Kind of Mad...

[Cataholic]

Kelly,
Sorry about the lack of care. While I know they all survived, and throw up CAN be because of poor care, also note that Micah might have been upset that you were gone. Tex will sometimes throw up for stress reasons. The dirty syringe is unacceptable. The food put away without knowing if they all had a chance to munch at their leasure is unacceptable. The kitty litter, well, some people aren't as fastidious.

I learned last summer that you have to have good care. Mom is really my only choice- close to me, and loves the pets like I do.

NOW, TODAY, start looking for a kitty sitter. Call some local vets, groomers, and get some people looked over. Don't wait for the week before the trip. You, too, deserve some time away, and you won't enjoy it if you know your kitties are getting less than the great care you two provide.

No point in bringing it up to your friend. If she cared, she would have done it differently...and you telling her your feelings isn't gonna change anything. Just know that this is a people friend only, not a pet friend.

[Barbara]

I cannot understand how she can care for four cats. And I have made the experience that some cat sitters think, they should better leave much food....
Tigris if he eats too much will throw up quite often. You really have to give him small portions. I hope Micah is ok. It would have made me mad to find that syringe

I agree with Cataholic. Start early to find a reliable person. And the advantage with a catsitter who is not a friend is: You are her boss and if she wants the job again she better makes it ok.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

It's always difficult having friends help out like this. Puts you in a tough position.

I've had a cat sitter for the last couple of years, and she's great. I started having her come in before either one of my kitties was taking medicine, and she has cheerfully accepted every new addition of instructions since then - which includes giving them each medicine with different doses, etc.

She charges $14.00 a day for two kitties, and she will also bring out mail in. She might even water the plants if I asked her to, but that hasn't been an issue.

$14.00 doesn't sound like a lot, but when you're gone on a 10 day vacation, it quickly adds up and can definitely add to the overall cost of the vacation, but to me it's worth it for the kitty's sakes. If Tubby didn't need his daily Pepcid, and they were both younger, I might consider having her come in every other day, but that's not an option anymore.

I don't know what prices will be like in CA compared to IL, but I would think they would be similar, although it would probably be more since you have more cats. However, after re-reading your post, it sounds like knowing the kitties are being taken care of to your standards would well be worth the money.

Hopefully the kitties are all ok - 'specially little Micah. I'm sure they were all happy to see you were home so things could get back to normal.

[batgirl1980]

That's awful! I would be mad too. Poor little Micah. How is he doing now?

I agree with the others, start looking for a pet sitter, start with your vet for referrals, interview the pet sitter, possibly at your house with the cats present. Nothing like seeing an interaction to help you decide.

Your kitties are too important to have you worry about whether or not your instructions were followed. I know if any of us PT'ers lived close enough to you, we would have gladly pet sit (since we're all so in love with Micah anyway!), and then you wouldn't have had to come home to that!

Please update us on everybody, are they ok? How's Micah doing? I bet he's glad you're home!

I can't believe that syringe was like that! GROSS! Give Micah lots of hugs!

[NoahsMommy]

Yes, the new kitty-sitter search will begin today! Most definitely!

After furthur thought, David and I really think that her hubby came by on Sunday. There were things that she just wouldn't do...she's watched our cats perfectly for two years. But still, for her to send him to do it and not own up to it is not right. We are really good friends, so it really makes me sad.

I'm off to call the vet right now for any referrals they may have.

They are all doing pretty well. Fighting a bit more, but also cuddling a bit more with each other. I think our being gone helped bond Basie and Micah a little bit.

They were HUGE cuddle bugs last night! I think all five cats where in our room, each taking a turn sleeing on my pillow!!! Cuties!

[NoahsMommy]

Just called the vet after looking at pet-sitter.biz and found out that most of the techs and receptionists pet sit! Neat huh?

They are all so nice there and know who my cats are, even by name! I've been impressed with them about that.

[batgirl1980]

Well thats GREAT news that the techs and receptionists Pet Sit.. they would definetely do a good job, they know you're babies and are well aware of what each one needs

Yeah, I think your being away helped Micah and Basie too.. they were probably like "Oh no! our meowmiez gone! And WUT iz diz ladee doin heer? Shez not doin diz right! We must stick togefer till meowmie getz back heer to fix all diz and make it right!"

And then by the time you got back, they forgot that they were supposed to just TOLERATE or IGNORE each other.. and were soo excited you were back, that it was LETS HUG MEOWMIE TIME! lol

I am glad they are ok though, and very glad that your kitty sitting seach is going easy for you!

[NoahsMommy]

Originally posted by batgirl1980
Well thats GREAT news that the techs and receptionists Pet Sit.. they would definetely do a good job, they know you're babies and are well aware of what each one needs

Yeah, I think your being away helped Micah and Basie too.. they were probably like "Oh no! our meowmiez gone! And WUT iz diz ladee doin heer? Shez not doin diz right! We must stick togefer till meowmie getz back heer to fix all diz and make it right!"

And then by the time you got back, they forgot that they were supposed to just TOLERATE or IGNORE each other.. and were soo excited you were back, that it was LETS HUG MEOWMIE TIME! lol

I am glad they are ok though, and very glad that your kitty sitting seach is going easy for you!

Yea, I was really suprised it only took five minutes. We really are lucky.

You should have seen Basie and Micah laying together last night...in fact, I took pictures that I'll post tonight.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Wow, that's great that you already know these people, and they know your cats, and they pet sit! How lucky to find good people on the first phone call. Now at least you know they'll be properly taken care of so you don't have to worry about them while you're away.

[jenluckenbach]

It is a shame that your friend couldn't just admit to you that she did not want to do this.....BEFORE she committed to it.

[Miss Meow]

I'm sorry that your friend didn't do the right thing by you. I suppose it's good that you found out on a short catsit and not when you were away for a longer period. I hope Micah is feeling better now

[kimlovescats]

Any type of business relationship (paid or unpaid) is always a "no no" with family or friends!!!! I learned this lesson the hard way ... sounds like you did too! SORRY!!!!

[shais_mom]

That would make me very mad too.
But I am glad they are ok
Big relief that you found a new sitter!

[Sara luvs her Tinky]

Bad news and good news all in one thread....
Too bad that happened with your friend... it always stinks when a friend lets you down..(in big AND small ways). But hey who better for a sitter than someone who can administer help if it is needed.
I like it too when doctors and others take the time to remember my name. When I had my wisdom teeth out and I went back for a checkup..(to make sure everything healed up o.k.) the receptionist remembered my name... that made me feel good. If they care enough to remember your name... than they care about helping you.

*KISS THE KITTIES FOR ME*

[smokey the elder]

Whether you're using a professional or volunteer pet sitter, you should right up a protocol for them to follow. Print out a checklist for each cat for each day; have them check everything off. (I work in pharma, can you tell? )