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Tales of the Kitty
Category: Pets Pet Services Pet Boarding/Pet Sitting Pet Boarding/Pet Sitting [Edit]
Pine St & Larkin StSan Francisco, CA 94164
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
(415) 990-2440
Teresa B. said: "We were in S.F for a quick vacation and needed to find a place to leave the pup for a few hours of "non doggy" sight seeing. The people at Fog City were really lovely with our little rescue (he has a bit of separation anxiety) the…" read more »
43 reviews for Tales of the Kitty
43 reviews in English
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Review from liz g.
San Francisco, CA
12/1/2011
The owner Shelley sat down with me and asked me specific things about my cats that I never thought I'd tell anyone (you know, with the whole ' Crazy Cat Lady' craze that's going on). She also wrote them down for their database so anyone from their company in the future would know that my girlcat was the runt, is 1/2 feral (we like to call it 'street smart') and needs to...you get the idea.
You can trust them to spend the full 20 minutes with your furbies and keep an eye on your place. -
Review from Natalie G.
San Francisco, CA
11/29/2011 1 photo
We just had an amazing experience using Tales of the Kitty while on vacation!! Shelly, Nicole, Scott and their whole team are not only professional, but really reliable. The last thing you want to do when you go out of town is worry about your pets, and with them I didn't once.
First, one of them comes to your house and walks through everything including toys, food, etc. and discusses the personalities of the cats (if you have more than one like us!), and what they like and don't like. Then while we were away we got an email update letting us know everything was going well, which was really nice and reassuring. We had no problems and came back to two happy and healthy cats.
The online site and booking system couldn't be easier too. They charge $10 more for holidays (when they book up) so keep that in mind. Overall we couldn't have asked for a better experience. Thanks TOTK!! -
Review from Lesly S.
8/21/2011
We used TOTK last month during a long trip--it was a last minute reservation, mostly because we had been so busy dealing with our cat getting sick that we put off finding someone to take care of him. It was our first time using a pet sitting service AND we had a normally healthy cat on two meds. I was freaking out, but Shelly immediately calmed all that down when she came over for a walk through. Her energy was perfect for the cat and I felt comfortable letting her come into my home while we were away to take care of Hiram. She sent a few messages during her visits over and we arrived home to a healthy cat, our mail on the counter and a really sweet note. She thinks our cat is as great as we do, which is awesome!
Listed in: The Gold Standard
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Review from Michele A.
San Francisco, CA
4/25/2011
We've never used a cat sitter before and I was very happy to find TotC as a referral from our vet. Nicole was cheery and calm which was perfect for meeting our kitty. I came home to a happy, fat cat ( I think he eats more than usual when we're gone).
We were able to book care for our kitty on short notice and definitely plan to use these ladies again when the holidays roll around. Love the online profile and booking system. -
Review from Janna M.
1/16/2011
My cats are very laid-back, and I don't worry too much about them when I'm gone (whether for the day or for a week). That said, I'm quite attached to them and would be pretty crushed if anything happened to these guys. I left them under Shelly's care while I was away over Christmas this year, and knew it was the right decision the minute she met them.
I was already impressed by the super-easy and thorough online registration system, but she was amazing when she came over to my apartment. I was expecting Q*Bert, my sociable kitty, to come out and show some love, but the other one, Jaspar, has diva qualities that make him less friendly. However, Shelly had a secret weapon: woo-hoo laser pointer! She had both cats running around chasing the little red light, and this somehow won them over completely. Q*Bert was an instant purrball, which was no surprise, but Jaspar was super-affectionate too.
Shelly texted me while I was gone to let me know that all was well, and when I returned J + Q were in good spirits. They were happy to see me, but not too frantic - an obvious sign that they were happy with Shelly. I recommend Tales of the Kitty without any hesitation whatsoever.Listed in: Hall of Fame Names, Die Katzen
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Review from Jane S.
San Francisco, CA
6/20/2011
I want to just cosign all the rave reviews already here. I just got back from a short trip (3 nights) -- my first since adopting two cats about 6 months ago. On my return, they were completely relaxed and contented, even more than they normally are when I return from work at the end of the day. It was clear to me that they'd been played with thoroughly and attentively, and that all their needs were looked after with great care.
I had a very good feeling about Tales of the Kitty from the first time I spoke with Shelley, and after watching her introduce herself to my cats, each with her own disposition, I was even more confident that they were in good hands. I'm can't say enough good things about this amazing service. -
Review from Nicole G.
