Cat Sitting by Susan LLC, 117 Rowell Court, Falls Church, VA 22046
(703) 867-7140 | A proudly woman-owned business!
We want to take care of your kitty!
Over 2,400 cats cared for!
See reviews below, or pics above from our happy customers!
Cat Sitting by Susan Team Leaders
Susan!
Susan Tate is the owner and CCW (Chief Cat Whisperer)! She loves cats and has had many in her 60+ years! Cat Sitting by Susan will take great care of your cat and is even able to provide insulin shots or other medication, if necessary. You will receive photos, videos, and texts while you’re away so that you can rest easy knowing your furry family member is happy and being well taken care of. Susan is married to her husband Gregg, and live in Falls Church, VA. They have 3 daughters, two granddaughters, and two grandsons. They had a big, happy cat named Patrick (photo below) who passed away after a bout with cancer. They then adopted Snickers (see below) who's their newest love, and recently added a new kitty, Fred, to the family! You can rest assured that we will love and treat your furry family member as one of our own!
Lourdes!
Lourdes is our Director, helping Susan to run and grow this vibrant, exciting business, and occasionally cares for some of our kitty clients! She was born and raised in Washington, DC and had several different furry family members, including dogs and bunnies. In her spare time, she enjoys anything outdoors, including hiking and photography. Lourdes loves cats because, "they are not only beautiful creatures, they are also intriguing and challenge you to get to know them for the individual being that they are." As to why she joined Cat Sitting by Susan, Lourdes' answer is, "Susan! To start, I love that Cat Sitting by Susan is a small, local, woman-owned business, operated by people who genuinely love cats and enjoy caring for them. Changed career paths to follow my passion for animals and helping people, so it's the best of both worlds!"
Cat Sitting by Susan Sitter team
Paws down, the best cat sitting team in Northern VA (just read our reviews!), including our veteran sitter, Erin!
Erin was born in Virginia and grew up in Springfield. She has mostly had cats growing up, including two tortoiseshell kitty sisters. She still has one, who is now 14 years old and still going strong. She loves reading and learning. Erin says, "I love cats because although they seem mysterious and distant at first, once they familiarize themselves with you, they can be so loving and sweet." She is currently going to school at NOVA Community College, soon to be working on a degree in Accounting. She saw the job listed, and knew that as the cat lady in her family, the job seemed perfect as well as getting to spend time doing something she loves.
Ashley!
Ashley was born and raised in Arlington, VA. Growing up, she had a menagerie - 5 cats, two dogs, and 4 hamsters over the years! Currently, she has 3 kitties, Precious, Suki, and Sterling. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and hanging out with her friends and her sweet kitties. She says she loves cats, "because they don't just love immediately and/or unconditionally; it might take time for a cat to warm up to you, but as soon as they do, they're yours forever. I think that more often than not, the cat chooses the human and not vice versa. Cats also have so many different personalities that go unappreciated when compared with dogs." She is currently working as an Instructional Assistant for elementary students with autism, but decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team. "I have always had a passion for cats, and I want to spend all my free time with kitties!"
Monica!
Monica grew up in a military family and was born in Panama, but grew up in Alexandria, Virginia. She has always had pets ever since she was a child, and currently has multiple cats! She enjoys singing, going on nature walks, gardening, learning new things, and hanging out with her kitties! She says, "I love how each cat has their own unique personality. I always find cats fun and interesting to get to know." She works for Fairfax County Public Schools, but wanted a "part-time job that I would enjoy and be able to help others, including cats."
Miracle!
Miracle was born in Fairfax, VA and grew up in Vienna, VA. She had three cats growing up, and currently has two kitties, JuJu and Millie. In her spare time, she loves reading, working out at the gym, and hanging out with her friends. She says, "I love cats because their very unique. I love how energy-based they are and that they take their time to get used to a new place or person. I love their independence as well as their curiosity for life, that I can relate too." She is currently working on earning an esthetician license and is taking online courses for stocks/ cryptocurrency. Miracle decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team because, as she said, "I've wanted to work with cats for some time. So, at this point in life, looking for a job and then finding one working with cats was great news for me!"
Dan!
