About Us
Mike Fitzgerald — Owner & Chief Cat Caretaker
With a lifelong passion for feline care, Mike has dedicated his career to understanding and nurturing cats of all sizes.
Before founding Fat Cat Sitting, Mike spent six years as a zookeeper, caring for some of the world’s most majestic wild cats—lions, tigers, leopards, cougars, bobcats, and servals. His work included helping to raise big cats like Cameron and Zabu at Big Cat Rescue and nurturing a leopard from cub to adulthood.
In 2008, Mike brought his deep experience with feline behavior and care to Chattanooga. He joined the Cat Clinic of Chattanooga, a feline-exclusive veterinary practice, where he worked until 2015. There, he provided daily medical care, managed boarding services, assisted with behavior consultations, and advocated for community cat welfare as the clinic's feral cat liaison.
Mike remains deeply involved in local Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) efforts and community cat rescue. He actively supports and helps feed three feral cat colonies, using a portion of Fat Cat Sitting's profits to fund food and medical care. At home, Mike shares his life with four feline companions who keep him grounded in the joys (and quirks) of everyday cat care.
Whether you're heading out of town for a few days or an extended trip, Mike offers trusted, in-home cat sitting that ensures your cats can stay in their own space, safe and stress-free.
Watch Mike in action with some big cats.
Our Story
Fat Cat Sitting: Expert Cat Care, Right at Home
Fat Cat Sitting was born in 2008 from a simple yet powerful idea: cats thrive best in their own environment.
The inspiration came from clients at the Cat Clinic of Chattanooga who wanted a specialized pet sitting service—someone who truly understood cats and could provide high-quality, stress-free care without uprooting their pets from home.
Founder Mike Fitzgerald, with years of experience caring for both domestic and wild cats, stepped in to fill that need. Combining his professional background with a deep love for felines, Mike created a service tailored to the unique emotional and physical needs of cats. Fat Cat Sitting quickly became Chattanooga’s go-to option for discerning cat owners who want peace of mind when they travel.
Over the years, Fat Cat Sitting has grown, but its mission remains the same: to provide compassionate, reliable, and expert in-home care that keeps cats happy, healthy, and comfortably in “their place.” It's not just a job—it's a calling.
"Mike is the most caring human for our cat. He has been helping us for over 10 years, and I cannot imagine having anyone else take care of our sweet Molly. We travel a bit, and he is reliable, kind, loving, and trustworthy with our home. Not only does he make sure she has her food and water, but he also spends time with her and gives her needed attention. He is the best!"
— HH
Ready to give your cat the comfort of home while you’re away?
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended trip, Fat Cat Sitting is here to provide your feline friend with the care, attention, and familiarity they deserve. Reach out today to learn more or schedule a visit—we’d love to meet you and your cat!