"Christina Websell" wrote in message
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"jmcquown" wrote in message
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I swear, I need to learn to say "no" to my neighbor when she asks me to cat
sit. She *assures* me there is plenty of cat food and cat litter, but that
is never the case!

Schwartzie is on the same prescription (k/d) kibble Persia eats. She left
about 1/3 of a 4 lb. bag with instructions to just add a scoop to what is
left from the day before. When I went over this morning the bowl was
empty! I put two scoops in his bowl and looked in the bag... there *might*
be enough for another couple of days. I've been adding a little of
Fedders' c/d to try to stretch it, but there's not much of that left,
either. There is plenty of Fancy Feast but they aren't supposed to eat
only that. sigh

As for kitty litter... I used up the remainder of the Tidy Cat's jug
(there was only about 1/4 of it left) yesterday morning. I saw a box of
Arm & Hammer kitty litter right there, so I thought no problem! Except
the box has been opened and is only half full! She has two cats, one
litter box and it needs to be scooped twice a day. I don't think this is
going to last until she gets home Saturday night.

Okay, I can take over a bag of cat litter since I got a great deal on
Cat's Pride scoopable clumping litter (10 lbs. for $1.50 after the
coupon!). But I pay $34 a bag for the prescription food for Persia and
I'm not about give it away just because she didn't plan ahead.

I really don't understand it. If I was going out of town for a week I'd
make sure I had at least two weeks worth of *everything*. Next time,
unless I can inspect her supplies the day before she leaves, I won't just
take her word for it. I should have learned by now.

Sorry, just venting again. I do love her cats. They're sweet, loveable
boys. But this is bordering on ridiculous.

Jill
I always make sure there are boxes and boxes of food pouches - probably 8-10
weeks worth stored up for Boyfie in case I get admitted to hospital and that
was certainly needed when I broke my ankle.
I'd probably say to your neighbour when she comes home "I am happy to look
after your cats but this will be the last time unless you provide enough
food/litter/whatever to last while you're away otherwise you'll have to find
someone else"
And stick to that decision. It's not up to you to provide for her cats and
just tell her you won't be buying any food or litter while she is away.
She's taking you for a fool as we say.
Myself, I would worry if I knew I hadn't provided enough food in case the
caretaker didn't, but obviously that's not a problem for your neighbour.
She expects you to provide food and litter!!
But what if you didn't?

Tweed

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I agree. I always keep at least 3 cases of cat food on hand even for
myself, just to make sure I would be covered if I ever have an emergency.
In addition to what Tweed wrote, I would suggest that Jill request the
neighbor always leave a certain sum of money for her. She could use that
for the cats, as needed, and return anything that is left over. Even with
that, the neighbor certainly should leave plenty of supplies (but obviously
doesn't) because it's not Jill's responsibility to make purchases for her.

MaryL