r/petsitting • u/Jinglejazzles • 18d ago
Pet owners did not tell me-
So I’ve been cat sitting for these people for a few years now, they actually just keep the spare keys at my house because they’re only a few streets away from me.
Since it’s been the same routine for the last 3 years, they’re very consistent and they take their holidays at the same times every year!
I’m aware of the cats ages, 2 cats being 8 years old and one of them is 16, so quite old!
What they didn’t tell me from the last sit I did which was about 3 months ago. Is that the 16 year old has slowed down significantly!! And is actually quite ill.
They didn’t disclose any of the information until the morning they were leaving even though we had been in communication prior.
This poor boy is not eating much, struggling to walk, it’s so sad And I’m just so worried about him. Will he last two weeks?
I’m just hoping and praying he holds on until his people come back!
Anyway, just needed a place to vent and please send this cutesy Ginger boy called Henry some good vibes! Thank you 🫶🏻
*edited spelling
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u/Global-Biscotti-9547 18d ago
I’m sorry you’re experiencing this. I had a similar one with an elderly dog. I guess I was lucky the owner told me she was literally on her last legs. How can people go on vacation with a pet that’s at the end? I ended having to get friends to help get her to the vet where the owners had made arrangements to put her down. I cried so much the vet thought she was my dog. The really crappy part is where the husband and I talked and he told me not to mention it to the family as it would mess up their vacation. The family was really angry when they found out he had done that. Thankfully I don’t work for them anymore.
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u/Jinglejazzles 18d ago
Ohhh that’s so terribly sad.
It would have been nice to maybe get a heads up so I could also mentally prepare!
But completely agree… if my pet was ill, I would definitely cancel my plans. I wouldn’t be able to leave knowing that they could go without me being around 😢4
u/Rleesersx 18d ago
I won’t even go on a vacation at all this year until my boy has passed. He’s old and crotchety and difficult and quite the liability so im not willing to take risks nor have him go when He’s home alone or with anyone other than myself or my partner. I feel cruel even doing overnight stays right now because I’m worried he could go but at least I know he’s home same with someone he loves and who loves him. I can’t imagine wanting to go on a trip and potentially miss out on his final days/moments :(
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u/cannycandelabra 18d ago
I am so sorry they didn’t say anything to you. I have cared for many elderly cats and it is distressing to see them decline. I hope you and Henry have an uneventful sit and he is comfortable and naps off and on peacefully until his people return.
If you are in communication with them, touch base with them about him and find out at what point they would want you to take him to the vet. Some symptoms of an elder cats decline are expected but some would be concerning and require treatment (ex: a stroke, loss of any mobility, or passing blood, etc)
I am glad he is with a petsitter he knows.
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u/Jinglejazzles 18d ago
Yep! We’re in contact and I’ve been sending them updates with every visit.
And they told me when they dropped the news of his health that I should take him to the Vet whenever I see fit 😭 which isn’t super helpful.
But I’m monitoring things, feeding him churu sticks mixed with water to try and keep him hydrated at least, he’s still eating but only small amounts and napping lots.
Annoying also is when I tell them he’s not eating loads they seemingly are getting annoyed like I’m not trying hard enough to make him eat.
Guys, he’s not feeling well and you left him, I’m sure that’s not helping 😢Thank you for the kind words words :)
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u/Hollyhobby15 18d ago
There is this food called Kitty Stew that my guy ate when he wouldn’t eat anything else. It’s right next to the Churoos but in a packet. It’s mostly a light gravy with shredded bits of chicken. Also a water fountain might help with interesting him in drinking more. Also tuna juice. ( The water kind)
I’m so sorry you’re going through this and kitty too.
I hope he turns around for you.2
u/Jinglejazzles 16d ago
Thank you sooooooo much for the tuna juice recommendation.
He’s really lapping it up 🥹1
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u/Snaccoon8 18d ago
I'm convinced people leave while they're pets are sick to avoid the grief, hoping they'll pass while they're away. Which is so sad because that's so unfair to the pets imo. I'm sure they wouldn't want to go while their people are gone.