San Mateo, CA
2/11/2010
Tales of the Kitty is a godsend. We've been using their services for the last two years and have nothing but praise for them. They make leaving town MUCH less stressful because I know I won't have to worry about my cats for a second.
Nicole has been marvelous and endlessly patient with my changing travel plans and details. And she's extremely knowledgeable when it comes to pet care -- even handling my cat's sub-Q injections while I'm out of town. She's been really great to work with. I honestly couldn't leave my cats in better hands. -
Review from Denise M.
8/29/2009
Shelly and Nicole are our saviors!!! They've taken such good care of our kitty - we're totally spoiled by them (and I'm sure Monte was too). Monte has been a sick cat for a while, so we needed someone who could give him his meds, and also help out with some other issues we've been having with him. Thanks to Shelly and Nicole, my hubby and I were able to take a short vacation before we went completely bonkers. We've had to cancel two vacations since Monte became sick - so it's been over a year since we went anywhere. Literally, a full year.
No worries anymore. Monte was well loved while we had a weekend away. Text message during our trip gave us a quick update. Came home to a wonderful note explaining how the weekend went. The house was just as we left it - feeding dishes washed, and a happy kitty waiting for us.
Such a relief to find good caring people who truly love our precious ones. Thank you Shelly and Nicole!!! -
Review from Jennifer O.
San Francisco, CA
12/14/2007 2 photos
Dog people think that cat-care is simply dumping food in a dish and filling the water bowl, then attending to the litter box. Cat people know that even if kitty is hiding under the bed, she or he also needs some love and attention...and perhaps a hit of catnip to loosen them up. Shelly is exclusively a cat person, and she will spoil your kitty with attention while you are out of town.
My cat Luna, is kind of like a dog in cat form, she needs constant petting and holding or she gets really crazy and starts to demand it. MEOWWW. When I come back home from a trip, none of the crazy-needies are showing, so it's pretty obvious that she's gotten her fill of love from Shelley!
Shelley is also great with a special needs kitty, and will administer meds if needed. -
Review from Amy K.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2008
I would not hesitate to recommend Shelly at Tales of the Kitty. She's been taking care of my first love, Lamar, for the last year, and I wouldn't trust anyone else.
Whenever I arrive back from a trip, Lamar is happy and obviously has been given a lot of love and attention. Shelly always leaves a note so that I know that she has been there. She has also left toys and treats for Lamar, which is so greatly appreciated.
Shelly is also completely willing to go above and beyond cat care duties. Once when I was out of town, the plumbing in my building backed up into my tub and overflowed in my hallway. Shelly cleaned it up and called to notify me of the situation. I am not sure that most people would have done the same.
If you are looking for someone you can trust in your home and with your beloved pets, look no further than Shelly! -
Review from Braden B.
San Francisco, CA
12/4/2008
Shelly is the most amazing cat sitter I've ever had. I'll never use anyone else! I was out of town for a week and a half for Thanksgiving and she visiting my 2 boys every other days, spent time with them, played with them, even bought them a new toy that they loved. She ALSO emailed me after each visit- which was very reassuring and I just felt that they were safer in Shelly's care than anyone else I could even think of.
Her rates are very reasonable, and she'll offer to water plants and bring in papers if you need it too. She's very down-to-earth, and both my cats, one very timid, and the other less timid, took to her immediately on her visit. She'll come visit you ahead of the trip to get everything squared away.
Hip Hip Hooray for Shelly- she made my day and my vacation- I didn't have to worry about my "babies" while I was gone at all! -
Review from Ess H.
Oakland, CA
11/5/2008
Shelly is absolutely marvelous. Her love of kitties is immediately apparent, and both of our cats (even the misanthropic one) took to her very well.
I am a high-anxiety kitty mommy and always worry about my two furry babies when I am out of town. Shelly texted me after each visit to let me know that they were perfectly happy and that neither of them had jumped out of a window, run away, gotten locked into a closet, or any of the other stupid nightmares that I have about them. (God pity my child when I have one.)
Shelly's the best and I trust her completely. -
Review from Melinda B.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2008
Update: 11/20/2008.
Just got back from another week trip where Shelly did an amazing job. How amazing? My 10 year old furry sofa cushion of a cat is so lazy that no matter how many toys I try, she refuses to play. Or she just bats at it and then goes back to sleep. Shelly brought over the most amazing toy that even my sweet old girl of a kitty went bonkers for! Shelly rules. You will have a better time on your trip knowing your kitty is so well cared for.
