Pet sitter didn't show

[Marthe48]

I asked a neighbor friend to feed the cats evening and morning, just 1 overnight. She agreed and came to get the key. It would be her or her 20 something daughter. When I got home, the cats hadn't been fed, since I left the day before. I texted to be sure they were ok, and got a reply next day that it was an honest mistake. I'm trying not to be angry/upset/judgemental. However, it isn't like picking up the mail. I paid $10/day before and left money with the pet food this time.

At some point in the next few months, I will be away from home to help my friend after surgery. I had made arrangements with this family to care for the pets the time I am gone. I went away for a week earlier this year and they took care of the cats fine while I was gone. Now, I'm not sure if I should go with them or ask another neighbor. Or hire a pro, if there are any in my town. I have relatives who could stop in every few days to be sure the cats are ok, but I hate to ask.

I've been friends with the family for a long time and I don't want to lose a friendship, but on the other hand, I don't want my cats stressed when I am gone. I've never had this happen before, and I don't know what to think.

[LisaM]

1. See if your vet has a recommendation....

IIRC, our vet (our dogs are passed on now) had vet techs who would come over and take care of the pets.

I don't like to be judgmental either, but these are living beings. Just pretend it's a two-year old child and act accordingly.

[Corgigal]

28. I've had vet techs

watch my pets before. Call the office and see if anyone does that. If not hire a pro, I've also done that twice and always felt secure. Also purchase a small camera for ourself and aim it at the front door. You then won't have to worry, and will know the times the sitter came into the house.

[womanofthehills]

2. My cats and dog always have dry food out & more than one water bowl

If dry food is always out, pets quickly learn to not overeat. Being it's always out, what they really like is their wet food. None of my pets are overweight. I live out in the country and know if an arroyo get flooded or if for some reason I can't get back, they have enough food for a few days.

If i were you, no way would I ask them again. Not worth the chance.

[Marthe48]

10. Mine are all seniors

One overeats, always has. She was having some trouble with uti, even on Hills Science diet. Another one is always stressed (got her from the shelter and she has not adapted) Third one isn't crazy about it, just eats it once in a while. I used to let them all have dry food every day, but now they only get a little a couple times a week. The uti problems and the puking both seem cleared up.

I often wish for cats with normal guts, but I have these 3 right now.

But thanks for the idea. I fed them all extra food before I left and I am glad I did.

[Kittycow]

3. No no no

Don't take the chance that they screw up again. Your kitties aren't plants that can be revived if somebody forgets to water them. They didn't even respond to your text in a timely manner to lessen your concern.

I would find a reputable Kitty motel or 5* professional pet sitting service. (We put ours in a cat boarding place that has pimped-out little rooms for each cat.)

I guess I would keep the friendship but it would be the end of me hiring them. I wouldn't hire another neighbor cuz it might cause tension in the 'hood.

[Laffy Kat]

4. Totally agree with Kittycow.

You can't take chances. Your neighbors blew it. Use vet techs or hire a pro. It's worth it for the peace of mind. I also think kittehs do better in their own homes. Boarding cats is a huge stress for them, their immune systems take a hit and then they get sick with all the germs they're exposed to at the vet.

[Marthe48]

11. I don't think boarding is an option

The Manx would do ok, but the other 2 aren't good with change. I was thinking about looking at the pet sitting site to see if I could find someone who'd live here while I'm away.

[Kittycow]

12. That sounds like a good idea..

If that's too spendy, some pet sitters will come once or twice a day.

Don't forget about making sure that they passed a background check and actually call lots of their references.

I actually don't have experience with pet sitters; that's just what I would do since I'm a worry-wart

[Marthe48]

16. My daughters have used pet sitters

I can ask the one who lives near. Thank you!

[Rhiannon12866]

27. I agree, that sounds like the best idea

My cat is only three, but he is not an enthusiastic traveler.

[SoCalMusicLover]

5. Try Rover.Com

I know it's mainly for dogs, but I have seen people who say they will look after cats. People write reviews, so you can find someone reliable with prior customers.

[KT2000]

6. get someone else

a professional you can trust. I had a similar experience only it was likely 2 days. It was seriously bad when I got home. I had placed out several water dishes that were bone dry (for how long?) and the cats were disoriented.
The health and safety of your cats is important and your neighbor friend should be understanding of that.
Maybe your vet will have a recommendation for a professional.

If they kept the money, excused it by saying it was an honest mistake, and did not reply immediately - I would be angry, upset, and judgmental.

[Marthe48]

15. No one showed up

I put the money back in my purse.

I hope your cats were ok after their stress. Poor babies.

[lunatica]

7. They probably expect you to never ask them again even if it was unintentional

So as long as you stay friendly with them they should accept that you no longer ask them for help.

