Elderly cat advice

[Tirnanogg]

My lovely neighbour has died suddenly, and as their relatives live hours away I've said I'll keep an eye on their cat until they can get things sorted.

She's 18, very timid and mostly lives outdoors in the daytime. Does anyone with more cat experience have any ideas on how to best take care of her? I've got access to her food (Sheba and Purina pouches and some small tins) so I can make sure she can get at food and water, but is there more I can or should be doing? She currently scarpers when she sees me!

Well done for offering to take care of her, I think as long as you make sure she’s fed twice a day and keep her on the same food, fresh water etc you’re doing enough. If she doesn’t want to come for strokes / affection then you can’t force her, but if she comes in to be fed you could try sitting quietly on the floor and see if she’ll come to you. Dreamies treats might help!

Thank you! That's reassuring. There are packets of dreamies in the house so I'll give those a try.