A friend asked me to feed her cat while she was away over Christmas. I couldn’t think of an excuse not to(!!) as I did it last year – when she had 2 cats. One had been to the vets the day before and I was not to put out any biscuits. The cats tried to persuade me I was starving them! That cat died during the year (they are both old) and guess what – the remaining cat had to go to the vet the day before she went away this time! This was more complicated though, as the cat had to have tablets – not a matter of ramming them down it’s throat, fortunately.
So twice a day for three days I walked down the road, let myself in and opened or closed the curtains, depending if it was morning or evening. Then to the kitchen.
First I had to take a tube of Lick-e-Lix out of the packet and squeeze it into a cat bowl.
Half tablet was taken from one bottle and a capsule from the other bottle. The former had to be powered by squashing it between 2 spoons and the second had to be cut open and the powder put with the gooey Lick-e-Lix.
The powder was then mixed with the gooey stuff so the cat couldn’t see (or hopefully detect) it. Apparently the cat loves Lick-e-Lix.
Then it was time for food. Another cat dish was taken and a packet of Sheba and half a tin of something else opened and put in.
The dishes were put down for the cat to find – or not, if it wasn’t ready, or didn’t want to eat while I was watching. It was there straight away on the second and third mornings, when it was used to me being around and thought I should have been there earlier – cats! Always headed for the Lick-e-Lix first.
I then had to deal with the litter tray – oh joy! Fortunately, cat was a bit constipated so the tray was not too smelly…..
Then it was upstairs to check that the cat hadn’t tipped over the water bowl and to provide fresh water in the mornings.
And finally time to depart, locking the door behind me and walking the five minutes back up the hill to home.
So? Well, I didn’t kill the cat and it didn’t die and I think it was improving by the end of the three days. Still didn’t really approve of me, though, but didn’t hide away – too desperate for food?
I was also given a lovely bowl of flowers as a thank you.