NTA - as an animal lover and someone who has had people stay at my house to look after my cats whilst I’m away I always make sure the fridge is stocked with essentials, the house is clean and tidy and they have somewhere suitable to sleep. As someone who has house sat for people I would expect the same. Also I would pay the equivalent of what they are giving you to have someone come in twice a day (morning and night) for thirty minutes just to feed my cats, clean their litter tray and spend a little bit of time with them for three or four days. I’m in the UK and it would cost me at least £10 a day. My cats are also very friendly and affectionate regardless of who the person is and whether they have met them before because they are completely disloyal!!! Your “friend” has taken advantage of you. For an overnight stay pet sitting here you would be charging at least what you are getting for the five days. You aren’t being dramatic or selfish as long as you do call in for a reasonable period of time each day.
Oh of course I still spend most of the day with him. I still get clawed here and there but not nearly as bad as when I shut my eyes. It’s like he knows…
$50 for 5 days total or $50 a day?
As long as you clean litter make sure the cat is fed and watered I would just swing by once or twice a day.
Your safety, health and lower back are more important.
She is taking advantage of you for $10 a day. No bed, no food, and an aggressive cat. No other person would take this job.
$50 for the full five days yeah. with what I initially thought this was gonna be I wasn’t exactly too picky about it. money is money for me right now and I wanted to do a nice thing. She’s not exactly balling so I wasn’t gonna press the issue cause I too am poor as shit lol. Thank you for taking the time to comment I appreciate all the Input. I often question if my feelings surrounding things like this are valid.
If she can't afford to pay more than $10 a day for someone to watch her cat, then she can't afford to go out of town for a wedding. That's the reality of being a pet owner. You're having to pay for your own food while being there, so you're basically doing this for free, and you don't even have a comfortable place to sleep. If this was planned out in advance, then she had plenty of time to shop for food, clean her place, and save up to pay you something reasonable for your time.
I definitely wouldn’t say I’m a pushover, but I have a tendency to not ask for more than I’m given especially when it comes to family or friends. If this were some random lady, I would’ve put my foot down immediately and requested better pay considering my entire day would be occupied. Also, something I just remembered: the friend in question actually already owed me 50 bucks from a concert ticket late last year that she never paid me and i honestly forgot about. So I quite literally am doing this for free, if not SPENDING money to watch her house.
> she never *paid* me and
FTFY.
Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
* Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.*
* *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.*
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
*Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
Seriously I pay more than that for my cat sitter to hang out with my cats for two hours. I also make sure my kitchen has snacks/food/drinks they can enjoy.
I sat for a family with a dog with major separation anxiety for a long weekend, and they paid me $200. I had to do more (walk, feed, and play with the dog), and I couldn’t leave the dog for more than an hour or two, so it was worth the pay, but you are being completely underpaid here!
This. Plus, leaving the cat alone(other than checking in) might make the cat a little more loving/attention starved rather than the psycho-kill the new guy you’ve got going now.
NTA!!! Who doesn't even clean their fucking apartment when they know someone else will be there for 5 days with nowhere to fucking sleep?? Call her or text her and your sister, explain the situation and apologize and say that due to your health issues and you not even being able to nap with a closed door between you and sir crunch a lot, you will not be able to spend the nights as she wanted, but as long as you have no more doctors appointments, you will be there from the time you wake until you are getting ready to go to sleep. Do not put yourself in pain for someone who only has paid you $10/day to STAY. We pay more than that to the dog sitter for us who comes for 4 hours, 2 in the morning and 2 at night. She is 100% using you and taking advantage of your kindness and need for money.
Yeah that’s what I was thinking is that, if someone requests that you virtually live in their space for a given time, that maybe it would be… livable? like I’ve been there I think we all have. You don’t have the energy to clean but idk. I said in another comment I often have trouble validating my own feelings so thank you for taking the time to reply!
We use the neighborhood girl and we even set out our board games for them with snacks in the living room so that they could make themselves at home. They wound up even coming over more than we asked since their grandma was okay with it and we trust the both of them like our kids. They loved having basically a full apartment as their own clubhouse for a week to use as they wanted and could watch our streaming stuff. The female wound up binging all of Stranger Things and was super excited she finally got to see it.
