Cat sitting - any advice?

[Flyinggeese]

Hi, my friend is due to have a minor operation later this week and I have have volunteered to look after her young (5 months ish I think - hasn't been outdoors yet) cat.

Having never had a cat myself can I ask for any tips? It will only be for three days. Is teh cat likely to be spooked by the new environment? What should we do to make him feel settled? I'm wondering if we need to do any 'kitten proofing' e.g. Tying up electrical cables for almost etc. sorry if this sounds daft.

I will of course ask my friend regards feeding / litter etc.

I will be out of the house for half a day on Friday so what would you advise in terms of the kitten's run of the house? Best to make a couple of rooms only available? What about night time?

Thanks in advance for any advice. I am my friend's only option and I wan to do a good job of this!

A lot depends on how brave it is, if you put it in a room, will it hide?

I'd not leave it in a room with carpet overnight or when you're away, speaking as one who has had my own cats sneak into rooms, then get shut in, they have shredded carpet by the door in three rooms!

I've also had cats hide behind and under sofas, and up chimneys.

If you're out, don't let it have access to the door, they can dive out before you see them.

Do expect to become besotted!

Yep, will be extra careful when opening outside doors to make sure he's nowhere near.

I know how nippy they are. Sometimes a neighbour's cat will gingerly walk over if I'm about to open the front door or have it ajar if gardening etc. looking all causal then quickly nip just inside the door. They then look around as if to say well why have I come in here then? As if it wasn't worth the bother!

Kitten has arrived and is showing no sign whatever of going to sleep! My friend said its fine to just enclose him in one room (large dining room with his litter tray in there and food/water), but I'm really struggling to just close the door on the little fella! Is it really Ok?

Another question, should I just leave him to get into his bed himself or help him somehow know it's time to settle down? Thanks for any advice on this.

Oh flyinggeese I hope the kitten hasn't had its new slave up all night waiting for him to sleep. I frequently go to bed and shut the door on my cat (they are pretty nocturnal even if you try and persuade them otherwise) - they are independent beings, that like rather than need company.
Hope you and the kitten have a brilliant few days.🐱

He slept on my bed in the end...

Uh huh.

You are now officially a cat slave!

I give you about 2 months before you decide that a cat is the one thing that will make your home and your life complete. Just please consider a rescue when you do give in to the urge.

who is looking after who exactly?!

Note time of my last post. 5:30ish, AKA playtime.

How much ham has he conned you out of?.

Never under estimate a cat's ability to escape or hide (which will be the poor thing's natural instinct being moved to a strange place.) My mum's cat spent an entire week hiding at the back of an airing cupboard when she came to stay with us, only sneaking out for food and toilet at night. Both of our own cats have totally disappeared on us when first brought home, despite us triple locking every door and window. One was discovered inside the sofa and we dont know to this day where the other one was but it must have been inside the house because she suddenly reappeared a few days later.

I doubt very much friend's cat will be relaxed enough to want to play in your tunnel unless he's exceptionally chilled.

Oh great X post. You got a chilled one!

He slept on my bed in the end... well yes, of course he did .

Haff I truly though what you described would happen. I imagined trying to retrieve him from inside the piano or something, or he'd retreat under the sofa for three days. He's behaving just as I imagine he does at home! Playful (tunnel and ping pong balls etc), and loves windowsills. He's currently asleep on the sofa after an hour or so of crazy play with my son.

Not looking forward to another night of just 5 hours sleep though.

Fluffy he's only had cat food. Not being a cat person I don't know what if any 'human' food he would be allowed so playing purely by the book... What's the deal with ham?

Cats love ham. Once they know the sound of a pack of ham being opened you'll never eat it alone again.

Also it's like he hasn't picked up on me not being a pet person. Never had an animal in tho house before. He's claiming all over me and really cuddly at times. Animals don't usually do this near me. Dogs 'know' for example.

Climbing.

Ooh, you sound lovely, can I bring my two round next time we're on hols? Promise to bring you back a sombrero and a bottle of gin. They're no trouble mwahaha

You can just shut him in the living room and have 8 hours sleep, you know?
I love this thread, btw

He's climbing all over me and really cuddly at times

He's trying to convert you into a cat slave person! 😂

Face it, you're a cat person. The auto correct was right, he is claiming you.

When he goes home to his mum the house will be very quiet and empty.

Aw. Are we allowed a photo? You are doing very well for a non pet person. You are a natural!

Bitch you are right - You would make an excellent cat sitter OP . We need someone at Easter and in August.

Cat tunnel!! Are you planning on returning him to your friend, I wonder? Sounds like he's having a wonderful time and sleep is a luxury in cat households.

What colour is he? Is he a short or longhaired?

Aw kittens that are well socialised are a joy!

Any pics for us?