[Wing-nut2]

My wife and I are going to Austrailia in next year. We will be gone about 3 1/2 months. We were are thinking about offering our house to someone who would be willing to live for free if they took care of our 4 cats. It might be 3 by, then but for now, 4.

Does this sound like a good idea or shoud we get a pet sitter? Any thoughts??

Please, no I love cats, they taste just like chicken jokes. I use that line all the time.

[swrinfla]

If you'd said that you'd be away for a week or two, I'd have strongly advised you to poll your immediate neighbors, as I'm 99.9% sure that you'd find a cat lover who'd be willing to care for your kittes.

But, you've added a time element that changes all that.

If you're thinking of being Down Under during our Winter here, you might very well find some long-term "renters" interested in a deal! But, if you're heading out during Central Florida's Summer season, you'll have more difficulties!

There are a number of rental agencies in the tri-county area who can undoubtedly help you find a long-term tenant willing to care for the cats!

As a cat lover and a subject of The Cat's domination, I strongly hope that you will interview your potential clients thoroughly to assess their feline-friendliness. In my view, that'll be more important than their being capable of carig for your residence!

SWR

[Wing-nut2]

We're going the end of January 2013 and returning mid May. We've rented out 2 houses in TV for the past 7 years so the rental part isn't a problem. We haven't decided on this yet. This is just one of several things we're looking at. We want some ideas.

We will be retiring in December.

We just like someone who likes cats.

[redwitch]

Four and a half months is too long for a pet sitter to come in and take care of your cats on a daily basis -- they'd get too lonely and probably neurotic. So, I'd say your options are to either get someone to keep the cats at their home (not as easy as finding a home for dogs -- cats are more destructive), pay someone to stay at your home (pretty pricey since most pet sitters charge between $25-75/night) or go with your idea of getting someone to house sit. You might even be able to get some money out of it -- offer a discount for renting w/the cats in the home. Who knows, someone might be thrilled to have kitties there. (I know I would -- there's nothing like a contented cat to make a great day purrfect.) Another possible option is to have someone take care of the cats on a daily basis and stay the night every 3rd or 4th night.

[bestmickey]

Hmmmmm.

Jim, I sent you a PM. I think we've done business in the past.
Mickey

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Wing-nut2

My wife and I are going to Austrailia in next year. We will be gone about 3 1/2 months. We were are thinking about offering our house to someone who would be willing to live for free if they took care of our 4 cats. It might be 3 by, then but for now, 4.

Does this sound like a good idea or shoud we get a pet sitter? Any thoughts??

Please, no I love cats, they taste just like chicken jokes. I use that line all the time.

I think a live-in house minder/pet sitter is an excellent idea. Of course cats are happiest in the environment they are used to. Rather than paying someone, offering free rent would be a great incentive. And perhaps the guests could pay utilities.

If you decide you are serious about this, I'm sure that some of us can offer trust-worthy friends for your consideration.

[mikeandnancy1112]

What months are you wanting someone to house sit?