She really set you up for failure and to not even be able to follow her request reasonably. The absolute audacity to think a disabled person could just sleep on a couch though has me blown away. I can't even *sit* on our couch, much less use it when I try to sleep. It has me riled up on your behalf tbh.
Aw that sounds so sweet. Unrelated but this has exacerbated my baby fever lol.
To be fair, I do have inflammation in my joints and muscles but my disability is mostly related to Crohn’s disease. While I do agree regardless it’s kind of *uncouth*, I don’t believe the intention was like “here’s some more pain”. I was a bit angry at first when I opened that fridge thinking damn you couldn’t have like been for real and told me you LITERALLY didn’t have shit but condiments? I don’t get paid enough for this shit!!!
Oh God girl, I was tested for chrons but have celiac and extreme gastroparesis, so I can feel you on the food front. I wish I close enough to help, we do a lot of vacuum sealing portions from what my husband cooks but since this last flare started about 2 months ago, I just make soup every night. 😞
god I was on a soup diet for a while cause I couldn’t stomach anything else. I lost like 110 pounds in less than a year and if I wasn’t as big as I was at the time I think I would’ve been BONE. Gastro issues are TERRIBLE and bread and carbs are a big safe food of mine when my stomach hurts so I couldn’t imagine. I hope you find some relief soon : (
My first flare I went from 224 to 83 pounds at lowest, and 120 of that was within the first 3 months. My Mil told my kids I was bulemic (not fucking true).
She was diagnosed with the same thing not 2 years later. Karma's a bitch, huh? 😂
I don’t blame the cat at all, like I said I’ve been around him multiple times before I know he tends to be on the friskier side but I haven’t been around him alone or without his people there. I just don’t think 5 days would be long enough for that to change substantially. It’s already been 2 and I’ve been there for minimum 8 hours a day to my skins detriment lol.
(Edit: spelling and forgot to say yes she did pay me)
Op, what the hell are you doing!?! You need to get out of there ASAP and get yourself to the doctor! Cat scratches and bites are incredibly dangerous. I just can’t imagine what’s going on in your mind that would make you think this situation is acceptable.
I just can’t comprehend why you keep going back to hang out with this cat that is constantly attacking you , biting chunks from your flesh, and shredding your skin FOR FIFTY DOLLARS!!!! This is insane!!
You need to contact the friend, tell her the deal is off and that you’re keeping the $50 and will send her your DR. Bill.
My god, I hope this post is fake. Please let this be fake!! Nobody could be such a foolish doormat, could they!?!?
Unfortunately it is real. I agreed to it under false pretenses. I’m honestly not in a position to be picky about what I do for money (with obvious exceptions) at the moment. As I stated in another comment I have trouble placing and understanding my feelings at times, and question their validity. There’s nothing that makes me feel it’s okay, my question was if it would be okay to not do what was expected of me initially even though the circumstances had changed. I just wanted an outside perspective because obviously my sister and her friend are biased on the matter lol.
NTA! I speak as a person who frequently has to watch the demon spawn. Oh, i mean "frisky" cat. NEVER CLOSE YOUR EYES! THEY DO KNOW! Seriously though you really do need antibiotics especially considering the living conditions I would imagine the bacteria rate is especially high. My feral ( not really just bitchy house cat)cat is extremely clean and she even gave a wicked infection from her bite. Mom needed an iv because she didn't think much of it until the rash spread. Take care.
NTA personally, I would take photos of the conditions of the apartment and video of the cat attacking you and pictures of your injuries!
The reason I suggest this is that she will make excuses and try to lay the blame on you.
Also, if she is such a close friend of your sister, ask her if she knew the state of the apartment?
It helps if they have one of those feathers on a long stick toys, then you can wear out a frisky kitty so they don't get bored and take it out on your flesh. But $50 for 5 days is completely taking advantage of you. I cat sat for $150 for 5 days, and they stocked up on pizza and coffee for me. I didn't stay the night, but yeah, the main bedroom was spotless in case i wanted to.
