Always thought of myself as a super-sitter, but this one has defeated me. 7 cats and one dog. Dog gets walked 3-4 times per day with one long session at the dog park. Cats steal each other’s food so have to feed separately and stay on top of them. Have to stop dog from stealing cats’ food. All are friendly, want attention, and play time, all in addition to working 8 hours/day for my job.
Sending daily videos and pictures to the host.
Doing cat play sessions with both hands to play with two feather simultaneously, but usually 3 of the 7 cats are left out and just spectators. Any tips?
Hello @AllTheFerretsDied
I’d say you were very brave taking that sit on in the first place! I can’t believe 7 cats & a dog in an apartment. No wonder the dog has to have 4 walks a day! Sounds to me like the cats are bored and would love to go outside.
No tip except avoid sits with lots of animals in apartments in future
@AllTheFerretsDied wow, hats off! Easiest is to quit your day job. Kidding of course!
A lady I volunteered with at an animal shelter had a great tip. She would tie a long piece of string with a little teaser ‘something’ (anything really, but maybe a little bell) to her waist that would dangle behind her as she vacuumed (or in your case, when you move around the house at all times) and then the cats would love to chase it.
Another option would be to maybe hide some small dried cat food pellets around the living room for some stimulation. I’m only talking a tiny handful, it will be already more than 10-15 pieces. Maybe put 1-2 inside an empty toilet roll carton (or even a full roll to make it more challenging). And have the cats hunt for it.
Yikes! That sounds exhausting yet fun and maybe a bit entertaining. I’ve had to feed animals separately for similar reasons. That’s a lot of energy exerted. Good luck with all of that
Yes of course that’s another qualification we all need to exhibit as 5 star sitters Ring Master! Keep those little tigers at bay!
Maybe enforce a long cat nap at midday to get some energy back!
7 cats is 5 too many! That poor dog is my main thought! At least your duties are temporary! Cross off the days! And yes promise yourself to avoid such numbers in the future! I can do those numbers .. but only in fish or stick insects!
My gosh - stick insects! They multply by themselves!
I thought I wanted one of those until I read up. Then it dawned on me that I probably would need to remove their eggs. Wouldn’t that be like a stick insect abortion clinic?!
Such sits would be better for two people. (Please mention that in the review.)
Next time you see anything about “separation” check for more to see if the cats understand the “rules.” Believe it or not some do! I only have 3 but there are reviews confirming they are trained to go to their stations at meal times.
I would also , contact the owners and find out what they do. It’s possible the cats are scamming you and know exactly who eats what where. With my guys, calling the slow pokes by name and not feeding anyone until everyone is in place sometimes gets them into line.
