Cat/house Sitting

[pips1]

When I go away for one week I have someone staying at my house to look after my elderly cat (nearly 19 yrs old). He doesn't know her very well but she is an animal lover and has lots of pets of her own. My cat sleeps 90% of his time anyway and only really ventures out into the garden to do his business but still eats well, I just can't stop worrying though. I just decided he was better off at home with a near stranger than in a cattery, am I right? Also what do I pay her? Any help appreciated.

[wolf63]

When your little friend goes out to use the facilities could your friend maybe keep him on a lead with a halter, at least then he won't 'run' off.

[Mosaic]

He'll be fine. He's in his territiry, all his familiar smells around him, and he gets fed. Might even permit a cuddle or two.

[boxtops]

I agree with you entirely re keeping him at home - familiarity is far more important to your old cat. Personally I'd rather have had a familiar neighbour popping in twice a day, rather than a stranger, but she won't be a stranger by the end of the week!

Paying her? - hmm, what are the arrangements you've made with her re food etc while she's staying at yours - are you leaving a fully stocked fridge for her to use - using your bed etc?

If the lads next door feed my cats when we're away, I usually give them twenty quid. If my dear friend next door feeds them, I don't pay her anything, but I bring her back a really nice gift from the holiday, and/or a good bottle of local wine. However - you really need to discuss this with your sitter, she may not be expecting anything at all - in which case perhaps you can return the favour in some other way?

[rsvp]

why not ask the lady around for a coffee a couple of times before you go so that cat a sitter can get acquainted? I've done housesitting lots of times and never, ever had a problem with the animals - you say she's an animal lover so I'm sure she knows how to let animals come to her rather than the other way around. Don't forget to leave vet's number, show her where the stopcocks, trip switches are and how to switch the alarms off and on. A contact (pref. a family member) in cases of emergency and discuss with your vet what to do should the cat fall ill - i.e. do you want to be contacted, does the sitter phone a family member or does the vet or sitter decide any treatment. I've always had permission to make any decisions regarding the welfare of the animals but do discuss this as it's quite a responsibility! Then don't worry....all will be fine.

[pips1]

Thank you all for your replies, it is my daughter's friend who is coming to stay, she has been round a few times but my cat is nervous of anyone who isn't family. It is good of her to offer, my neighbours are out of the equation for various reasons so I will just hope for the best. My son lives a few miles away so he can pop in just a couple of times as he works long hours. I am sure the cat'll be fine, it's just that he's old now. I have written all the vet numbers, family numbers down, etc. It has been a hard year for me and I need a break but sometimes you wonder if it is worth all the hassle.