Cat sitting for a friend present etiquette

[boxtop]

I'm cat sitting for a friend, no real hardship as it involves staying in her lovely house for two weeks, watering her excellent collection of houseplants and looking after her 2 lovely cats. No money is changing hands, and obviously I've got a free holiday out of it and it feels like a pretty soft gig for me, assuming the cat remains well. But how big a present should I get her? Is this a "welcome home, bottle of Chablis is in the fridge for you situation" or would you expect more? I don't want to be tight but I also don't want to be OTT. Obviously the cats are easier to buy for.

😂

Nooooo!
I meant that kindly 😄
She should be buying you a present.
Do you know how hard it is getting someone you trust to look after your beloved pets.
I pay my neice £200 per week to house /dog sit, I fill the fridge and freezer, leave her alcohol and buy her a takeaway.
You're doing your friend a serious favour allowing her to go on hols knowing everything is taken care of at home

If she's a friend, buy her a bottle of wine if you'd like to! No need to be overly transactional.

This is very much a win win arrangement. She gets someone reliable to look after her cat, at no cost. You get a nice stay in a nice house.

No need for any wine/gifts to change hands.

Having said that, when I have housesat in the past, I always like to make sure they have fresh milk and bread for when they get home. Always always ensure the house is clean and tidy and that you have changed the bedding. A bottle of wine if you've particularly enjoyed your stay is fine but not necessary (she might also bring one for you! haha).

They're using you. Pet sitters cost a lot of money per day so they are saving that as you're doing it for free. You don't need to get them anything at all.

Fresh milk and bread I'm sure would be appreciated and a bottle chilling

If she needs a cat sitter and you're unavailable...

I wouldn’t in your place as it would make things a bit confusing - it’s you doing her a favour not the other way around. General tidying up and milk in the fridge and some food but not wine.

Tidy house, clean litter tray and bowls and yes, some basics like milk and bread!

I house and cat sit @boxtop . Not for money. House owners are usually falling over themselves to leave me cake, wine, little treats. I'm saving them cattery fees and looking after the cats with love and personal attention, plus making sure the house is safe.

I have people I sit for regularly and I'm always very grateful and leave a card, sometimes a bottle of wine, but the etiquette is definitely the thank you gifts flow from them to me. Yes I get free hols in lovely houses, but they get house, garden and cat care/love. IYSWIM.
It's such a lovely thing to be able to do.

If her cats are anything like mine, they'll take care of her welcome home present ... 🐁☠️🤢

I’d maybe just leave some fresh milk and bread etc in the cupboards.

You are very kind but you don't need to buy anything. You are saving them a lot of money - cat sitters usually charge £10-£15 per visit, twice a day which adds up quickly!