[Marthe48]

17. My friend asked me if her daughter

had gotten in touch with me about Thanksgiving weekend. I had already made other arrangements because I thought my friend and her whole family were going out of town. I haven't heard fromher sense.

[left-of-center2012]

8. How many days will you be away?

Back in the day, my now ex and I would leave our three cats alone for three or four days with plenty of dry food and a couple water dispensers (from Petco, etc) without having any problems.

If it's longer, you could kennel them or hire a professional pet sitter (get references).

[Marthe48]

19. It'll be at least a month

My best friend is on the transplant list. I'm going to be her main caretaker, after she has surgery and it'll probably be at least a month. Don't know when it'll be, and when she calls, she says, 'not a kidney call!'

I wanted to have someone come and stay, but not sure I can find someone who will do that. I have time.

[eppur_se_muova]

9. Just to be on the safe side ...

I would fully stock an automatic feeder and waterer (similar designs) as backup. Of course, that means dry food only, but it's not meant as your primary feeder, only a just-in-case, belt-and-suspenders solution.

Just make *sure* that neither can be knocked over, including by the kitties. When I was getting my ferals adapted to coming to my apartment for food and water, my little tomcat loved to climb on top of the water bottle and "wrestle" it ! I don't know why, but a weighted base solves the problem. You may have to adjust the opening in the reservoir, depending on what type of dry food you use. Small, round, free-flowing crunchies are no problem, but larger or more complicated shapes can clog up.

There are also electronically-timed feeders, some not TOO expensive.

[Skittles]

13. I do pet sitting for my apt building for 10 bucks a day

*ALWAYS* have them text you saying "name of cat" IS GOOD, meaning they have STARTED their duty - I always do this because I lose track of days as a night shift worker

[Marthe48]

20. That's what I pay :)

We've always wanted the kitties to be well-cared for. I usually give a gift card as a bonus. Thank you for being a pet-sitter

[Skittles]

23. I literally only have to walk up the stairs

so I pop in twice a day while the gal is on an occasional business trip.....I have used the money to send packages to soldiers

[Marthe48]

24. Nice of you

I like having someone who lives on my street. My key buddy downsized and moved to the other side of town. I miss her so much. I just went to visit her yesterday. We would trade favors all the time, from cookies to pet care.

[Heddi]

14. I use Rover.com.

The people are vetted by rover. I have them sit my dog @ their house, and this time they came by twice to feed & water the cats & fish. They've sat my dog 2x's and are super great. They love the dog & the dog loves them.

If you want a code for $$ off, PM me and I can give you one. It's legit. They are licensed & insured (through rover) so your'e covered there. You can do a meet & greet before all is said and done and all payment goes through the rover site AFTER the stay is over, so if you're not satisfied you have options/remediation, etc.

very highly reccommended by a friend who has used them when they were another company for her dogs. My cats were none the wiser. Because we have a security system, I could see that she was in and out of the house in less than 10 minutes (it's fine, the cats are ghosts around strangers so they wouldn't have wanted/needed cuddle time anyways). She texts me photos of the dog @ her house daily when we were in europe for 2 weeks, which you have the option to get if you want as well. They also are hooked up with emergency vets if you dno't have your own, you set them up with emergency contacts, etc. They come over, see your cat's routines, etc.

Very good as far as pet sitting goes.

[Marthe48]

25. I'll save your post, Heddi, thanks.

I'll look at Rover and see if they serve my area. I am not sure when I will go, except it'll be after the end of Jan.

[IrishEyes]

18. I'm sorry that happened to you.

I have done petsitting. It is a great way to make a little extra money. I would text my clients when I made a visit.

I would find another friend or hire a cat sitter. You don't want to spend your trip worrying about your kitties. Some websites that you can find people on are care.com, petsit.com, sittercity.com and petsitters.org.

[Marthe48]

21. Yes, the less stress the better

I'll actually be caring for a sick friend. And I want to be super upbeat for her.

[IrishEyes]

22. Yes, definitely

I hope you find a great person to take care of your cats. I have two kittens of my own.

[spooky3]

26. Very sorry to hear this. This is why I hire a pro cat

sitter and she has never let me down. I strongly recommend that.

[alarimer]

29. Because my cat requires medicine and wet food, I board him at the vet's.

It's reasonably priced and if something happens, he's in the right place.

I could never ask anyone to come by my place twice a day and in any case, he would hide under the bed, so medicating him would be impossible.

You might look into some kind of boarding facility, if you can't find someone trustworthy.

On edit:

I didn't realize it would be such a long time. When I board my cat, they put him in a large-ish cage, which is okay for a few days (I think they do let them out once in a while).

[Marthe48]

30. Thank you for thinking of ideas for me

My cats don't need medication, tg. I'll be working on a solution until I find one