Conference misery::feline

    Sarah,
    
    They have cats?  Why not get them some type of cat toy for each of
    their cats?  Or one of those nice cat teasers you see at stores for
    their furry friends.
    
    Holly
    

    I always try to give something nice for my cat-sitter too.  This has
    ranged from money, perennials from the garden, baskets or mugs (she
    collects both from all over the world),  and of course things brought
    back from the vacation.  When we went down south for example, we came
    back with a nice basket of southern food items, country ham, jelly,
    cornbread, etc.   Seems the more practical gifts were always more
    appreciated than the fluff stuff though.
    
    Denise

    I haven't really had to buy gifts too often for my cat sitters, but the
    past couple of years, we have gone away for Thanksgiving, and my
    husband's ex was looking in on the cats and the mother-in-law. She
    collects clown figurines, and I brought her back an Emmett Kelly Jr.
    figurine both times. 
    
    I there is something that she collects in earnest, maybe you could
    find one of those she doesn't have? I do tend to like the practical
    gift ideas of note -.1 though too. ;-)
    
    Yonee  who-may-be-in-this-position-again-in a-couple-of-weeks

    If you are thinking of a cat's gift: Maggy Mae's Le Rat!!!!
    I have kittens to cats of all sizes that love these little "rats". 
    They are cat safe and are actually kinda large.  It may be the size and
    texture that the cats like.  But, someone is always running around with
    one in their mouth crying like an idiot!
    Very entertaining 8'}
    Karen
    
                   

    If there is a cat show in your area....I would suggest that you
    go to one and you will be amazed how many "different" cat related
    things you could buy!!!   
    
    I always LOVE getting house items related to CATS...such as towels,
    nicknacks, pictures, door stoppers, etc.
    
    Sandy

    Sarah,
    
    I have never had a sitter (I have a dog) but what about a gift
    certificate to a pet store?  THen they can make a choice to get cat
    food, a toy, have their cat groomed, treats etc.  It would most 
    likely be beneficial and money-saving on their end, in addition to
    economical.
    
    Does anyone know if veterinarians offer gift certificates from their
    clinic?  That would be a nice gift to.
    
    Good Luck, let us know what you've chosen to do
    
    Karen

	If I go away for more than a few days, the cats go in the kennels
	....they are indoor/outdoor/nextdoor, but for a weekend, my
	neighbour feeds them.
	It's quite easy really, when I'm not around, they go in nextdoors 
	through their catflap anyway, so all I do is give her a few tins and
	the bowls, and a frontdoor key just-in-case they oversleep!

	They are pensioners and don't have anything for luxuries, and I know
	they would be embarrased at anything expensive,
	
	so I get things like whiskey marmalade, or kirsh cherry jam, or a jar
	of apricots in brandy, or a jar of stem ginger, or a box of clotted
	cream Devon fudge, or a jar of local heather honey.....

	.....the sorts of things that are a nice extra, that they wouldn't get
	themselves.
	
	Heather

    Thanks for all the ideas!  These people don't have a whole lot of
    money, so, like Heather, I don't want to embarrass them with something
    overly costly.  I think I'll combine a lot of the ideas and make up a
    basket - put a few kitty toys in it, some homemade treats, and
    something collectible. Thanks again!  It will be a few days before I
    can start assembling the gift basket, so keep those ideas coming.
    Sarah

    I took in two cats for a couple of months whilst their owner moved
    house. The lady got me a framed photo of the cats and a keyring with a
    cross-stitch cat design as a thankyou present. I loved them.

    We went away over Memorial Day weekend.  I asked a 13 year old son of a
    friend of mine to cat sit.  He's a real responsible kid, and the mother
    and children are going through some hard financial times, and H*LL from
    a nasty divorce.  It was a case of the mother would have to drive the
    son to the house once per day, or have the boy ride his bike.  I
    offered the boy some cash, and bought the mother, the boy and  his 8
    year old sister each a tee shirt from the place we went.  I also bought
    the boy a cap.  The boy is absolutely crazy over caps and all three are
    big into tee shirts, both with designs on them.
    
    They were appreciated "muchly"
    Lyn

    New furniture.
    
    	8*)
    
    

    Unfortunately we had a tragedy in our household over the weekend. One
    of the pet-sitters (the husband, Jack) passed away.  He was only 36
    years old.  He had a massive heart attack.  He was one of the nicest men 
    I know, and a real "animal person" - you know the type, the guy to which 
    all cats and dogs gravitate.  A real marshmallow for animals.  Such a 
    tragedy...
    
    Rest in Peace, Jack
    
    (from JD, CC, Ariel, Spike, Brute', Bart, Bandit, and Bubba)
    Sarah

    So sorry to hear about that, Sarah.  Hey Yonne, any chance of adding
    Jack's name to the Silver Lining Memorial??  Is it too late?
    
    Holly
    

    Hey Holly, were you reading my mind again? I was thinking of asking if
    anyone minded me adding his name to the list! Now get out of my head!
    You may get hurt in all that open area! ;-)
    
    Sarah, 
       I was also very sad to hear the news. So young! Please let his wife
    know the FELINErs are thinking of her.
    
    Love,
    
    Yonee -  along with Feendoonie, Furby and Finnigan
    Yonee
    
    P.S. Jack's anme will be added to the list.

    Oh, thank you! I thought that was for cats, not humans!  How thoughtful
    of you all.  The family requested flowers be omitted and donations made
    to his church, but I know his wife will approve if I send a donation to
    an animal rescue league instead.  Can I get in on this quarter's fund,
    or should I wait for next quarter?  There's so much turmoil going on at
    our household over this.  In my house, all 3 floors are like family,
    even though none of us are related.  We are related in our concern and
    love for animals, so this is truly a loss for all of us.  I will make
    up a nice card for his wife, describing the SLM, and will include a
    notification of the donation in Jack's name.  Thanks to all of you who
    replied here and off-line.  Such a nice bunch of folks...
    Sarah