Shelly Ross took amazing care of my kitty when I was out of town for 3 weeks. She sent me an email after each visit, and when kitty got a bit aggressive with the food, she took the initiative to buy a feeder to ease the kitty's anxiety. I felt things were in excellent hands with Shelly and it gave me peace of mind when I was so far away, knowing she'd do what was right for my kitty. She was also able to water plants and pick up mail, so that was helpful as well!
Can't say enough good things about Shelly. She only does care for cats so you dog owners are OOL on this one. :) -
Review from Dale T.
San Francisco, CA
12/31/2007
Wow.. I'm not sure where to start. When I first contacted Tales of the Kitty to take care of my then 17 year old cat Lucy. The only thing I was really looking for was to feed, play and care of her. At the time Lucy was in perfect health. After about a year, Lucy developed hypertension and hyperthyroid and mild kidney disease (after all she was 18 at the time). Lucky for me, Tales of the Kitty was able to help while I was away by giving Lucy her meds and fluids every other day as the vet prescribed. Now, I come home from being away and Lucy isn't stressed, she's relaxed, looks great and I can tell feels great. Just having someone I can trust and rely on is a HUGE relief.
If you are looking for a cat sitter that truly loves cats and everything about them, you can't go wrong with Shelly at Tales of the Kitty. Just remember to book as soon as possible... You don't want to hear, sorry I'm already booked solid.. I shutter to think about that!!! -
Review from Ingrid E.
San Francisco, CA
1/21/2011
I don't care what people say that cats are independent and only need food and water when left alone for a few days. My Leo loves attention and some play time and I know Shelly and Nicole do a great job providing that when I'm gone. They are the best! I love their Facebook page too and it is testimony how well they take care of our kitty pals. I highly recommend them!
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Review from Donna M.
San Francisco, CA
5/27/2011
Nicole and the crew took great care of my two kitties when I was gone for 10 days. I was impressed by the interview visit and Nicole's patience with all the little details that mean so much to a cat owner.
One cat needs lots of lap time, the other lots of play time and they were pretty content even after a 10 day absence. They are not used to being left alone, as most times a neighbor or two whom they know usually visits and spends time with them in the evening. My older cat needs monitoring so she won't stop eating and I got regular reports by email or text about how she was doing. They even cleaned up hair balls!
We found a new toy as a gift when we returned that our very active younger kitty had nearly ripped apart. A great experience for all.
Nicole also was responsive after we came home to answer questions about how our finicky old girl did while we were away. They provide a convenient service of emailing you when a holiday is coming up to advise of their schedules and whether they are all booked.
Do not hesitate to call Tales of the Kitty! -
Review from Mary V.
San Francisco, CA
5/11/2008
Shelly is the best when it comes to Mori, my picky cat. He gives her two paws up, and believe me, he is one tough customer to please.
Shelly is sublime with him. He always tells me about the fun he has had when I get back. I trust Shelly with everything and she has been EXTREMELY reliable.
Thanks so much. -
Review from Adam S.
San Francisco, CA
8/1/2008
Shelly is outstanding! I think my cat may like her more than he likes me. Always accomodating, dependable, and all-around great.
Highly recommend!! -
Review from Sander L.
San Francisco, CA
2/11/2010
5 stars it is, and very true. This is as good as it gets.
I've been working with Tales of the Kitty for about the last 6 years. I haven't been traveling as much as I used to, but when I did, I can't express how much I valued the service they provide. It's the best peace of mind I could imagine when in comes to having my animals taken care of.
I say "animals" because I think it's important to point out that not only do they take care of my beloved Siamese cat, they also look after my 90-gallon aquarium and it's 100+ inhabitants. This requires prying frozen bloodworms from the container and monitoring the feeding. I get the feeling that they'd look after anything alive in my condo if needed.
This outfit is ultra-professional and ultra-friendly, always leaving a report card behind after the visit. They love animals, love people, love their business and love providing amazing customer service. I cannot recommend them more highly. Their approach feels very much like having a family friend in a small town. It's the kind of service that makes you feel like there is still hope for this world after all.
So go take that trip to Maui knowing your cats are receiving the best care and attention possible while you're away. They'll still love you when you return, but they'll miss Shelly and Nicole just a little bit too. -
Review from L. W.
San Francisco, CA
1/17/2011
When I realized I was going to have to hire a pet sitter to watch my kitten for a week I was resigned to having someone (hopefully) come in once a day to leave fresh food and water.
I came home to a cat that was happy and healthy, a nice card outlining the week for me, mail in a neat pile on the counter, and, as a bonus, they'd gotten my cat a new toy.