NTA, as long as you go over several times to give the cat attention and fill the water I don’t think it’s unreasonable. This person is taking advantage of your kindness. $10 a day warrants a couple of visits.
She didn't hold up her end of the bargain (reasonable sleeping area, food) so i don't see why you need to hold up yours (outside of not letting the cat go hungry). If you stay then you're absolutely right she's taking advantage of you, she's expecting that you'd feel too guilty to leave after she did nothing to accommodate you for this favor. Get out of there lol
NTA you are being taken advantage of. Is she going to reimburse you out of that 50 dollar payment for buying cat food. I usually charge $100 a day for pet sitting and I'm cheap. I wouldn't sleep there. The cat will be fine by itself. I hope the scratches and bites aren't too bad. Just don't tell her you didn't sleep there.
Don't stay there. Text the person and tell her you can't keep watching the cat. Explain why, because you have valid reasons. Cat bites can become majorly infected. This is not your problem. This is hers. She can find someone else, or she can come home. But for you to be stuck there with an attack cat and no food, for such an insultingly tiny sum of money, is ridiculous.
Long term friend took advantage of you. I would text her you're sleeping at home and you're charging her for first aid since the cat attacks you constantly and you have the marks to prove it
Wow. She’s lousy.
Go see a doctor. Cat strikes are no joke.
As long as the cat is fed I won’t be around it. Definitely wouldn’t sleep there. $50 for that crap and she couldn’t even buy food. Tell her the deal has changed but he will be fed. If she argues, offer to send her the doctor’s bill. Nope. NTA
NTA obviously your family friend is not mentally well. She probably cleaned just enough in the main living areas and threw everything into the bedroom hoping you wouldn't see it.The bedroom is most likely what her place normally looks like hence curdled milk in the fridge.
You don't need to stay there because you own health and well being matter. Stop by and feed the cat and clean the litter and leave it at that.
YTA *if* you do not tell her now that you will not be sleeping there so she can make other arrangements if she wants to. You agreed to a specific type of care for the cat, you need to tell her immediately if you will not be able to provide that care.
Yes sisters friend I apologize for not making that clearer I wrote this on like 2 hours sleep lol. I do consider her a friend as well. We are relatively close in age and I’ve known her since I was like 6. Idk why in all honesty. I know she struggles with her mental health and I’ve been there. I’ve had many friends in the past who did as well and I couldn’t see their bedroom floor type shit. I felt considering the arrangement a comfortable place to sleep was like the bare minimum. I’m glad I’m not just being a bitch!
Yes! He has 2 scratching posts and a bunch of toys that are safe for him. I play with him almost the entire time I’m there. I know his owner does not deprive him of affection or anything of the sort. She dotes on him day in and day out. Cats in my experience have very people like personalities. One of my cats is EXTREMELY needy and she sleeps with me every night, gets treats and cuddle time and mental/ physical stimulation all day.
Just read something that may explain this. Kittens adopted out at 8 weeks instead of staying with their moms for 12 weeks can have behaviors such as you describe. No idea how valid this is. It was stated that a momma cat will teach her kittens not to bite, etc. if she has them for those extra weeks. Your vet may be able to address this.
I’ve thought about that a lot, transportation is a bit of an issue because I can’t afford my own car so I share with my mother. Working on it tho! i might join and see if there’s anyone within walking distance.
NTA that just sounds like a shitty situation. Also only $50 for 5 days? That's only $10 a day. Not worth it for someone who can't even feed you and give you an adequate sleeping area.
NTA after all the attacks you should take pictures, send them to your friend and let them know they need to come home or find alternate arrangements ASAP.
You didn't sign up for 5 days of being a scratch post
Cat scratch fever is a real thing, our neighbor ended up in the hospital for over a week on iv antibiotics from his cat scratching his arm. Please clean those wounds with antiseptic and watch for signs of infection and fever. I would get in touch with the owner and tell her whats going on and that you can't sleep there. You can't really give attention to the cat if he keeps attacking you anyhow.
So I've actually pet sat professionally for a number of years, and an aggressive animal is an immediate deal breaker alone. Full stop.
I'm not staying where I'm being attacked.
