MIL and catsitting duties!

[pearlsandpetals]

Hi all,
So basically MIL is going away for a full weekend next week. She has several cats and has asked if we would sleep at her house for the weekend to watch them. We have said that we wouldn't mind at all to pop in each day and make sure the cats are fed, litter box is emptied and to check they are okay, but MIL has asked if we would stay and sleep there from Fri to Sun because she worries about them. I feel awful but I'm currently pregnant and so tired lately and I feel like I need my own bed. Am I being unreasonable?

Nope - that’s cheese.... It’s toxoplasmosis. I checked.

Justilou My cats love cheese.

Blimey all the fuss about litter trays. Just wear gloves /wash hands and try not to eat the cat poo or rub it in your face. Which you should do pregnant or not.

I think it’s fine for you to not stay over, just pop in and check everything’s ok. Or your other half could go and stay and you can have your bed to yourself.

Howshouldibehave- really? To me a whole weekend is not long? Friday and Saturday night? I'd be (and have been) happy to look after my parents pets should they go to visit my brother for a weekend- just leave dh at home with kids and cat. But then my dad/Mam would do the same for me. Some families are happy to help one another and I'd be sad if my children begrudged me a favour. Each to their own.

@TwoAndAnOnion

The cats will be fine - tell her to put the radio on if she's worried and get some timer switches for a couple of lamps!

Cats can see in very low light.

Mine sometimes give a pained look if I have music or tv on too loud. It must interfere with their 18 hours sleep.

Fresh water and food. A clean litter tray maybe rearranged bedding nicely . Then the human help have fulfilled their duty.

@kittenkipping

Howshouldibehave- really? To me a whole weekend is not long? Friday and Saturday night? I'd be (and have been) happy to look after my parents pets should they go to visit my brother for a weekend- just leave dh at home with kids and cat. But then my dad/Mam would do the same for me. Some families are happy to help one another and I'd be sad if my children begrudged me a favour. Each to their own.

That post is terribly passive aggressive! You family isn't better because you're like that. Some families value independence and dealing with your own needs. And save favours for emergencies.

The cats will be absolutely fine.

I'm a professional pet-sitter and I have never once been asked to sleep over to look after a cat! Sometimes cats are there when I watch the dogs, but that's not the same thing.

If she wants 24h care then she'll need to pay for a professional but it won't be cheap.

Some families are happy to help one another and I'd be sad if my children begrudged me a favour.

OP is happy to help out by going over everyday and feeding the cats, making sure they have water etc.

She's under no obligation to go and stay the night in someone else's home! MIL chose to go away knowing the cats would be alone - if she wants them to have 24h care then she should be prepared to pay for it.

Around here, it would cost her around £30 a night to have someone stay over and care for her cats.

Cats don't generally like strangers. Mine hide if any enter the house. They'll be happier if you just pop in to do the food and the litter.

@kittenkipping

Howshouldibehave- really? To me a whole weekend is not long? Friday and Saturday night? I'd be (and have been) happy to look after my parents pets should they go to visit my brother for a weekend- just leave dh at home with kids and cat. But then my dad/Mam would do the same for me. Some families are happy to help one another and I'd be sad if my children begrudged me a favour. Each to their own.

How very passive aggressive!

Indeed, each to their own.