Unhappy with petsitter, would you rebook?

I’ve got through quite a few pet sitters, who were quite honestly; useless and lazy. I think some people do pet sitting thinking it’s a really easy job and give no thought to the pets they’ll be looking after. I’ve had sitters who have left my dogs for hours on end, not realising I have a ring doorbell, leaving my house absolutely filthy, locking themselves out and having to call a locksmith (expecting me to pay), not feeding the cat as they hadn’t listened to (or read) instructions of where the extra food was kept. I have a wonderful sitter now and they are worth their weight in gold. Definitely don’t rebook!

I do pet sitting and pop in visits which is what it sounds like you had and I would not be treating your home and pets like that

That shows the cat was stressed, I’d say and the trays had both been used-

Cats can be funny about who looks after them-

But a poo on a place like your bed shows cat was seriously stressed out.

You’d know if the litter had been changed as the amount in the bag would be less-
Plus the state of the tray/s
Were they urine soaked? Strong smelling?
A litter tray shouldn’t have any odour if it’s cleaned properly and replenished.

OP the fact is, she did not do the job you paid her for and your cat did not have a clean litter tray. You don't need to listen to her excuses, just don't ask her to pet sit again and find someone who will do the job properly.

Don't re Book. She'll get the idea as it's going to happen again probably and eventually she will ask or somebody will tell her.

Hmm nope I wouldn’t be happy.
I am a cat sitter. I am currently sitting with a cat cuddled up on my knee while I sit and watch some tv ( owner away quite a while so I’m spending longer than normal as cat is very petted) I have brought my own drink and snack and will take it with me when I go.
Litter trays and food bowls are cleaned every visit. Any tracked litter, puke etc is cleaned every visit. If cat is sick on bed then I wash the bedding.
On my last visit I deep clean trays, Hoover and mop floors and wet wash any kitchen surfaces/window ledges cats have been on. I also put out bins on the correct day, bring in post and open and close blinds so house is ‘lived in’.
Sometimes I live in. I bring M/s ready meals and any dishes used would be washed and put back where I get them.

I wasnt implying your pans were dirty. I was suggesting you rebuke her. You said in your first post that the trays were unclean, i meant you say to her. My pans didnt need cleaning but the trays did !
Personally I'd not trust her now to do a good job and wouldnt rebook

I know she is ND, but I have found this experience with her frustrating.

What's the relevance of her being ND?

I'm autistic and this has no bearing whatsoever on the care my cats receive. If anything, it makes me more in tune with their needs.

The person you employed to look after your cats didn't do their job properly. It's time to look for a pet sitter who will care for your cats properly in your absence. And one that doesn't take the piss in other aspects as well.

I'd be tempted to say - nah it's the cat litter tray that needed cleaning...not my pans.

I think she's lying - and she clearly cooked. what;s her living arrangements. She's unlikely to be some sort of clean neat freak if she left your cat litter tray so bad. I'd just not use her again.

This is why you should avoid having friends do this sort of thing. It gets awkward if things go wrong/they can take advantage because they know you.

1. There's 2 issues here. 1. She didnt look after your cat properly, and lets face it there's not much to do is there really. If she's that slack re cat litter - she might forget to give your cat fresh water, or other things.
2. Why was she cooking in your house? Has she been entertaining? Staying there, this is a breech of trust.
3. She's a cheeky cow.

I would not use her again. End of. And if she asks why tell her. Your cats deserve better.

I pity the cats she supposedly cares for.
She sounds chaotic and incompetent-
And you obviously left detailed instructions, so she’s incapable of doing a decent job.

I can't believe she was cooking in your home! What a cheek. Was she sleeping in your bed too?! Next to the poo??? Lol.

Definitely don't use her again. She didn't do the basics of what she was paid to do and clearly made herself at home. Piss take.

Cats are very scrupulous about having clean litter.
I have looked after cats and do the trays several times a day .
Absolutely get a professional in who takes notice of your instructions and looks after the cat properly! ( clean tray)

Would she like to use a foul lavatory?
Of course she wouldn’t.

I would absolutely not rebook her. Ensuring there is a clean litter tray is as basic as ensuring the cat is fed. She did not do the job you paid her to do. And she has no reason to make a mess or use pans.

Did you leave explicit instructions as to what her duties were? I leave written instructions for the woman that comes when we are on holiday e.g. how much food to put out and what types and when to put it out.

You could also detail how often to clean out the litter and how often to change it completely and where the disposal bags are and where to put them afterwards.

Very cheeky for her to cook in your house though.