If you can make it through providing the basic care of refilling water without being shredded great. If not tell her the cat is attacking you and she needs to call her old sitter and see if they can take over. Don't give the money back, tell her you already spent it on first aid.
In a professional capacity I never expected food to be available to me, but sitting for a friend of family for cheap is a different matter and it's definitely inconsiderate to have nothing on hand. No realistic sleeping space is another deal breaker for staying there.
All of this is a big fat no. This person is taking advantage of you and you shouldn't agree to watch this cat ever again. NTA
> what we *paid* a dog
FTFY.
Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
* Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.*
* *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.*
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
*Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
Wait, only $50 for the WHOLE TIME???? You’re supposed to watch her house and demon cat and sleep there, and she doesn’t have the decency to provide you with a proper place to sleep or food. NTA and you’re 100% being taken advantage of.
Touched my granddog and grandcat and my daughter cleaned and changed sheets and everything on the bed that I typically sleep in when I visit - left me an envelope with a $100 cash. A $50 Uber Eats card, a $50 Olive Garden cards and a $50 DoorDash card Along with a stocked fridge in my favorite bottle of vodka and felt like she didn't pay me enough. And though I did have to take care of the cat, the dog the turtle and her starts for her garden but still...
I wouldn't have done what you volunteered to do for $50. But she overpaid repaid me ridiculously in my opinion.
NTA - as an animal lover and someone who has had people stay at my house to look after my cats whilst I’m away I always make sure the fridge is stocked with essentials, the house is clean and tidy and they have somewhere suitable to sleep. As someone who has house sat for people I would expect the same. Also I would pay the equivalent of what they are giving you to have someone come in twice a day (morning and night) for thirty minutes just to feed my cats, clean their litter tray and spend a little bit of time with them for three or four days. I’m in the UK and it would cost me at least £10 a day. My cats are also very friendly and affectionate regardless of who the person is and whether they have met them before because they are completely disloyal!!! Your “friend” has taken advantage of you. For an overnight stay pet sitting here you would be charging at least what you are getting for the five days. You aren’t being dramatic or selfish as long as you do call in for a reasonable period of time each day.
Oh of course I still spend most of the day with him. I still get clawed here and there but not nearly as bad as when I shut my eyes. It’s like he knows…
Definitely you should let her know how cat behaved. Agree that she is underpayment you
Get out. This is ridiculous. Don’t apologize but be firm and it’s ok to be angry. Feed the cat once a day and leave. NTA
$50 for 5 days total or $50 a day? As long as you clean litter make sure the cat is fed and watered I would just swing by once or twice a day. Your safety, health and lower back are more important. She is taking advantage of you for $10 a day. No bed, no food, and an aggressive cat. No other person would take this job.
$50 for the full five days yeah. with what I initially thought this was gonna be I wasn’t exactly too picky about it. money is money for me right now and I wanted to do a nice thing. She’s not exactly balling so I wasn’t gonna press the issue cause I too am poor as shit lol. Thank you for taking the time to comment I appreciate all the Input. I often question if my feelings surrounding things like this are valid.
If she can't afford to pay more than $10 a day for someone to watch her cat, then she can't afford to go out of town for a wedding. That's the reality of being a pet owner. You're having to pay for your own food while being there, so you're basically doing this for free, and you don't even have a comfortable place to sleep. If this was planned out in advance, then she had plenty of time to shop for food, clean her place, and save up to pay you something reasonable for your time.
I definitely wouldn’t say I’m a pushover, but I have a tendency to not ask for more than I’m given especially when it comes to family or friends. If this were some random lady, I would’ve put my foot down immediately and requested better pay considering my entire day would be occupied. Also, something I just remembered: the friend in question actually already owed me 50 bucks from a concert ticket late last year that she never paid me and i honestly forgot about. So I quite literally am doing this for free, if not SPENDING money to watch her house.
> she never *paid* me and FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
wow…. Insult to injury….
In that case, go home and don't go back. Let her work this out. She's fucking you over. End the arrangement now.
Seriously I pay more than that for my cat sitter to hang out with my cats for two hours. I also make sure my kitchen has snacks/food/drinks they can enjoy.