Dan was born in Crystal Lake, Illinois and moved to Arlington, Virginia when he was 14. Growing up, he had dogs, an iguana, and a cat name Pandora. He recently moved to Falls Church after living in Chicago for the last 5 years. He particularly loves playing with, and caring for, his two daughters, Harper and Sparrow. He also enjoys cooking and is a huge Chicage sports teams fan. He has worked as an animal care specialist and an adoption counselor at the Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago. He has joined the Cat Sitting by Susan team because, as he says, "While working at the shelter, I really fell in love with cats, and I love being around them and taking care of them."
Holly!
Holly was born and raised in rural Minnesota. Growing up, she had several dogs and a great many cats, mostly the descendants of a dignified calico named Momma Kitty! Her current kitty is Josie, who joined her family in 2019. Some favorite pastimes include gardening, writing fiction, reading, traveling, and observing Josie as she eyes birds from the window. Holly says she loves kitties because of their "cattitudes," cozy purrs, and how they prowl around like mini mountain lions! She retired from the Air Force in 2018 and recently moved to Virginia with her spouse, who is still active duty, and their daughters. She is a registered yoga teacher and is working on a novel, along with other smaller writing projects. Holly says she decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team because "I want to reduce the distress of kitties and their families during times of separation. I know first-hand that it’s no fun to worry or to be the cause of a cat’s distress."
Marielle!
Marielle was born in the Philippines and grew up in Hyattsville, MD. As a kid, she mostly had dogs as pets, but she now has a sweet orange tabby named Killua (Kiwi for short). In her spare time, Marielle enjoys cooking, watching movies, and visiting cat cafés and shelters. She says she has a profound love for cats because hers saved her life in so many ways. "They are so intelligent, full of life and they are also loyal companions," she adds. She is currently a stay at home mom, fully loving on her two kids and her super hunter kitty! Marielle explains, "I actually never thought that cat sitting for work existed! I was so surprised to find the ad online and with no second thoughts, I applied right away. This truly feels like a dream job. Caring for other kitties as I would my own is the best way I can make a difference for other cat parents. I truly believe that as a cat sitter, I can provide assurance that the cats will be loved and cared for immensely."
Leah!
Leah was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Growing up, she had an orange and white kitty named Chibbie, and she now has a male tabby named Bruce! In her spare time, Leah enjoys reading non-fiction, taking long walks, traveling, baking, and watching professional tennis. She decided to make a career change to become a cat sitter for Cat Sitting by Susan, and we are so pleased! She explains that, "The company truly understands the immense love people have for their cats and how important it is to know cats are receiving exceptional care and attention when they are out of town. I also love that this is a business dedicated to cats! Cat Sitting by Susan has taken care of my cat and the sitters are exceptional!" Leah says that she loves kitties because of the endless sweetness and cuteness they add to a home, their independence, how wise they are, and their great capacity to love!
Min!
Min was born in Seoul, South Korea but grew up in Centreville and Fairfax, VA. He had a dog, fish, a turtle, and hamsters! He currently doesn't have a kitty, but loves them and hopes to adopt one soon! In his spare time, Min enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, and trying out new foods. He says he loves cats because "I love their characteristics and physique. They are so intelligent and I get fascinated when I watch them leap to high places or squeeze their bodies into tiny places. And of course, their purrs! The bond you create after earning their trust is very rewarding too!" He says that he is currently an entrepreneur, hoping to create something that will bring value to other cat lovers. Min decided to join our team because "I had a very pleasant meeting with Gregg and Susan, I think what they are doing is awesome and I want to be a part of that, how can you say no to an opportunity to be around cats and earn a living at the same time?"
Karen!
Karen was born and raised in Arlington, VA. Growing up, she had a dog named Bear and a cat named Captain. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and trying new restaurants! She says she loves kitties because "I love cats because they're so intelligent. I love that they're playful and can turn anything into a toy or a place to nap. It's so endearing to hear a cat purr when you're petting them." Karen is currently applying for residency programs to become a doctor. She says that she decided to join our team, because "I decided to work for Cat Sitting for Susan although I don't have any pets now, I know how important it is for your pet to be properly cared for when you are away. I love cats and I often pet sit for friends."
Olivia!
Olivia was born in Alexandria, VA, grew up there, and has had one cat that "has been with me my whole life (which I very much appreciate)". At the moment, she only has the one cat, but would definitely like to have more. In her spare time, she does Zumba on the weekends, and she enjoys going out to the movies, but as she explains, "like most cats, I like to stay inside and relax whenever I can." Olivia says she loves kitties because she feels that she can relate to them the most of any animal, and she feels that they are not always thought of as much as they should be. "Cats are amazing, beautiful creatures who should be appreciated." She is currently working with children as an after-school teacher, and decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team because "as soon as I saw the words cat sitting, I was hooked. I previously worked as a dog walker, but I didn’t feel very passionate about it. There were times that I was asked to take care of cats and that was the most fulfilling part of the day. A job where I can be around my favorite house pet, and maybe even learn more about what it means to take care of a cat; what more could I ask for?"
