Looking After Neighbour's Cat - Should I Ignore Her Instructions?

[Icequeen01]

So I've been looking after my neighbour's cat as she is abroad until 2nd Jan. She has left me a two page instruction sheet (I have my own two cats so not a novice ) However, she is very funny about her cat being indoors a lot. Personally I think he's out too much but I'm soft and my cats come and go when they want. However, she does love him and he's well looked after.

Here's my problem. She asked that he be given his tea around 5pm and then I have to put him outside until around 9.30ish when I can let him in for the night. I fed him a little earlier tonight at around 4.30 but since then it has been tipping it down and I can't bring myself to turf him out. Am I doing the right thing? He does have a litter tray but this means he will have been indoors from 4.30 until around 7am when I go to give him his breakfast and let him out.

I don’t think it could do any harm. I’d probably be the same but I’m way too soft! Could you pop back and check tray later on this evening? Just in case he’s a cat that won’t go in his tray once used as he may need to use multiple times with longer stretch indoors

You were supposed to bring him in at 9.30. What are you doing asking people if you should turff him out at 9.25? I'm massively confused. You should have fed him and let him out for a bit. Returning a hour or so later to see if he was desperate to come in. And if he wasn't, left it longer.

If you agree to look after someone's pet you should be following their instructions as much as possible.

If he's used to being put outside at that time, it won't bother him. He probably has his own favourite places to go when he's out there. I am sure he will have sorted out several rain shelters in various places.

* Sorry Wings* I know - I guess I'm feeling guilty as he is still in but I could go and turf him out until around 10.30 when I go to bed. I just feel so bad as it's pouring here.

Apologies got my bold in the wrong place in my previous reply!

I'm going to pop over now and give him the option. I'm not sure who I feel more guilty towards - the cat or my neighbour!

Some cats love being out so it’s not mean, it’s what they want. Also cats are rarely bothered by rain, they are experts at finding dry warm places and he probably has all his favourite spots to go when it rains.

If you left it too late he might not come in at 9.30pm and being out all night is worse than being out between 5.30-9.30.

Mine doesn't mind rain, but he has a cat flap so can come in if he wants.
Have you been letting the cat out prior to tonight?
If so one night probably won't hurt as long as he has a litter tray

Don’t put him out unless he wants to go

Well I've just popped over and put him out but he followed me back to mine and ran into my kitchen. I think my neighbour prefers him to toilet outside rather than use his litter box so Ive just got to put him out in case he wants the toilet. I've popped him out again but will go over in about 30 mins and put him back in.

Weeds, yes I have done as she asked every other evening. It's just that is so horrible out there tonight!

I'd keep him in now till morning and make sure his tray is clean.No way would I let a cat out at night as I've had 2 disappear without trace at night.Also there is that lunatic going round murdering them at night.

He's back in now. I figured if he wanted to go to the toilet he has had time. He was sitting miserably by their door. So we have had a cuddle and some fuss and he is now in the warm for the night. I'm not sure I am going to volunteer to feed her cat again, it's too stressful

Mine are shut in before it is dark! I'd rather clean out a litter tray than risk a road accident, cat fight or wildlife altercation (more likely after dark!)