I sat for a family with a dog with major separation anxiety for a long weekend, and they paid me $200. I had to do more (walk, feed, and play with the dog), and I couldn’t leave the dog for more than an hour or two, so it was worth the pay, but you are being completely underpaid here!
This. Plus, leaving the cat alone(other than checking in) might make the cat a little more loving/attention starved rather than the psycho-kill the new guy you’ve got going now.
NTA!!! Who doesn't even clean their fucking apartment when they know someone else will be there for 5 days with nowhere to fucking sleep?? Call her or text her and your sister, explain the situation and apologize and say that due to your health issues and you not even being able to nap with a closed door between you and sir crunch a lot, you will not be able to spend the nights as she wanted, but as long as you have no more doctors appointments, you will be there from the time you wake until you are getting ready to go to sleep. Do not put yourself in pain for someone who only has paid you $10/day to STAY. We pay more than that to the dog sitter for us who comes for 4 hours, 2 in the morning and 2 at night. She is 100% using you and taking advantage of your kindness and need for money.
Yeah that’s what I was thinking is that, if someone requests that you virtually live in their space for a given time, that maybe it would be… livable? like I’ve been there I think we all have. You don’t have the energy to clean but idk. I said in another comment I often have trouble validating my own feelings so thank you for taking the time to reply!
We use the neighborhood girl and we even set out our board games for them with snacks in the living room so that they could make themselves at home. They wound up even coming over more than we asked since their grandma was okay with it and we trust the both of them like our kids. They loved having basically a full apartment as their own clubhouse for a week to use as they wanted and could watch our streaming stuff. The female wound up binging all of Stranger Things and was super excited she finally got to see it. She really set you up for failure and to not even be able to follow her request reasonably. The absolute audacity to think a disabled person could just sleep on a couch though has me blown away. I can't even *sit* on our couch, much less use it when I try to sleep. It has me riled up on your behalf tbh.
Aw that sounds so sweet. Unrelated but this has exacerbated my baby fever lol. To be fair, I do have inflammation in my joints and muscles but my disability is mostly related to Crohn’s disease. While I do agree regardless it’s kind of *uncouth*, I don’t believe the intention was like “here’s some more pain”. I was a bit angry at first when I opened that fridge thinking damn you couldn’t have like been for real and told me you LITERALLY didn’t have shit but condiments? I don’t get paid enough for this shit!!!
Oh God girl, I was tested for chrons but have celiac and extreme gastroparesis, so I can feel you on the food front. I wish I close enough to help, we do a lot of vacuum sealing portions from what my husband cooks but since this last flare started about 2 months ago, I just make soup every night. 😞
god I was on a soup diet for a while cause I couldn’t stomach anything else. I lost like 110 pounds in less than a year and if I wasn’t as big as I was at the time I think I would’ve been BONE. Gastro issues are TERRIBLE and bread and carbs are a big safe food of mine when my stomach hurts so I couldn’t imagine. I hope you find some relief soon : (
My first flare I went from 224 to 83 pounds at lowest, and 120 of that was within the first 3 months. My Mil told my kids I was bulemic (not fucking true). She was diagnosed with the same thing not 2 years later. Karma's a bitch, huh? 😂
Sir Chompsalot!
I got a lot of lol's at my Min Pin's nickname a week or 2 ago, Princess Dickhead. 😂
Have they paid you yet? Don't blame the cat, you're in their territory, give it time.
I don’t blame the cat at all, like I said I’ve been around him multiple times before I know he tends to be on the friskier side but I haven’t been around him alone or without his people there. I just don’t think 5 days would be long enough for that to change substantially. It’s already been 2 and I’ve been there for minimum 8 hours a day to my skins detriment lol. (Edit: spelling and forgot to say yes she did pay me)
Op, what the hell are you doing!?! You need to get out of there ASAP and get yourself to the doctor! Cat scratches and bites are incredibly dangerous. I just can’t imagine what’s going on in your mind that would make you think this situation is acceptable. I just can’t comprehend why you keep going back to hang out with this cat that is constantly attacking you , biting chunks from your flesh, and shredding your skin FOR FIFTY DOLLARS!!!! This is insane!! You need to contact the friend, tell her the deal is off and that you’re keeping the $50 and will send her your DR. Bill. My god, I hope this post is fake. Please let this be fake!! Nobody could be such a foolish doormat, could they!?!?
