Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Neighbours asking me to “cat sit”

239 replies

Fire9636 · 20/10/2023 07:42

Neighbours a few doors down have asked me to feed their cat whilst they’re away. Not really put out by this happy to help although don’t have any pets of my own. Anyway they’ve gone for a week and it transpired last night when they came to drop the food off that the cat will be outside the whole week and they want me to feed it outside? They don’t have a cat flap and the cat has no access to the house.

I was to shocked to say anything last night but went looking for the cat when this awful weather started and found it crying at the door of its home to be let in. I’ve managed to coax it to mine.

is this reportable or am I out of touch and this is fine for cats?

OP posts:
DRS1970 · 21/10/2023 10:31

As previous poster have said, it isn't ideal, especially if the cat is used to coming indoors and outdoors when it pleases. However, I don't feel the RSPCA would do anything, as it isn't cruelty as such, as cats can be outdoor animals. I think you have done the correct thing.

DiscoBeat · 21/10/2023 10:32

It's pretty cruel considering it obviously usually lives in their house so whilst it could probably manage, it's quite stressful for it. Good on you for helping.

ChaoticCrumble · 21/10/2023 11:13

Your cat now.

ChChChCherryBomb · 21/10/2023 11:28

Fire9636 · 20/10/2023 07:42

Neighbours a few doors down have asked me to feed their cat whilst they’re away. Not really put out by this happy to help although don’t have any pets of my own. Anyway they’ve gone for a week and it transpired last night when they came to drop the food off that the cat will be outside the whole week and they want me to feed it outside? They don’t have a cat flap and the cat has no access to the house.

I was to shocked to say anything last night but went looking for the cat when this awful weather started and found it crying at the door of its home to be let in. I’ve managed to coax it to mine.

is this reportable or am I out of touch and this is fine for cats?

My NDN did this to me when I first moved in 20 years ago!

She asked if I’d mind feeding twice a day while they were on holiday, no problem I said! Day before she turns up with all the food and told me where the bowl was outside!

Turns out she’d unofficially adopted this cat and just fed it but didn’t allow it in the house!

If this was now I’d certainly be asking a bit more about the cat etc but I just went ahead and fed it while they were away!

Awful that your NDN has left you with this predicament really. I’m really not sure what I’d do other than having a word when they return, especially with the weather being shocking! Do they have any outdoor buildings with cat flaps etc?

Pezdeoro41 · 21/10/2023 11:56

That’s really weird. I guess they perhaps think it’s better for the cat to be outside all the time rather than in all the time - they’re wrong though. We don’t have a cat flap and when we’re away the cat stays in with a litter tray, he doesn’t love being stuck in but it’s better than the alternative. He did once get lost in a sudden storm (he wasn’t shut out) and didn’t manage to get back home for 6 weeks - I think he sought shelter and got disoriented. Maybe mention that you’ve heard of things like that happening?

Paddleboarder · 21/10/2023 12:55

That's awful. I have cats and no cat flap and I don't even like it if my cats are out while I'm at work. In your situation I would probably say to them that I had had the cat at mine because you felt sorry for it due to the bad weather. Rspca is inundated with stray cats this year so probably wouldn't be able to do anything, but at least this cat knows you now and can come to yours if in the same situation again?

Sureaseggs44 · 21/10/2023 14:15

Cozytoesandtoast00 · 20/10/2023 08:20

I had my cat for 12 years. He was very much loved and adored.
He then decided that he preferred a elderly couple who lived in the same village. He doesn't even come to visit! 😂
Be prepared for the cat decide that he now lives with you OP!

Show quote history

Yep same with one of mine . Just decided she preferred our neighbours 4 doors up as they were Home all day . Sometimes would come in the front window walk through look at us all with disdain out the back and straight back to them . We paid all the vet bills though . When we moved they asked if they could keep her and we said yes . She was obviously happier there . Our other cats went with us.

Bamboobzled · 21/10/2023 15:00

They are running the risk that the cat gets picked up by someone and taken in and kept as their cat. Which tells me they don't care! If you take him in you might find he is happy to live with you.

