Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

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:
KateBushed · 22/10/2023 10:16

I think what you've done is right. Maybe you should have asked about how domesticated the cat is beforehand.

Kate9000 · 22/10/2023 10:18

That's cruel. Cats get cold just like we do in a coat. They should always have access to somewhere warm and dry. They should also have a supply of fresh water to. I have had cats all my life. I can go to bed if any are out side especially when cold.

KTSl1964 · 22/10/2023 10:19

They are selfish and tight aren’t they. How mean.

LouHey · 22/10/2023 10:21

@Cozytoesandtoast00

My friend's cat did that while she was dog sitting for her Mum. One of her cats decided to move in with the woman across the road and that's her home now. Lol. You never own a cat, they choose who they hang out with.

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 22/10/2023 10:25

Kate9000 · 22/10/2023 10:18

That's cruel. Cats get cold just like we do in a coat. They should always have access to somewhere warm and dry. They should also have a supply of fresh water to. I have had cats all my life. I can go to bed if any are out side especially when cold.

Considering my cat last week and last night has been sleeping on my legs for warmth (thanks cat, not that comfy!) then they definitely need somewhere warm.

My cat adopted me as its previous owners used to not have a cat flap but let them in periodically which didn’t seem very much. I don’t have a cat flap either but do have a French window and let the cat in a lot. My cat and her sister (also moved home!) were often seen outside late at night in all weathers when they’d much rather have been indoors.

MeridianB · 22/10/2023 10:49

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

So there’s no room for doubt here. They are simply arsewipes.

I hope you can become full time staff to the cat because they really don’t deserve her. 🐾

KateBushed · 22/10/2023 14:14

It's a dilemma. Do you say something to the neighbours about their treatment of their cat, but risking fall out with them? Years ago my nana would feed many neighbours cats and have them in front of a cosy warm fire or on chairs, and the neighbours weren't even away lol.

Fuzzykins · 22/10/2023 18:33

The owners are idiots and shouldn’t be allowed pets. To say cats adapt? Well yes they can do but why should they? The owner took on a responsibility having a cat in the first place. They can’t then just expect the cat to live outside whilst they are on their holidays. Like you, I would have taken it in too and I’d be in two minds to give him back! Thank goodness you are around- this weather has been awful. X

user1471538283 · 22/10/2023 18:53

Oh the poor thing! When we had a friend to cat sit our little one only had accompanied outside experiences because she's so nervous and gets frightened easily.

Even with previous confident cats I wouldn't want them shut outside. It's distressing enough for their routine to be changed without being cold and wet.

I do hope you can keep the cat!

Loopylambs · 22/10/2023 19:08

Cats are not loyal , it will probably adopt you while they’re away 😻

ToffeeMamma · 22/10/2023 19:13

It's absolutely revolting a cat needs a warm place to dry off in. What she did was abandon it. Personally I'd get it rehomed with someone fit while she's away and then tell her it hasn't come back.

PinkyDinkyDoodle · 22/10/2023 19:23

That is dreadful behaviour by them. Well done for doing the responsible thing.

(And congratulations on your new cat.)

AgnesX · 22/10/2023 19:26

Noone gives a shit about cats unless they're actively being tortured. At least that's the way it seems.

Please do speak to Cats Protection and find out if there is anything or what they suggest.

It's lovely that you've taken the wee cat in.

Crazydonkeylady · 22/10/2023 19:48

I very much doubt this poor cat will want to leave your house and go ‘home’ when it’s owners get back. Very strange of them to lock it out like that. Glad you’ve been able to provide some comfort.

Frayalight · 22/10/2023 20:03

AvengedQuince · 20/10/2023 08:09

This isn't a Scottish wildcat or even a farm cat. It's a family pet that would be cold, wet and confused. Even farm cats or semi feral cats should have a warm dry shelter provided like a cat house or outbuilding.

Show quote history

I totally agree with the OP. This is unacceptable by the owner. They possibly don't want someone going into the house to clean a litter tray. They should have considered a cattery. It is disgraceful to leave the cat outside for a week. Poor thing will be confused and could wander off. What's wrong with some people! Thank goodness for the genuine kindness and common sense of the OP, thank you x

Fluffmum · 22/10/2023 20:40

They don’t deserve her. Poor girl.

Gingernan · 22/10/2023 20:53

Not on is it.I recently took in a cat that was literally left a few biscuits outside their house and never let in. She lives with me now, I just wasn't having it. She's thriving and we love her.
Another neighbour gets someone to feed the cat outside when they are on holiday but they have some nice shelters for her in their garden.
I'm always amazed at how even ok people who say they love animals don't look after them when they are sick because they think its more natural to let nature 'take its course'.
I don't connect with my brother anymore because of his attitude. He's not short of money. Im Literally still working at 74 to do the best for our pets, and I don't begrudge a penny of it.

Hmm1234 · 22/10/2023 21:07

I think they assumed you would let it in your house which is why they didn’t give you the spare key. Just raise it with them when they’re back

VickyEadieofThigh · 22/10/2023 21:12

bellac11 · 20/10/2023 08:01

Its not ok but as others have said the RSPCA wont give a toss if you report it

Do the owners have a little cat kennel somewhere in the garden?

Perhaps the cat messes in the house and they cant keep on top of it while they're not there, does the cat always live outside?

They could have done what many people do and paid for the Cattery. We always did - the thought of locking him outside is just awful.

Messyhair321 · 22/10/2023 23:16

That's an absolute shit way to treat an animal. How fucking selfish of your neighbours.
I'd be livid, & I'd keep the cat, just keep feeding her & you can adopt her & she'll be happier with you,

DreamTheMoors · 22/10/2023 23:29

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

A old yellow cat adopted my grandparents.
They named him “Louie” after the tv cat Morris. 😂

Catsmere · 22/10/2023 23:33

Loopylambs · 22/10/2023 19:08

Cats are not loyal , it will probably adopt you while they’re away 😻

Not this trope again. Cats are loyal - to humans who treat them properly. Which is as it should be. No animal or human should be loyal to pricks like the neighbours OP is writing about.

https://www.sciencealert.com/cats-bond-securely-to-their-humans-maybe-even-more-than-dogs-do

Cats Bond Securely to Their Humans Maybe Even More Than Dogs Do

Many think of dogs as loyal, love-filled companions, and cats as cute beasts that tolerate us - but we might have to rethink that a little.

https://www.sciencealert.com/cats-bond-securely-to-their-humans-maybe-even-more-than-dogs-do

Gingernan · 23/10/2023 07:51

I often let my neighbours cat come in out of the cold. He's not a cruel person, just another who thinks because a cat has fur they are completely cold and rain proof! He's a sturdy cat but quite old, so I'm pleased to have him come in to get warm. My cats aren't thrilled but just leave him to it.

ClairDeLaLune · 23/10/2023 08:57

Aww OP you are lovely. Hope the cat adopts you as its new mummy! (or daddy if applicable!) Your neighbours don’t deserve to have a pet.

Lattims83 · 23/10/2023 15:54

They sound like absolute assholes. Glad the cat has you to look for him/her! I would definitely have a word with them when they get back and ask htf is the cat meant to get in and out of the house when they are away if they are an outdoor cat with no cat flap? Sadly, as others have mentioned, RSPCA are useless most of the time and this would count as one of those times.