Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Can I ask my new neighbours to feed my cat?

51 replies

Roxietrees · 08/04/2025 13:05

Just wondering if I’m being a bit cheeky with this one or if it’s a reasonable request so opinions appreciated! I’ve lived in my new house for a couple months now and have lovely new next door neighbour's- a retired couple who have been super helpful with telling me about bin days, what’s going on in the area etc etc. we have each others’ numbers and they recently looked after my keys for me when I had to unexpectedly go away for work for 3 weeks and gave them to my mum who was looking after my daughter on and off at the house (I’m a single parent, shared custody). I got them some chocolates to say thanks. Anyway to get to the point - I’m planning on going away for 4 days and now that I live in a rural area can’t find any cat sitters on the apps I used to use at my old place. Is it reasonable to ask them to come in once a day and feed my cat for me? I’d be happy to pay them but that seems an awkward thing to suggest. Am I being a bit cheeky asking or is it a reasonable request? Unfortunately they don’t have any pets I can repay the favour with

OP posts:
worrisomeasset · 08/04/2025 13:17

I can’t see any reason not to ask. They’ll probably turn down any offer of payment.

MiddleAgedDread · 08/04/2025 13:19

I don't think there's any harm in asking. Do you have any neighbourhood teenagers who might be willing to do it for a bit of cash?

purplecorkheart · 08/04/2025 13:23

Maybe you could ask them do they know any responsible teen who would be willing to do it?. Then they can offer if they are happy to help without you putting them on the spot.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Cats
worrisomeasset · 08/04/2025 13:28

purplecorkheart · 08/04/2025 13:23

Maybe you could ask them do they know any responsible teen who would be willing to do it?. Then they can offer if they are happy to help without you putting them on the spot.

“Responsible” is the key word here. We paid the teenage daughter of a friend to feed our cats when we went away. On our return, it was clear that she had turned our house into party central for the local teens. Our drinks cabinet had been emptied and various household items had been shattered. We stuck to getting oldies to feed the cats after that.

ImthatBoleyngirl · 08/04/2025 13:29

My neighbour asked me almost as soon as they'd moved in and it was a great icebreaker. We've been friends for years now and she feeds my cat when we go away 😁

HundredPercentUnsure · 08/04/2025 13:29

Do they like cats, first off?!

Whoarethoseguys · 08/04/2025 13:30

It depends on whether they like cats .
Also would they be expected to change the litter tray?
The smell of cat food and litter trays makes me gag so I would find it difficult

RosesAndHellebores · 08/04/2025 13:35

I think it's unreasonable sorry. Can you ask your vet if any of their vet nurses do this as a side hassle. Or you find a cattery.

B1indEye · 08/04/2025 13:37

RosesAndHellebores · 08/04/2025 13:35

I think it's unreasonable sorry. Can you ask your vet if any of their vet nurses do this as a side hassle. Or you find a cattery.

What kind of world do you live in that a polite enquiry with no expectations is unreasonable? What a shame thats your life, how sad

Like most of the other replies I'd say of course you can ask them, you're obviously going to make it clear there's no obligation to say yes.

Augustus40 · 08/04/2025 13:37

Are there not local pet agencies in the area?

NominatedNameOfTheDay · 08/04/2025 13:40

Absolutely fine! It sounds like they want a neighbourly relationship and for you all to be able to help each other out.

RosesAndHellebores · 08/04/2025 13:44

B1indEye · 08/04/2025 13:37

What kind of world do you live in that a polite enquiry with no expectations is unreasonable? What a shame thats your life, how sad

Like most of the other replies I'd say of course you can ask them, you're obviously going to make it clear there's no obligation to say yes.

Show quote history

Because it puts people in the awkward position of saying no or if they feel they can't, of saying yes and it being a bind for them. It's a boundary I wouldn't cross with a new neighbour.

FunnysInLaJardin · 08/04/2025 13:47

of course its OK! We have always done this and reciprocate if our neighbour needs the same.

If they don't want to they can say no!

WonderingWanda · 08/04/2025 13:52

Ask but just make sure you say you will understand if they don't want to.

Catwoman8 · 08/04/2025 13:52

I've lived in my house 10 years and never felt comfortable enough to ask my neighbours, but if you have a good relationship with them , there is no harm in asking them. My mum asked a neighbour to feed hers once though and the neighbour forgot so her cat wasn't fed for 2 days, you need to ensure they will be reliable if they agree to it .

faerietales · 08/04/2025 15:38

I think it’s a bit of a piss-take. I’m sure there are local dog walkers who can do it.

goingtotown · 08/04/2025 15:58

purplecorkheart · 08/04/2025 13:23

Maybe you could ask them do they know any responsible teen who would be willing to do it?. Then they can offer if they are happy to help without you putting them on the spot.

This

Flossflower · 08/04/2025 16:12

It really depends on if they like cats. You need to find this out before you ask otherwise you might put them in a spot.
I will do most things for neighbours but I
wont do pets. Fortunately none of my neighbours have them.

Bramshott · 08/04/2025 16:15

I'd ask them, and be super-grateful if they say yes, and then gift them a bottle of wine as a thank you. I think you'll quickly get the idea if they're happy and delighted to do it, or would really rather not, in which case you'll know not to ask again.

Fairyliz · 08/04/2025 16:16

I’m retired, I will do it I love cats. Where do you live op?

LimeQuoter · 08/04/2025 16:17

Yes, ask!

BobbyBiscuits · 08/04/2025 16:21

I see no reason not to ask. Having researched cat sitters you could offer them a similar rate of remuneration?
If they say they can't then don't let it cloud your judgement on them though.

OlderGlaswegianLivingInDevon · 08/04/2025 16:22

I would ask if they happen to know of anyone locally i.e. reliable teenagers etc. they may offer themselves.

poolcrew · 08/04/2025 16:34

No harm in asking, but will you want them to do it every time you go away? I did it for a neighbour and ended up being expected to do it whenever he went away, usually with little notice. He asked us the day before he went away and I couldn't do it as was going away myself and he then got very rude with me. I told him to make alternate arrangements after that.

FpTr3952fHp · 08/04/2025 16:43

Ask if they can recommend a good cattery in the area. If they are happy to feed your cats they will offer, and if not they will recommend a cattery, or say they don't know.