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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is this rude?

83 replies

hibbledibble · 04/09/2020 17:51

I volunteered to look after the neighbours cat while they were away. I don't know then well, but like animals and happy to help neighbours.

The keys were dropped through my letterbox in an envelope, with no instructions. I had to message to check where food was and how much to give. Place was less than pristine, and I had to clean maggots and litter tray (I didn't know this was an indoor cat). Visited 3 times a day to check on the cat, due to heat wave.

On their return, I didn't hear anything. I messaged to ask when they would like their keys back. They said they would collect at X time. No show. Finally knocked on door, to return keys.

I didn't do a favour to receive something back, but was surprised I didn't receive even a verbal thank you on return.
Nk
think t

OP posts:
QuestionableMouse · 04/09/2020 17:52

Yep that's rude.

Balaur · 04/09/2020 17:53

Of course it's rude. Poor cat though

nancybotwinbloom · 04/09/2020 17:55

Very rude.

anaa1 · 04/09/2020 17:56

Totally rude! You live and learn. Neighbours to avoid in future!

TweetUsOnFacebook · 04/09/2020 17:56

Really rude. Make sure you don't do it again if they ask.

When we looked after next door's cats they left great instructions and we had flowers and chocs to say thank you.

Shockingstocking · 04/09/2020 17:57

Very kind of you. Do they perhaps think it was a bit much, coming three times a day for a cat? No excuse though.

Howcanwedoitall · 04/09/2020 17:57

Really rude
Feel for the cat
Wouldn't be agreeing to mind the cat again
Think up a very lame excuse.

user1493413286 · 04/09/2020 17:57

Very rude; I’d of brought a present for someone feeding my cat as well as actually show them where stuff is and verbally thank you

Suzi888 · 04/09/2020 17:58

Breathtakingly rude! Angry poor cat too!

Original poster
hibbledibble · 04/09/2020 17:59

They asked me to visit often due to the heat, so I did. It was at their behest.

OP posts:
CareBear50 · 04/09/2020 17:59

100pc rude

purpleme12 · 04/09/2020 18:01

Yes it is but there were maggots?! Where were the maggots??

Elouera · 04/09/2020 18:01

How did the plan come about in the 1st place? Had you ever seen their cat before? Sounds like you havent if you didnt even know it was an indoor cat?

Seems really odd and rude from the info you have given. What did they say when you returned the keys? Lesson learnt, but I'd never mind it again in the future.

giletrouge · 04/09/2020 18:02

Rude? It's disgusting! I've just insisted on giving 2 bottles of wine to a neighbour who watered my garden (tiny garden) while I was away, and I gave her full instructions before I went and sent her a card from the hol to say thanks and sorry that she had to do it during a heatwave. If someone looked after my cats (don't have any!) I'd be falling over myself to say thanks and make sure they were informed where everything is and what was needed. Flowers and wine on return for sure.
They sound horrible OP. Never say yes to them again.

Stannisbaratheonsboxofmatches · 04/09/2020 18:04

Incredibly rude of them! Incredibly!

Definitely don’t cat sit again.

Also poor cat, I agree.

HooverWhenTheCoastIsClear · 04/09/2020 18:04

Of course it's rude.
They sound grim.

SmellsLikeFeet · 04/09/2020 18:06

Very rude of them

HollowTalk · 04/09/2020 18:06

You're a better woman than I am. You had to clean up maggots in their house?

Original poster
hibbledibble · 04/09/2020 18:07

The maggots were in the food bowl. Revolting.

The plan came about via a message from them asking if I would mind looking after them while they were away. I had said before that I like animals, and that we had enjoyed looking after neighbours other pets. I had never seen the cat before, and it hid whenever I visited.

When I returned the keys I just said I thought they would want these back.

OP posts:
CitizenFame · 04/09/2020 18:07

Well it is rude but I don't know why you volunteered to help when you don't even know them. They could have accused you of theft, or breakage and as you were the only one(?) with keys it could have ended much worse.

Ah well, lesson learned. Don't volunteer again.

OrigamiOwl · 04/09/2020 18:09

It is very rude and I wouldn't offer/volunteer again.

TheHappyHerbivore · 04/09/2020 18:20

So rude - and that poor cat Sad

FizzyGreenWater · 04/09/2020 18:23

Wow what absolute boors!

Next time - rehome their cat while they're away.

Merryfecker · 04/09/2020 18:26

We have literally just returned from a 5 day break and our neighbour looked after our cat... We gave him a box of beers for his troubles!

nonevernotever · 04/09/2020 18:27

Very rude. When we're away I show whoever is looking after the cats round, introduce her to them both, show her where the carriers are for emergencies, leave detailed written instructions printed out including the vet's number and my sister's (she lives fairly locally and would step in in an emergency), bring them back a present from wherever I've been and give them a bottle of wine. And I think that's normal. Oh and our indoor cats have NEVER had maggots in food dishes.