Bay Whiskers

Reliable, stress-free cat visits in San Francisco while you're away

About Me

Hi! I'm Lauren, owner of Bay Whiskers.I've been a cat owner for over 20 years and have been cat sitting for 10+. I understand how important it is to leave you cat in calm, capable hands.Whether your cat is playful and social or shy and independent, I tailor each visit to their personality and needs. I'm attentive to small details, communicate clearly, and treat every home with respect.When you're away, you can expect reliable care, throughtul updates, and the peace of mind that your cat is being looked after as if they were my own.

Services

Each visit includes feeding, fresh water, litter box care, playtime, and a home check for peace of mind. Mail / package collection and plant watering are also included. You'll receive a visit summary and photos after every check-in.30-Minute Visit
$25 per visit60-Minute Visit
$45 per visit

Holiday Dates

An additional charge of $10 for 30-minute visits and $15 for 60-minute visits will be assessed on the below days:

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend (Friday - Monday)

  • President's Day Weekend (Friday - Monday)

  • Valentine's Day (February 13-15, 2026)

  • Easter Weekend (Friday - Sunday)

  • Memorial Day Weekend (Friday - Monday)

  • Independence Day Holiday (July 2-5, 2026)

  • Labor Day Weekend (Thursday - Monday)

  • Columbus Day Weekend (Thursday - Monday)

  • Thanksgiving Week (Monday - Sunday)

  • Christmas / New Years (December 20 - January 1)

Service Area

FAQs

First time clients can reach out using the Contact form. After the first visit(s), you can text or email me directly.

Me! Bay Whiskers is a mighty team of one. You can feel comfortable knowing that it will be the same person each time. This is especially nice for anxious kitties.

I’m flexible. Some folks leave keys under a mat or potted plant, others use a realtor lockbox, and some buildings use entry codes. We can discuss the option that works best and feels most comfortable for you.

Visits typically happen between 8am and 7pm on normal days, but may extend slightly earlier or later during busy periods in December.

If your cat requires a more consistent schedule, we can discuss it ahead of time, though it may not always be possible to accommodate.

Things happen, I get it. I don’t charge cancellation fees. If I have not made the visit for that day yet, it is no problem to cancel. Just send me a text.

Of course. If your plans change and you need to extend your time away, just send me a text and I will do my best to accommodate. No extra fees.

I accept Venmo, Zelle, and CashApp.

If you prefer to pay by credit card, that works too. I can send an invoice, which includes an additional 3% fee for credit card processing.

Yes, I am fully insured.

In the rare case there are access issues, I will contact you right away. Often a neighbor or building manager can assist. If needed and with your permission, we can discuss contacting a locksmith.

If your cat seems a little off but does not appear to need immediate care, we can jump on a quick video call to discuss.

If your pet needs urgent attention, I will contact you and your vet immediately. If your vet is available, I will take your cat there. If not, I can bring them to the nearest emergency vet.

My service area is intentionally small. This keeps prices low and allows me to reach pets on foot if needed.

In the event of an earthquake or other disaster, I will ensure your pet is safe and coordinate with your friends or family, or provide temporary housing if necessary.

document.querySelectorAll('.bw-faq-question').forEach(function(button) { button.addEventListener('click', function() { var item = this.parentElement; item.classList.toggle('open'); }); });

Cat Care Tips

Over time I’ve picked up a few small things that can make a big difference for cats. None of these are requirements, but they are simple ways to make daily life more comfortable and healthy for your cat.

  • Automatic Feeders Automatic feeders are one of my favorite things to recommend. They help keep feeding times consistent and are especially helpful if you work long hours or occasionally get home late. They also prevent cats from being fed earlier and earlier each day, which many cats will try to convince their humans to do. A feeder keeps the schedule predictable and removes the guesswork. Many models allow you to program multiple meals throughout the day, which can be great for cats that prefer smaller, more frequent meals.

  • Water Fountains Cats naturally prefer moving water. In the wild, running water is usually fresher than standing water, so many cats instinctively drink more when water is flowing.cWater fountains can encourage better hydration, which is especially helpful for cats that primarily eat dry food.cIf you use a fountain, it’s important to keep it clean. I recommend taking it apart and washing it about once a week because fountains can develop a slippery buildup over time. Filters typically need to be replaced about every two weeks, though it’s a good idea to check them regularly. During hotter or dustier months, they may need to be changed sooner.

  • Water Bowl Tips If you prefer a traditional water bowl, that works perfectly well too. Just make sure it is washed and refilled with fresh water daily. Wide bowls are often better than narrow ones. Cats’ whiskers are extremely sensitive, and when they constantly brush against the sides of a bowl it can cause something called whisker fatigue. A wide bowl allows them to drink comfortably without their whiskers touching the sides.

  • Food Dish Recommendations Many cat dishes are very cute, but shallow plates can actually be more comfortable for cats. Plates help avoid whisker fatigue for the same reason as wide water bowls. They also make cleaning easier. Wet food can sometimes dry and stick to bowls, which means they need soaking before they can be cleaned properly. With plates, it’s easy to rotate through a few while others soak or go in the dishwasher. This can make daily feeding much simpler.

  • Keep Water and Food Separate If possible, it’s helpful to place your cat’s water a short distance away from their food. Cats evolved as hunters, and in nature a water source located right next to food might be contaminated. Because of this instinct, many cats naturally prefer to drink from water that is separate from where they eat. Even moving the water bowl or fountain to a nearby counter or a few feet away can sometimes encourage cats to drink more.

Contact Me!

Interested in scheduling a visit or have questions? Contact me here!

Thanks!

I'll get back to you soon!