From the initial contact the experience was exceptional. The price was extremely reasonable, especially since I can tell they were here playing with my cat for quite a bit each day.
There really aren't enough good things that can be said about the ladies at Tales of the Kitty. I'll definitely be using them again. -
Review from Susan L.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 12/2/2010
Still the best -- hands (or paws) down.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/1/2008
I have been using Shelly for many years, ever since our vet, Sandy Hazanow -- also 5 stars! --… Read more »
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Review from Anne K.
Oakland, CA
9/8/2010
Our two cats, 4 months old, fell out the window and needed medical help while we were away. I was so scared and felt so guilty about leaving them. She came in and comforted us with news of her background and suggestions to keep costs low. We had neighbors help out too. Along with "Tales" help, our cats got their medicine, exercise, love and nurturing needed to get them healthy. She's amazing. I would love to have her at our new place but we moved out of her range.
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Review from Kate S.
San Francisco, CA
7/29/2010
I can't think of one thing Shelly can do better when it comes to taking care of my cat! And a lot goes into that caretaking, considering he is on six different medications. It is so wonderful to know that he'll be in great hands every time I leave town. And...she's super-responsive over email, which I totally appreciate. If you are looking for a cat sitter, I would absolutely recommend TOTK!
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Review from L M.
San Francisco, CA
5/6/2011
Shelly takes better care of my cats than I do. She even emails a photo and description of their behavior when I travel and left kitchen magnets with my photos of my cats on them. Talk about service! I held off getting a dog because she is allergic and I would have to find someone else for pet sitting.
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Review from Tory Q.
San Francisco, CA
2/10/2008
Shelly is the bomb! Simon, my first born, can be a little terror. He's kind of high maintenance and sometimes gives little love bites if you try to touch his tummy. More importantly, he gets anxious and pees when left for more than 1 day at a time. Shelly has taken care of Simon for some long stretches and he always seem so happy and relaxed when I get home. She even sends me Christmas presents (framed picture of Simon wearing a Santa hat) and luggage tags with his surly mug on the front. Her personal touch and assurance that's she's taking care of my 'lil guy is priceless.
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Review from Jennifer A.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2009
Shelly is awesome. She very clearly loves cats and takes care of ours like they're her own. No matter where we go or how long we're gone, we always feel good about leaving the "kids" in her hands. I, too, like other posters am a high-anxiety kitty mommy and always feel good about Shelly being there.
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Review from tina c.
San Francisco, CA
1/17/2010
Tales is the absolute best!!!! Shelly has been a second mom to our two cats for over 4 years - since they were just a few months old. During that time, we have never had a single complaint about Tales. Even though our kitties are quite hard to handle because they are absolutely crazy (no really they are insane), they are always so well taken care of and loved by Tales. We never worry when we go out of town because we know our girls will be snuggled, fed and played with more than if we were home. They truly care about our furry family members and we have unconditional trust in Tales.
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Review from michelle w.
San Francisco, CA
1/8/2008
We love Shelly and have known her for 10 years! She is an absolute natural with kitties and they adore her! She is completely professional and takes care of your fluffy little ones as if they were her own. We wouldn't dream of leaving our babies in anyone elses hands.
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Review from Sandra H.
Oakland, CA
2/14/2008
When my patients need at home kitty care, I refer them to Shelly. She is honest, responsible, caring, and thorough. I have gone with her on some visits and she spends about 1/2 hour just entertaining the cats. Having had old cats with medical problems, she is very tuned in to the kitty's health needs-- she has called me on several occasions when a medical problem or question arises and she wont hesitate to do what is best. I have yet to meet someone who has not been very pleased with her service. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by myself and other doctors at our practice.
Sandy Hazanow, DVM -
Review from Amy G.
San Francisco, CA
10/15/2008
I was totally nervous about hiring a cat sitter, especially in a city like SF where you never know what you're going to get! I found Shelly on Yelp, warily emailed her and we set up a meet-and-greet. She worked with my schedule, met me at my apt. after work one night, and I introduced her to my little guy Milo. She asked a ton of questions, wanted to know where all the supplies were, even took notes on a file card which I'm assuming she does for every client. Her prices are completely affordable and she won me over quickly by showing her genuine interest in cats and respect for being given access to my home!
While I was gone on my trip, she sent me text message updates letting me know when she stopped by to feed and visit Milo. When I returned home, I found a hand written card and a toy on the floor that Milo had been playing with for the past few days - she went out of her way to get it for him.
I will use Shelly again and would recommend Tales of the Kitty to anyone. This is my first time Yelping and I did it becuase I think she did such a great job! Thanks Shelly! -
Review from Katie L.