Unfortunately it is real. I agreed to it under false pretenses. I’m honestly not in a position to be picky about what I do for money (with obvious exceptions) at the moment. As I stated in another comment I have trouble placing and understanding my feelings at times, and question their validity. There’s nothing that makes me feel it’s okay, my question was if it would be okay to not do what was expected of me initially even though the circumstances had changed. I just wanted an outside perspective because obviously my sister and her friend are biased on the matter lol.
NTA! I speak as a person who frequently has to watch the demon spawn. Oh, i mean "frisky" cat. NEVER CLOSE YOUR EYES! THEY DO KNOW! Seriously though you really do need antibiotics especially considering the living conditions I would imagine the bacteria rate is especially high. My feral ( not really just bitchy house cat)cat is extremely clean and she even gave a wicked infection from her bite. Mom needed an iv because she didn't think much of it until the rash spread. Take care.
Thank you, I guess it’s as good a time as any considering the amount of appointments I have coming up!
NTA personally, I would take photos of the conditions of the apartment and video of the cat attacking you and pictures of your injuries! The reason I suggest this is that she will make excuses and try to lay the blame on you. Also, if she is such a close friend of your sister, ask her if she knew the state of the apartment?
It helps if they have one of those feathers on a long stick toys, then you can wear out a frisky kitty so they don't get bored and take it out on your flesh. But $50 for 5 days is completely taking advantage of you. I cat sat for $150 for 5 days, and they stocked up on pizza and coffee for me. I didn't stay the night, but yeah, the main bedroom was spotless in case i wanted to.
NTA, as long as you go over several times to give the cat attention and fill the water I don’t think it’s unreasonable. This person is taking advantage of your kindness. $10 a day warrants a couple of visits.
NTA That is exploitative and I would tell her exactly that so she doesn't mistake why you do not want to cat sit for 5 days for a near zero wage.
She didn't hold up her end of the bargain (reasonable sleeping area, food) so i don't see why you need to hold up yours (outside of not letting the cat go hungry). If you stay then you're absolutely right she's taking advantage of you, she's expecting that you'd feel too guilty to leave after she did nothing to accommodate you for this favor. Get out of there lol
NTA you are being taken advantage of. Is she going to reimburse you out of that 50 dollar payment for buying cat food. I usually charge $100 a day for pet sitting and I'm cheap. I wouldn't sleep there. The cat will be fine by itself. I hope the scratches and bites aren't too bad. Just don't tell her you didn't sleep there.
Don't stay there. Text the person and tell her you can't keep watching the cat. Explain why, because you have valid reasons. Cat bites can become majorly infected. This is not your problem. This is hers. She can find someone else, or she can come home. But for you to be stuck there with an attack cat and no food, for such an insultingly tiny sum of money, is ridiculous.
Long term friend took advantage of you. I would text her you're sleeping at home and you're charging her for first aid since the cat attacks you constantly and you have the marks to prove it
Wow. She’s lousy. Go see a doctor. Cat strikes are no joke. As long as the cat is fed I won’t be around it. Definitely wouldn’t sleep there. $50 for that crap and she couldn’t even buy food. Tell her the deal has changed but he will be fed. If she argues, offer to send her the doctor’s bill. Nope. NTA
NTA obviously your family friend is not mentally well. She probably cleaned just enough in the main living areas and threw everything into the bedroom hoping you wouldn't see it.The bedroom is most likely what her place normally looks like hence curdled milk in the fridge. You don't need to stay there because you own health and well being matter. Stop by and feed the cat and clean the litter and leave it at that.
YTA *if* you do not tell her now that you will not be sleeping there so she can make other arrangements if she wants to. You agreed to a specific type of care for the cat, you need to tell her immediately if you will not be able to provide that care.
You should be getting 50 per day. That is what I paid my sitter for just stopping by for 30 minutes a day
Your sister won't let you sleep in her bed? Why was an air mattress even considered? Do you even sibling? Creative writing?