Stella!
Stella was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV! She had four catss growing up, Shadow, Tuck, Veto, Little Brother, and Sabine. Currently, she does have any cats, but hopes to have one someday soon! She enjoys playing piano and accordion, rollerskating, and reading. Stella says she loves kitties "because you have to work to build a relationship with them, which makes it all the more rewarding when you earn their trust and love!" She is a student at Prince George's Community College and a proud member of the Mighty Sound of Maryland marching band! She told us, "I was drawn to Cat Sitting by Susan because I love animals (especially cats!) and want to work with them in any way I can!"
Theresa!
Theresa was born and raised in Arlington, VA and still lives in the area. Growing up, she had two chihuahuas named Pikachu and Mickey and a cat named Midnight because he was pure black! She currently has no cats of her own, but always cares for her best friend's kitties when she's out of town. Theresa loves the outdoors when the weather is nice and loves to run, hike, and spend time with family and friends. She says she loves cats "because they are so easy going. Even though they are independent animals they still have a huge personality." She currently works in the healthcare industry and loves helping people and being part of a team that is always striving to do more. Theresa decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan "because helping in any way I can is always a pleasure to me. I want cat owners to feel they can travel and visit family and friends without having to worry about their fur babies."
Samantha!
Samantha was born in Falls Church, but grew up in Fairfax. As she phrased it, she "grew up with lots of cats and dogs"! She now has six kitties of her own! In free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, going to concerts, and painting. Samantha says, "I love cats because they are really funny and great company to keep." She is currently focusing on her art and finding her passions. She told us, "I chose to work for Cat Sitting by Susan because I'm already an experienced pet sitter who loves cats!"
Caitlynn!
Caitlynn was born in Layton, UT, but grew up in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Her family had, and still has, a cat named Caesar and a dog named Mila. She also has kitties named Petrie and Boseman. In her spare time, she likes to draw, paint, do DIY crafts, and collect houseplants. Caitlynn says she loves cats because "my grandparents always had cats while I was growing up and I loved how unique each of their personalities were and what quirks they had. Cats make wonderful companions once you earn their trust and respect their individual boundaries." She is currently a freelance illustrator working on her portfolio and saving to attend graduate school in the next few years. She joined the Cat Sitting by Susan team because, "I saw this as a great opportunity to specialize in cat care and work with an excellent local business doing great work in the community."
Katt!
Katt was born in Fairfax, VA and grew up in Leesburg. Her first pet was a kittie named Kimba, then she got another one named Max. Sadly, they both passed away 8 years ago, and she still misses them! Her current kittie is an orange tabby named Henry who recently turned 1 year old! For fun, she enjoys computer art, going to the gym, watching movies (horror and science fiction are her favorites), and, of course, playing with her cat Henry. Katt explained that loves cats because "I grew up with cats and I feel like I have a special connection with them more than dogs. I love them so much!!" She is attending community college as a Graphic Design student. She joined the Cat Sitting by Susan team because "I love cats so much... I wish I could adopt or foster every stray cat in the world!! I just wish I had enough room in my apartment to do that! Instead, I decided to look for a pet sitting job and when I came across the job, I instantly thought that this would be the perfect job for me!"
Sam!
Sam was born and raised in Arlington, VA. At one point growing up, he had a blind cat named Ray, who was rescued from Lorton prison (when it still existed) as they had a program for inmates to have cats. He had a hedgehog from 2019 to mid 2021, and remarked that "they are very stupid creatures"! As well, he had an orange tabby named Timmy and a tortie named Rory who he got from a foster. In his spare time, Sam likes playing video games and has begun enjoying soccer. As he puts it, "the world cup pushed me to the other 'football'". He says he enjoys cats because "they are pretty chill when compared to dogs, not very noisy, but very persistent. They are also lower maintenance and more affectionate." He is currently finishing up at Washington-Liberty High School and volunteering at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. Sam decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team because he likes cats, and this gives him a great opportunity to earn some money during the summer and while taking classes at NOVA.
Giuliet!