Vonesk · 21/10/2023 15:52

I've done this for a neighbour.
Also I've got a cat of my own and he's never home.
Sometimes disappears overnight and other people are prone to adopt your cat without you knowing which irritates me no end and there used to be a neighbour who kept my cat in her house all the time till midnight when she would kick him out .
She even admitted it saying she's on a tight budget and cannot get her own cat but loves mine instead.

alanet · 21/10/2023 16:23

Anything is reportable, it's up to whoever you report it to to decide whether any action should be taken.

nanamoo · 21/10/2023 17:31

Poor kitty 😡it makes me so angry when people do that to so called loved pets. I doubt the RSPCA or Cat's Protection would be able to do anything if you did report it 🙁All you can really do is what you are already doing and when the owner gets back, give them a right earful. Their cat deserves better. You may find the cat likes it better with you than them now and won't want to leave when they get back and tbh, i'd be tempted to tell them no to giving it back.

verdantverdure · 21/10/2023 17:32

It never ceases to amaze me how badly people will treat a creature they supposedly love.

The poor cat. It's like they don't understand that she has feelings and needs.

Portakalkedi · 21/10/2023 20:50

That's terrible. If you don't want to take it in yourself the I'd take it to a shelter or call Cats Protection who will remove it. Your neighbours shouldn't have a cat.

Kate9423 · 21/10/2023 20:52

RandomMess · 20/10/2023 07:45

It's not fine or ok but wouldn't meet the threshold for RSPC to give 2 hoots.

'The threshold' being the law in the UK.....🙄

verdantverdure · 21/10/2023 20:53

Fire9636 · 20/10/2023 22:55

Little update I let the cat out earlier but she just hung around the back garden. I texted neighbour and asked re shelter in garden and mentioned I was concerned with the rain: they said no shelter but “she’ll be fine, cats adapt” however husbands just found her crying at their front door again. She’s back in mine in front of the fire now

Lovely. Thank you for being kinder to the poor little cat than her people are

LoreleiG · 21/10/2023 20:58

Lots of cats live outdoors. And it’s not that cold. I admit it’s mean to leave a normally indoor/outdoor cat out all week while you go on holiday rather than leave a key though.

HRTQueen · 21/10/2023 21:07

Cats can live outside but if it’s used to be indoors too it’s very unfair

I think you have a new member of your family cats are fantastic you will be wrapped around it’s little paws 🐾 very soon (the work has already started)

Mostlyoblivious · 21/10/2023 21:08

Oh they’re not good people.

You don’t do that! Thank you for taking the poor puss in - they really do not deserve their puss

Lilibert456 · 21/10/2023 21:19

Thank you for looking after the cat. The RSPCA will not be interested. In fact, they don't seem to be interested in much except find raising these days. I think you have found yourself a new feline friend. Thank you again for being caring.

TheGlitterFairy · 21/10/2023 21:30

God totally not ok at all. Does the cat have any indoor shelter while they’re away?

TheGlitterFairy · 21/10/2023 21:30

Yes thank you for caring 🙏

TheMadGardener · 21/10/2023 21:35

You are a good person. They are not. Poor cat. Mine hates getting wet. She glares at the rain but won't go out in it.

I hope the cat is having a lovely cosy evening inside your house. Too bad for the neighbours if the cat picks you in future.

Automaticforthepeople · 21/10/2023 23:26

Thanks so much for taking care of this cat. What your neighbours have done is cruel and disgusting. I really hope that the cat realises he has a better deal at your place and adopts you. It sounds like you would make a far better owner.

LizzieW1969 · 22/10/2023 00:04

That’s awful of your neighbours, poor cat! It’s good that you’re having her inside your house to keep warm. It looks like you’ve got yourselves a cat! Or at least a cat who will visit you regularly now that she knows she’s welcome in your house.

I have 3 cats and they all absolutely hate this bad weather!

TruthThatsHardAsSteel · 22/10/2023 07:55

I need to know how kitty is please 😁.

Swipe left for the next trending thread