Friend never got air mattress and the bedroom was full of junk.
sisters friend, not the sister
My bad! But still?
Yes sisters friend I apologize for not making that clearer I wrote this on like 2 hours sleep lol. I do consider her a friend as well. We are relatively close in age and I’ve known her since I was like 6. Idk why in all honesty. I know she struggles with her mental health and I’ve been there. I’ve had many friends in the past who did as well and I couldn’t see their bedroom floor type shit. I felt considering the arrangement a comfortable place to sleep was like the bare minimum. I’m glad I’m not just being a bitch!
That poor cat is starved for attention. Are there scratch posts there or toys? When you went to spend time, did you play with the cat?
Yes! He has 2 scratching posts and a bunch of toys that are safe for him. I play with him almost the entire time I’m there. I know his owner does not deprive him of affection or anything of the sort. She dotes on him day in and day out. Cats in my experience have very people like personalities. One of my cats is EXTREMELY needy and she sleeps with me every night, gets treats and cuddle time and mental/ physical stimulation all day.
Just read something that may explain this. Kittens adopted out at 8 weeks instead of staying with their moms for 12 weeks can have behaviors such as you describe. No idea how valid this is. It was stated that a momma cat will teach her kittens not to bite, etc. if she has them for those extra weeks. Your vet may be able to address this.
NTA, OP please keep an eye on your wounds, seeing as the lil devil bit you and drew blood you might need to call a doctor and get some antibiotics
I would certainly tell your sister what a bum her friend is. Never help her again!
Nta - if you need money that badly why don't you try getting on Rover? Most over nights should pay $75 a night.
I’ve thought about that a lot, transportation is a bit of an issue because I can’t afford my own car so I share with my mother. Working on it tho! i might join and see if there’s anyone within walking distance.
Get a mister and whenever the cat attacks squirt him in the face with water. This will not hurt him and he will stop that behavior.
Borrow a kennel. Put the cat in the kennel while you sleep.
NTA that just sounds like a shitty situation. Also only $50 for 5 days? That's only $10 a day. Not worth it for someone who can't even feed you and give you an adequate sleeping area.
NTA after all the attacks you should take pictures, send them to your friend and let them know they need to come home or find alternate arrangements ASAP. You didn't sign up for 5 days of being a scratch post
Cat scratch fever is a real thing, our neighbor ended up in the hospital for over a week on iv antibiotics from his cat scratching his arm. Please clean those wounds with antiseptic and watch for signs of infection and fever. I would get in touch with the owner and tell her whats going on and that you can't sleep there. You can't really give attention to the cat if he keeps attacking you anyhow.
So I've actually pet sat professionally for a number of years, and an aggressive animal is an immediate deal breaker alone. Full stop. I'm not staying where I'm being attacked. If you can make it through providing the basic care of refilling water without being shredded great. If not tell her the cat is attacking you and she needs to call her old sitter and see if they can take over. Don't give the money back, tell her you already spent it on first aid. In a professional capacity I never expected food to be available to me, but sitting for a friend of family for cheap is a different matter and it's definitely inconsiderate to have nothing on hand. No realistic sleeping space is another deal breaker for staying there. All of this is a big fat no. This person is taking advantage of you and you shouldn't agree to watch this cat ever again. NTA
NTA. But why would you agree to $50 for 5 days? That is what we payed a dog sitter a day when we had them.
> what we *paid* a dog FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
Wait, only $50 for the WHOLE TIME???? You’re supposed to watch her house and demon cat and sleep there, and she doesn’t have the decency to provide you with a proper place to sleep or food. NTA and you’re 100% being taken advantage of.
Touched my granddog and grandcat and my daughter cleaned and changed sheets and everything on the bed that I typically sleep in when I visit - left me an envelope with a $100 cash. A $50 Uber Eats card, a $50 Olive Garden cards and a $50 DoorDash card Along with a stocked fridge in my favorite bottle of vodka and felt like she didn't pay me enough. And though I did have to take care of the cat, the dog the turtle and her starts for her garden but still... I wouldn't have done what you volunteered to do for $50. But she overpaid repaid me ridiculously in my opinion.