evan D.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • May 30, 2026

Gretchen is a wonderful and reliable sitter who deeply cares about your pet and ensuring they get the love they deserve.

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Darren G.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • May 26, 2026

Thank you Gretchen! What would we do without you?! You’re simply the best.

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Shane C.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Apr 27, 2026

Gretchen is the best! She takes excellent care of our cat, carefully monitoring our cat’s health and moods. And she shares the most amazing photos too!

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Drop-In Visits • Apr 15, 2026

Gretchen A. cancelled a booking 3 days before it was scheduled to begin.

Joanna M.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Feb 10, 2026

Gretchen is the loveliest and most trust worthy!!!

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Darren G.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Jan 11, 2026

Thank you always Gretchen! We’re honestly so comfortable being away from home knowing you’re taking care of Minous.

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Calendar and availability

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
SMTWTFS

Schedule

I am available for drop-in visits every day and consolidate my weekends into two-month-long breaks, (taken during the Spring and Fall). In general, it is challenging for me to visit your cat at an exact time of day. I schedule visits in a 2- hr window, but may need more flexibility during peak holidays. If your cat requires insulin shots or medication at a specific time, I can see if I can accommodate the dates requested.

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
Gretchen can host up to 8 drop-ins per day
I love learning all about your cat! Notes are always appreciated, but I also can learn about your cat during a meet and greet before the booking is confirmed. This is also a great opportunity for us to make sure we are the right fit as humans.
Each sitter joining Rover needs to pass a background check. And by booking on Rover, you can get photo & message updates, 24/7 support, and reimbursement for eligible vet care.