r/catinaflat • u/cat_catastrophe_ • 14d ago
Owner not responding to updates
This isn’t a massive issue but I wanted to see how common this is for other people. I’m drop in cat sitting and have been using the Rover card adding photos on there and sending a message via Rover with the update as not all owners see my updates when I add it to the notes section on the Rover card. This is the first time i’ve never had the owner reply, I don’t expect a reply to every update, just the occasional message acknowledging the update. They also have my number to reach out if they have been unable to access Rover. How often does this happen to you guys? Where the owner doesn’t reply for the whole stay. I’ve also had the message saying that the cat unfortunately pooped on their bed, so finding it odd to hear nothing back. Should I continue sending updates on Rover or should I message them on Whatsapp to ask if they’ve been getting the updates?
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u/Right-Government2771 14d ago
I’ve just had a similar thing, zero communication from the owner even after flagging potential medical issues. I guess some people just trust that we’ll do the job and don’t need to respond, but it does feel weird and cold. Not my preferred kind of client, comes across as uncaring imho.
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u/TheBee733 13d ago
I had one of my clients not respond to any of my messages at all. Seemed really friendly when we met in person, but didn't respond even when I asked about returning her key. As she didn't respond I must have held onto the key for about a week after she returned from her trip before posting it back and didn't get one message from her at all about it. Very strange.
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u/mayochuppie 14d ago
Pretty normal! I always text them updates on WhatsApp and either they leave me on read or react with a thumbs up/heart to my message. I suggest sending updates as normal so they can see a trail but don’t stress if you don’t get any acknowledgment, they might be busy on their trips and not have much access to their phone
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u/cat_catastrophe_ 13d ago
Whatsapp’s read receipts is definitely better as at least you know the owner is getting the messages even if they don’t reply, Rover would benefit from having that
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u/casandra77 14d ago
I always communicate on Whatsapp. However, I always upload 1 photo on Rover after each visit for admin purposes.
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u/SwordfishResident256 13d ago
I haven't been replying bc I'm holiday and don't have time, the sitter isn't pressed and my cat is fine lol
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u/Practical-Toe6025 13d ago
I just completed a sit where I sent Rover cards at every visit and didn't get a reply to any of them but I knew she was camping in the back of beyond and she would probably have no signal. It didn't concern me. I was sending the updates so that's my job done!
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u/ChelsssH 13d ago
i use whatsapp for updates. i have some clients who respond immediately, some after like 6 hours, some who just react with a thumbs up and then send through an appreciation message on my last visit. i assume it’s because they trust me and are enjoying their holiday. i always take an emergency contact
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u/maoruiwen 11d ago
I’ve noticed this as well and am considering not using the cards. I wondered if Rover would penalise me.
Most of my clients don’t look at these and some have subtly suggested I don’t need to send one every visit. I’ve stopped using them as time trackers and more as a time stamp. I open it as I leave and send my update.
Looking below…. I may not use these at all with my next few cat sits and give updates via WhatsApp
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u/Tulpehocken243 14d ago
i do all my updates on whatsapp tbh, I don’t trust the rover app.there have been message mix ups and photo mix ups aplenty. you don’t need to use it, you still get paid. I don’t use the rover cards either, it’s bollox. just text them or use WhatsApp , it’s a lot less faff.