Forum feedback forum: Taking care of my Mother-in-law's cat

Losing two parakeets that way wouldn't give me to much confidence for the cat,

But anyway, here are my recommendations. Note this, Not since I was a child living at home have I ever had a pet myself, and most of those died. Some died a horrible death! So some of my recommendations may be a little suspect.

1] The cat will want to go home. I would! So no open doors, no open windows, or any other escape routes.

2] Ask your mother-in-law to bring the cat's bed and bedding. If it smells then all the better. The cat will feel more comfortable with it's own smells around. Her own toys as well as some new toys is a good idea.

3] Take out extra home contents insurance. Yes, it will destroy your home.

4] Extra buildings insurance should not be needed, unless you live in a Japanese house made out of paper panels.

5] She will sulk. In fact, your mother-in-law, your wife, and the cat will sulk. This is not going to be a good time for you.

6] When the cat arrives, fuss it, and let it wander about your house. As soon as your mother-in-law has gone, give the cat a good talking to about do's and don'ts. It won't listen and may scratch you, but you will feel better anyway.

7] Don't over feed the cat. Your mother-in-law probably does, but if you do and it dies of a heart attack whilst it is with you, you will be blamed.

8] Let the cat have a bolt hole somewhere, eg a small room, cupboard, etc where it can hide and feel safe. Cats are very aloof and they take time to come round to new situations.

9] Work Overtime, as much as you can. That way, if anything happens to the cat you can plead ignorance stating you were at the office/factory/garage/garden shed. It won't cut any dice with your mother-in-law of course, but when it goes to court you can then produce witnesses, time sheets, CCTV video, etc to prove you 'were not there' when it happened.

10] Remember, a week is only 7 days. It will feel like 7 months, but you will survive. Are you religious? You could pray to your God.

11] Have friends round every night. Get them to stay over if you can. The more witnesses the better. Alternatively, stay over at friends' houses.

12] Enjoy this period. It may be your last,

I hope that helps.

Mark

...lay down right in the busiest pathway of the house. Give up and put a box there just off to the side a bit with a bath towel in it and she'll be happy enough, except when she feels the need to lay right in the middle of the walk area again.