Giuliet was born and raised in NY and NJ. When she was little, her family had dogs, however later, she lived with her older and younger sisters who both had cats. She currently has two sweet fur babies, Wolf, a domestic short hair mix, and Reese, a torti. In her spare time, she loves reading and writing, playing with her cats ("they make me laugh everyday"), spending time with her siblings and friends, and camping and hiking when she can. Also, "I recently started learning Korean and I find doing the lessons very enjoyable, though I am not conversational yet!" As to why she loves kitties, she explained, "In my eyes there is no purer soul than an animal's. Growing up. I always thought I was more of a dog person, but then after living with cats, it shifted a bit. You have to work for a cat's affection, so it makes it all the more sweeter when they show it to you. I didn’t know just how loving they can be until I lived with a pair. It’s really rewarding to gain a cat's trust." She is currently taking a step down from her career in café management so she can be home more, for her new fur babies and her mother. Giulet decided to join Cat Sitting by Susan because, "I love that the company is cat focused instead of being a mix of dogs and cats. I had looked up Cat Sitting by Susan when I applied and was amazed at how much your clients love working with you. You know a company is doing good things when people love them so much."
Allie!
Allie was born in Morristown, NJ but grew up in Charlotte NC. She had cats growing up as well as 4 dogs and a pony! She currently has 2 cats now that live at her mom's house. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her pets, as well as reading and journaling! She works as a style advisor at Saks Fifth Avenue and decided to work with the Cat Sitting by Susan team because "I have a stressful job and I find that animals have always been very therapeutic for me and being able to be around animals as a job like that is just a win-win!"
Clare!
Clare was born in New Orleans, LA, but grew up in Falls Church, VA. She grew up with four cats and currently has three kitties, Scout, Radley, and Dill. Fun things to do in her spare time include baking, reading, and running. Clare says that she loves cats "because of their unique personalities and I enjoy how intelligent they are." She is a student at Virginia Tech studying international relations and business, and decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team because of her love for cats and as she explains, "it would be a pleasure to spend my days taking care of them."
Esther!
Esther was born in Seoul, South Korea and grew up outside of Philadelphia. She got her kitty, Luna, when she was young and still has her! She also has a younger kitty, Strawberry, who she says was a stray baby and recent addition to the family. In her spare time, she enjoys powerlifting and competitive gaming! She explains that she loves cats because they "have boundaries and preferences, just like people, but choose to love their people - when they choose you, they love you unconditionally for life!" She is currently proudly serving our country as a civilian employee at the Department of Defense. Esther decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team because "my cats are truly my babies and I know just how much worry creeps along when leaving home. I recently left the country for a month and would spend nearly half the day watching Luna on the camera to make sure she was okay! I am so happy to provide solace to other cat parents so that they can take care of business when they're away. I love meeting new kitties and learning their different personalities!"
Gracie!
Gracie was born and raised in Northern Virginia. She grew up with a wonderful dog and three birds. She says that since she was a child, she has had a deep passion and connection with animals, creating a lifetime love for all. She hopes to have a cat of her own one day, and luckily, she has lived with, and helped care for, many roommates' kitties. Gracie loves to spend time with friends and enjoys watching movies in her free time. She explains that she loves cats because of their unique and wonderful personalities, with the added bonus of how affectionate and cute they are. She is currently working towards obtaining a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Gracie decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team because of her love for cats, and this is a great way to spend more time with them.
Lilly!
Lilly was born in Fayetteville, AR and raised in Bentonville, AR. She grew up with many cats, the most at once being 8! She currently has 4 kitties, Simon, Fitz, Heiny, and Hermann. In her spare time, she loves cooking, baking, doing mosaics, and spending time with her fur babies. She loves cats because "I love how curious and interesting cats are! I could spend all day watching and playing with them. They are never a bore and never fail to make me smile." Lilly recently moved to the area and she is working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems. She decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team because, as she put it, "I have always been one to surround myself with cats. I spent many of my teen years fostering and helping out with my parents’ local cat rescue. I’m passionate about cats and being able to work with them in any way is so rewarding."
Ilana!
