How much to pay 14yo neighbour to feed cat once a day for a week while we're away?

[TropicofCapricorn]

Hi, how much do you think is sensible for them?

Come in, one sachet, one scoop of biscuits, top up water. Only needs one time a day.

£20?

Dry food won't go off overnight!

I mean, imaginary scenarios or not, and excluding the cat abuse commentary, most people on this thread have suggested that £20 is on the lower side. But if you feel that it’s reasonable and the teenager has agreed to it then I guess there’s no point in asking the internet.

Maybe depends on where you live. Round here I don't think teens would be that impressed with £20. I'd probably offer £5 a day. That's much cheaper than using a cattery.

I did this, she never used it. I got rid of it.

Yes, yes it really is ok. I've had him for 9 years with no litter box since he was a baby and for a couple of weeks after we moved house (which he hated)
Absolutely no ill effects experienced by him whatsoever.

This. At least.

Having someone trustworthy to look after your pets is incredibly valuable, so should be paid accordingly

Is it? I know a few professionals who charge much more

I know m and I have acknowledged that and said I'll give the lad £30.

My daughter does similar for £20/£25 for a week. Everyone suggesting loads more - my daughter’s friend was paid around £5.50 an hour working in a shoe shop just over a year ago (minimum wage age 16) Assuming 15 minutes a day = around 2 hours for the week that’s about double that!

Literally never had a litter tray for 40+ years,not does anyone I know. Unless there's a reason they can't go outside. Or they're house cats.

I do like a bit of MN dramatic responses. Child exploitation is the best one.

Some crazy responses here! We have had cats for over 30 years. We never gave them a litter tray except when they had to be kept in for medical reasons, and when they got old and were less inclined to go out.

Dried food does not go off. When we go away for a few days (2 to 3 nights) we leave dried food in a automatic feeder. Even when we've been on holiday we do this so our cat feeder doesn't need to come every day.

I posted earlier to say I think £5 a day is a better amount. It's not about the time involved, more an incentive to make them feel happy to do the task, rather than resentful. It's better to overpay if you want loyalty and commitment going forwards!

Yes, £20 is nothing these days whatever age you happen to be !

Then why ask, as you've already decided on £20.

I look after my neighbours cat for 2 weeks a year. She kindly gives me £50 and a pressie.
I clearly remember looking after my neighbours rabbit when I was a teenager. Deeply disappointed when I was presented with a stick of rock as a thank you!

I was thinking daily rate too of 5 quid so £35

Once a day?? No wonder she's aloof!

£30 is reasonable plus maybe a souvenir or big bar of chocolate? My 14 year old would have loved this when he was that age!

Exactly !
personally I would be so embarrassed paying £20

£5 a day or £30 as a minimum

It's not just the (lack of) distance, though; it's having to be somewhere for a certain time/period every day - presuming that your cat needs/likes the routine of having the day's food at a certain time and it can't just be at any old time that suits, otherwise Tiddles will get anxious/annoyed/hungry?

My FIL (in his retirement) used to be expected to give his DS a lift to work and back every day; then later, take and fetch his (the DS's) kids to and from school. None of those trips took all that long - and you might well say that a retired person has the whole day free to himself, with just half an hour or so taken out of all of that free time every day; however, it meant that he had to give up going out to the pub to meet his friends for a couple of pints, as he was going to be driving later. He couldn't have full days out anywhere or even do any job at home that couldn't fit in between the two daily trips. That half an hour a day massively dominated and spoiled his entire day.

I also don't get the comment asking where else a 14yo would be but at home? Surely that's the prime age for most young people to want to be out and about with their friends, going into town or doing other fun things during their free time? It's much, much older people like me who now want to be at home all the time in my free time and have no desire to be gallivanting around everywhere!!

I pay £5 too. It's not just the actual work, it's having to be around at a given time which limits social activities, and the responsibility of not skipping it and of keeping the house secure.

What about washing out the bowls? Just thinking if he isn’t going into the house

This thread is mental, I mean honestly you should probably just give the kid your house and the cat at this point!
nmw for young people is not even £8 so £20 for what is actually really just a favour with a bonus that will take less than an hour for the whole week is good pay! When i was that age I would of been very happy getting £20 for going in and putting down some food and water, in fact even now I'd be happy with it 😂

Woman seem happier to pay their cleaner, than for their kids and pets to be looked after.