AIBU to think my neighbour’s cat care problem is not mine?

[Thepartwhereidrun]

My neighbour stopped my son on his way out last night to ask if he would look after her cat when she is away from tomorrow for 2 weeks, going in twice a day. He said sorry but he couldn’t.

I didn’t know she had spoken to him until she knocked our door and told us. Her cat sitter has let her down last minute and now she won’t be able to go on holiday unless she can find someone else. Nightmare for her, but her cat sitter is ill so it can’t be helped. I said I can’t help her but I text our dog sitter, who also does cat sitting to ask if she had availability and said I’d get back to her if she could do it.

She asked if I would also ask my son again, which I did when he got home, but he doesn’t want to do it. He has just finished his A levels and wants to be free to come and go as he pleases which is understandable. I said that if he has said no then that means he can’t.

Our dog sitter text me back to say she didn’t have any availability for the first week but could do the second week. I text my neighbour to let her know and to give her sitters contact details. She has just text back ‘no good, what am I meant to do for the first week?’

I haven’t replied as although I get she is probably feeling desperate, how the fuck is her cat my problem?

and that's what I said upthread. Its not just popping in with the kibble, its taking responsibility for an animal. If you have got a catloving friend then fine.

’It’s all about balance’

This comes across quite smug and patronising.

This neighbour was supposedly paying a cat sitter for two weeks but has turned down

1. OP’s DS’s friend doing the feeding for £15 per day for the whole 2 weeks
2. OP’s dog sitter doing one week of feeds

The woman wants DS to do it for £2 per day.

How do you achieve ‘balance’ with such a cheeky fucker?

When did you last accept £2 per day as a rate for work?

I think she’s a bit of a chancer OP! We’ve got a lovely 12 year old girl next door who pops in with her mum to feed and make a fuss of our cats twice a day when we’re away. We’re on a city break soon and pay her £50 each time whether we’re gone for 3 or 4 nights! Obviously if we’re away for a week we pay even more. She needs to start begging her family and friends if she wants a cheeky favour

I agree with this. If someone was in need of help and it was this situation I would help too. Like others have said I would hope someone would show that kindness to me if I were in need.

But maybe there is more to this than in your original post and the neighbour is generally a bit entitled.

@MinglyMadly But maybe there is more to this than in your original post

Is that all you’ve read then?

If so, nice one 👍.

Twice a day? Its a cat ffs. Offer to pop in alternate days.. but, only if you want to of course.

What does “doesn’t want to” mean? Can’t or won’t?

OP, couldn’t you speak to your work and see if you can skip the work trip? Just explain the situation with the cat.

failing that, your son could skip his camping trip

Yes, OP I’m sure your boss will understand! And while you’re at the house you should really give it a deep clean so the neighbour has a lovely home to come back to. Top up the fridge with the essentials, that first cup of tea when home again is bliss isn’t it? And stock up with cat food, why not upgrade to a nicer brand? Just get six months worth, I’m sure the neighbour can take over from there.

@Cherrytree86 are you the poster who suggested someone goes part time so she can plan menus for her family?

Yeah they shit on your garden instead. Such lovely creatures.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Or both, so then there’s a back-up in case one of you gets hit by a bus or something.

I watered my neighbours big garden and went in to feed their pets over the roasting May half term week when I was really busy on long days out to London with my kids, camping and trying to keep my own garden alive - but I did it. It was really not convenient that week, but it helped them out and it felt like the right thing to do. I always try to be neighbourly as more often than not it's reciprocated.

Edit: just read the £2 thing, ignore the above. Your neighbour is a bit cheeky. Mine are nice!

And bring you mice (looking at next door neighbours cats).

Do you eat on alternate days?

Of course it isnt your problem,but why cant you be a thoughtful neighbour?10 mins a day for a week. Looking after a cat is not like a dog. I help 2 of my neighbours. With pleasure.
I feel sorry for her. It has happened to me before. But unkike her,I had kind neigbours willing to step in.

She dud. She organized a cat sitter who became ill. She was totally responsible. Situations develop out of our control,but most people are willing to put themselves out for 10 mins a day.
I am delighted that there are so many kind ,helpful people on this thread.
Her hiliday is ruined and not her fault.

Well given that the OP is on a work trip and her son is going camping - you can drive over to kindly look after the cat.

Why so much sarcasm?It iy a simple ask. It is pretty obvious that there are many people on this thread that the milk of human kindness has dried up.
FFS 10 mins a day to feed a cat. You are not being asked to take a dog out for a long walk.

on this one id help the neighbour

Why don’t people read the OP’s posts when we’re a good 21 pages deep and 19 hours in to a thread? Is this a particular kind of self centeredness where they don’t think anyone has possibly posted what they’re thinking yet?

OP, don't hesitate to contact local animal services if this CF ups and just leaves expecting you to just do it.
I really wouldn't be surprised.
I would avoid her goibg forward.

So you'd cancel a work trip would you? To feed a neighbours cat?

I pray this is sarcasm.

If it isn't...

People REALLY need to work on their cloning skills.🤔😇

Think of all the benefits one would have if there were two of you...👭👯

In my case though, it may not be so wise...my DH couldn't handle it. 😉

But they’re not going to be at home! Op and son are both away whilst neighbour is away.