Cat-sitting dilemma

[lissalouie]

Well, dilemma is a bit of a strong word, but I could use some advice.

I have a friend who is going out of town for a week and a half in August. She asked me to come over once a day to make sure her cat gets his medication, scoop his box. etc.

I did this for her last year, but my circumstances were different then. It was also only five days. She lives about 25 minutes away, and I have to rely on my mom to drive me as I can't drive myself.

This year, I don't think I will be able to do this for her. However, her cat is 18 years old and medically frail. I don't know if she can afford hiring an actual service to help her out, and I don't know if her family is able to come help. I want to help, but with my mom's work schedule I don't think I can. Also, her apartment is very hot in the summer, even with her AC on, and that worries me as well.

I have two cats of my own at home. They are both very cat-friendly cats, the kind that typically require little to no introduction to stranger cats. I've heard hers is the same. I have offered to keep him over in my apartment if her vet thinks that would work. I would, of course, keep him completely separated from the others, and would bring some of his own items from his home over.

I normally would never suggest removing a cat from his territory due to the stress it causes, but I'm not sure which is worse for him at his age--being alone in his home but without anyone able to monitor him for medical issues or ensure he takes his medicine, or being in a strange room for 10 days with all his basic needs met 24/7. I don't know which would cause him more stress.

Does anybody have any opinions, or any other ideas they can recommend? I won't let him be left alone no matter what, but I'm at a loss. Even if I could drive (working on it... it's so hard to learn as an adult), I would struggle with finding the time between my job and own health needs to go there and back every day. It would be easiest for ME if he was here, but I am having a hard time judging the pros/cons of it for him.

 

[BeccaCat]

I’m no expert but in my opinion it would be better if he stayed at your place. My cat would definitely prefer not to be alone (she was abandoned at least twice and has crazy abandonment issues). Plus I myself as the cat owner would feel better knowing you were able to keep an eye on my kitty 24/7.
But again I’m not an expert so I’d suggest she ask her vet for their opinion.

 

[Kris107]

I think I lean the other way - that he shouldn't have the extra stress nor be far away from his vet if he's that old and frail. It's a tough one since you've cared for him before. I assume you couldn't stay there due to work, correct? Can you talk this through with the owner? I think the owner needs to decide what's best for her baby. Just let the owner know what your limitations and boundaries are and then the owner can decide.

 

[lissalouie]

I think I lean the other way - that he shouldn't have the extra stress nor be far away from his vet if he's that old and frail. It's a tough one since you've cared for him before. I assume you couldn't stay there due to work, correct? Can you talk this through with the owner? I think the owner needs to decide what's best for her baby. Just let the owner know what your limitations and boundaries are and then the owner can decide.

Yeah, the owner isn't sure what they want to do, so I'm hoping to get more opinions. I can't stay at their place as I have two cats of my own, one with some medical issues. We are about the same distance from the vet, at least, so that is one less thing to worry about; my main concern, really, is that he'd get sick when nobody was around and I wouldn't be there to take him to the vet.

 

[Alldara]

I have had my cats go stay at someone else's place before and it went quite well. They got more attention and were less lonely.

Since you have the option to keep him separate and she could probably provide a shirt she has worn or similar, then I wouldn't see why not!

Having his basic needs met consistently, I'd think would cause less stress. Also, even with a camera in the apartment, you might not be able to get to the cat should something happen. At least if he's at home with you an emergency vet can walk you through first aid and perhaps a taxi or uber would be willing to help.

 

[maggie101]

Last time I used nextdoor to find help. If it's only once a day some businesses will only be 20-$30

 

[fionasmom]

I would start out by bringing him to your apartment. If it is absolutely not going to work, he could be returned to his own home. The entire situation is dicey as you have mentioned because if he experiences a medical crisis, no one may be there or know, even if a camera is set up.

 

[maggie101]

Do you have uber? Some will drive with pets

 

[IzzysfureverMom]

For a senior cat with medical issues I would prefer he/she stay with you. Have the owner notify her vet that you are taking care of the cat in case any medical issue comes up. Often cats are more resilient then we give them credit for.

 

[Babypaws]

I agree with most everyone here, he would be better at your place, not just for any medical issues, you had mentioned your friends apartment is very hot even if the a/c is on so that’s a big concern…poor cat if left there could suffocate in the heat!

 

[PushPurrCatPaws]

Weighing the pros and cons, there seem to be more cons leaving him alone at your friend's home than in bringing him into your home for 10-11 days.

 

[iPappy]

If he is laid back and friendly, I would ask to do a trial run and keep him for a day, or maybe even overnight, to see how he'll settle in. If he has any special medical needs, this will ensure you're able to do the necessary daily things for him without him becoming too stressed as well.
We have a facility that offers cat boarding. If they are given a calm, quiet environment with their own belongings and things that smell like home, the vast majority of cats are out and about within 12-24 hours, and are asking to be friends with the people taking care of the within a day or so. People are always shocked when they come to pick up their cats, and the cat is up on their cat tree, looking out the window, and chirping and meowing at us for treats or pets.

 

[neely]

Personally I think your friend's cat would be more stressed out if left alone in a hot apartment than with you at your house. As you said, he would have his own room with all his basic needs met. BTW, you're a great friend to not only want to help but take the cat's health into consideration too.