Pacifica, CA
12/4/2008
My geriatric, nervous tummy-ed, mama's boy and I both think that Shelly is a godsend. When I go away, I usually come home to an agitated and anxious cat who vomits and refuses to eat for awhile. (hunger-strike)
But, this time I used Shelly, and I came home to a happy and relaxed kitty who didnt even seem to notice that I was away. I feel very secure knowing that my guy is in such good hands. Kitty is particular about who he likes, and Shelly seems to have won him over in a short time. I am also a little particular (annxious) when it comes to my guy, and Shelly won me over with her professionalism.
I will definitely use her again! -
Review from michael l.
San Francisco, CA
2/27/2010
Shelly and Susan take such great care of our cat when we are gone. I can't say enough about all the little extras like text messages now and then with updates, new toys left behind, etc. - clearly lots of playing going on, and always notes upon our return. It all adds up to stellar service. They are great!
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Review from Jessica H.
San Francisco, CA
5/8/2008
Shelly is responsible, dependable, organized, friendly, and incredibly nice. She has taken incredible care of my two kitties while I've been gone on different occasions. Last December, I made some last minute plans and was having trouble finding a cat sitter. I ended up finding Shelly, and when I came back from my 7 day+ long trip, my cats were happy, healthy, and well-taken care of and my apartment looked beautiful. I highly recommend Shelly =) She is great.
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Review from louie g.
Chicago, IL
7/1/2008
Shelly took fabulous care of our skittish kitty for 10 days, bringing him his new favorite toy (a little mouse). I felt completely at ease knowing she was watching him, even though he managed to give us all a scare by finding a really good hiding place in the apartment. Shelly is very organized and dependable, and our kitty hopes to see her again soon.
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Review from Liz G.
San Francisco, CA
9/22/2008
Shelly took great care of my cat. She sent me an update on how my cat was doing and brought some fun, new toys to help make sure my cat got enough exercise while I was away. She is highly trustworthy and dependable and I would definitely recommend her to anyone!
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Review from Mariah M.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2010
Shelly and Nicole are A-mazing! It can be a bit of a nerve-wracking thing to open your house to someone and trust them with the care of your kitty, but these ladies are just fantastic. Not only do they provide amazing service, but you can tell that they really care about your pet. Shelly brings my kitty toys and sends me pictures of him so i don't miss him too much when I'm away. I don't think I would feel comfortable leaving if I didn't have Tales of the Kitty. I get follow up notes from them after their visits and texts when they are at the house. Such an wonderful service, I would recommend them to anyone, and I'll never ever EVER go anywhere else for my kitty sitting needs. They really go above and beyond!
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Review from Debbie K.
San Francisco, CA
5/8/2008
Words cannot express how terrific Shelly is, but I'll try anyway. She has been taking care of our cats for almost 10 years now, and is a trusted member of our household at this point. Our cats have all LOVED her; when they hear her scooter pull up outside our house, they go running down the stairs to greet their "Aunt Shelly"! Shelly has close ties to a veterinary clinic, so I never worry about something happening to our cats while I'm away - if needed, she could simply whisk them in without even an appointment. She is incredibly responsible, and keeps in touch constantly when we're away by leaving notes and sending emails. Shelly is the best, and I honestly don't know what we would do without her. I wish there was a rating I could give her that was more than five stars!
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Review from Derek M.
San Francisco, CA
2/6/2010
Our cat Miyake is no longer welcome where we used to board her after she inflicted some pretty heavy damage on a veterinary assistant. Thank goodness that she and the folks at Tales of the Kitty have a mutual admiration thing going on. It's so nice to come home from a trip to find a happy kitty with new toys and a lovely note about how "sweet" she is.
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Review from Charley Z.
San Francisco, CA
4/8/2010
I have never been moved before to write a yelp review, but Nicole and the Tales of the Kitty service was so phenomenal that here I am! We just returned from a week away and our aged felines have clearly been enjoying a week of food, pampering and love...and Nicole also brought in our mail and cleaned the catbox and and and...I am so thrilled! These women are clearly thoughtful, loving and conscientious, and I am so ecstatic that I found them!
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Review from Kristin S.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2008
Yes, another five stars for Shelly. She's taken care of our two kitties two times now, and is excellent. She does more than play with them and feed them--she trimmed their nails (and even offered to come back and show me how to do it myself). Both times she's come she leaves toys for them, a note to let us know how they have been doing and has emailed us updates (and pictures) while we are gone!
