'Friend' always wants me to cat-sit

[LittleMoo6]

A friend of mine bought a cat, despite knowing that she and her family have numerous weekends away with a reenactment society throughout the year.

Every time they go away she asks me to go and feed the cat and let it out/in the morning and evening. I live 2 miles away so have to drive and I have my own family and little girl to look after so it's not exactly convenient. After the first few times I did it I got fed up because she clearly took it for granted that I'd just keep doing it. I barely got a thank you, let alone a token of appreciation (which personally I would've given if it were the other way around). I know 2 miles isn't far but the petrol soon mounts up as it's 8 miles a day.

She's just announced that they're going away for a week soon and when I asked if she'd booked the cat into a cattery she just said "I've not decided what I'm doing with him yet". I think she's totally irresponsible for booking the holiday without ensuring she has care for her pet. I know she'll ask me to go morning and night each day and I'm just not prepared to do it for someone who doesn't seem to appreciate the inconvenience it causes.

I used to class her as a good friend but over the last year but I certainly wouldn't now.

I'd PAY that friend, or at least take them out for a meal.

Yeah, this is how we do it too.

Well frankly OP if you haven't the gumption to say no, you have only yourself to blame. It's a ludicrous ask and anyone with an ounce of self respect would refuse.
I don't really wish to sound so harsh but I simply cannot imagine myself in this predicament. Two miles each way twice daily?? Off you fuck luv!

"Bugger off" is a complete sentence.

Blimey, I feel bad enough asking our neighbours and they love cats. I always get them something to say thank you - small gift or flowers. Your friend sound ungrateful and as others have said, irresponsible. Definitely say no and don't feel guilty.

PuppyMonkey - Lol!

'I haven't decided yet' = 'I'm hoping that if I'm vague now I can drop it on you again at the last minute'

Follow the suggestions here. Ring or text and say you just want to make sure she knows that you won't be able to do it this time, or again. Your daughter needs more attention these days (you can say) and you can't make the time. If you feel really nice/guilty, include the contact details of a couple of local petsitters.

I do this for my friends but that's because we do it for one another. When not a reciprocal arrangement, I always pay.

I would just tell the truth - that two miles each way twice daily is just too much of an inconvenience and that she needs to ask a neighbour.

Wow, I had to ask my next door neighbour in an emergency (usually use a cattery). That was for two feeds and even then I bought her a naice bottle of wine.I am not keen on people who dump cat-feeding on others regularly. Not fair on friends or cats IMHO. We chicken-sat once but at least we got lovely eggs.

The wise MN maxim is "No. is a complete sentence"