Ilana was born and raised in Fairfax, VA. She says, "Unfortunately, I don’t have any cats due to my brother's allergy, but I’ve been around cats my whole life and lived with one last year because my roommate had one!" In her free time, she says that the gym is definitely her favorite hobby, and anything that involves being active. Ilana explains that she loves cats "because they have so much personality, and can make people feel so loved, yet they aren’t even able to speak a word! I think that’s the most incredible thing about pets, and cats specifically." She is currently an undergrad at WVU, studying psychology. Her goal is to join the FBI as a criminal psychologist! She also has plans to start a nonprofit, to minimize the amount of stray animals in Puerto Rico, and eventually all over the world! Ilana decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team because "I spent all year living with my roommate's cat, and treated her like my own! I want to keep spending time with cats, and give them so much love while their owner is away. I have always grown up around animals, and I have a huge soft spot for them. I think that soft spot and love for cats, would make me a great sitter for Cat Sitting by Susan!"
Faviola!
Faviola was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and grew up in a small town called Canovanas with her grandmother and parents. At age seven, the family rescued a dog named Cookie, who would have been forced to dogfight. She currently has an adopted black cat, Samurai. She adopted him in 2020 as a tiny kitten! In her spare time, Faviola enjoys going to the beach, dancing with friends, reading, and doing yoga. She says she loves cats "because they have a great personality. I love how they like their space respected, and they go to you when they want to. I also love how crazy they are and how they play; their love is so pure and honest." Faviola is working on growing in her professional life while maintaining a good balance between working and enjoying life. She explains that she decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team because "when I saw the job post that Cat Sitting by Susan had for a cat sitter, I could not resist applying. I take great joy in caring for these beautiful animals, so I knew I wanted to do this."
And of course, our official mascot/spokeskitty, Snickers!
We adopted Snickers from the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, VA, and immediately fell in love with him! He is a 14-year old diabetic kitty, and what a cutie he is! Very affectionate, and he has quickly become a part of our family! We documented Snickers' journey to us on the Cat Talk! blog. BTW, he's the face in the Cat Sitting by Susan logo!
We'll Take Great Care of Your Fur Babies!
We know that your babies need attention and playtime, not just feeding. Petting, cuddling, and talking to your furry friend are just as important as food and water! We'll take the best care of your furry little ones at a very reasonable price including feeding, litter box cleaning, and the loving and cuddling your fur baby needs! Please see additions/surcharges below. We accept cash, check, PayPal, Venmo, and all major credit cards (using the Payment drop down menu below).
For jobs starting after May 31, 2023, our base rate will be $25.00 per visit and overnight visits will be available starting at $100, which includes feeding dinner and breakfast.
*Please note - we do not board kitties.
- Base rate (one or two cats, per visit) - until May 31, 2023, $20, then effective June 1, 2023, $25.00
- Additional kitties (per cat, per visit) - +$5.00
- Have 5 or more kitties? - only +$4.50 per cat, per visit
- Administer medication (per medication, per cat, per visit) - +$5.00
- Distance surcharge (over 5 miles from our location, each 5 miles) - +$5.00
- Congested area surcharge (see below) - +$5.00
- Last minute weekend surcharge (see below) - +$10.00
- Paid street parking, if necessary (see below) - +$1.50
- Gas surcharge (see below) - +$1.00 per visit
There is a $5.00 per visit surcharge for families in high-rise apartment/condo buildings in congested, non-parking friendly areas of Arlington, including Ballston, Rosslyn, Crystal City, and Pentagon City. As well, if the only parking available is paid or metered street parking, there is a $1.50 charge per visit, except Sundays and holidays. There will be a $10 last minute weekend surcharge for jobs requested after 5:00pm Friday that start anytime Saturday through Monday morning.
Due to sharply rising gas prices, we are adding a gas surcharge of $1 per visit to help our sitters defray transportation costs. 100% of this will go to the sitters.
Due to the high demand for cat sitting services around holidays and during school breaks, visits on any of the following dates will have a holiday surcharge added ($5.00/visit), so the base rate will be $25 per visit, as well as there being a minimum of 4 booked visits:
- May 12-14 (Mother's Day)
- May 26-29 (Memorial Day)
- June 16-19 (Father’s Day, Juneteenth)
- June 30-July 4 (Independence Day)
- September 1-4 (Labor Day)
- October 6-9 (Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day)
- November 10-12 (Veteran's Day)
- November 18-26 (Thanksgiving)
- December 15-January 2, 2024 (Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, New Year's Day)
If cancelling with less than 72 hours notice, there will be a cancellation charge equal to the greater of 25% of the total booking amount or the cost of one visit.
*Effectively immediately, our minimum visit frequency is once a day visits, i.e., we will no longer accommodate every other day requests.
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