Leaving our pets in someone else’s care is always a matter of trust. But one cat parent’s experience shows just how important that trust can be—especially when a pet cam tells a different story.
The Viral Pet Cam Discovery
On August 13, Reddit user u/lost_nature_6720 shared that they had rushed home early from a trip after their Ring camera captured two unfamiliar orange cats inside their home—helping themselves to food meant for their black cat and tuxedo cat.
The shocking part? The cats weren’t strays. They were allegedly brought in by the hired pet sitter, who had been booked through the popular app Rover.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” the owner wrote. “I immediately asked [the sitter] why there were other cats in my home, and she got defensive.”
A Breach of Trust
According to the post, the sitter claimed that none of her other Rover clients had ever minded when she brought other cats along. But for this family, the situation was different.
The owner explained:
- One of their cats is outgoing and people-friendly.
- The other—a tuxedo cat rescued from near a dumpster—is fearful of strangers and tends to hide.
Knowing this, the owner was horrified to see strange cats eating their pets’ food and possibly stressing out their already nervous tuxedo.
“I felt so stuck because I was halfway to another state when this all happened,” the owner said. “I asked her to please leave with the other cats as I’m sure mine were stressed to the max.”
The owner returned home the next day, only to find their tuxedo still hiding.
Rover Responds
In a statement to Newsweek, a Rover spokesperson said:
“Rover is committed to creating a safe and trustworthy experience for pet parents, pets, and sitters alike, and we take reports of this nature seriously. Any pet sitter who violates our policies or community standards faces swift action up to permanent removal from the platform.”
They also encouraged the pet parent to reach out to their 24/7 Trust & Safety team for support.
Lessons for Pet Parents
This unsettling story highlights the importance of:
- Clear communication: Always outline rules and expectations for sitters in writing.
- Pet cams as backup: Cameras can provide peace of mind—and accountability.
- Choosing carefully: Even with good reviews, it’s important to find a sitter who respects your pet’s unique needs.
While many sitters are responsible and loving, this case is a reminder: not every pet care provider is the right fit for every cat.
FAQ
Q: Is it normal for sitters to bring their own pets along?
No. Most professional sitters would never introduce new animals without permission, as it can cause stress and health risks.
Q: Should pet parents disclose cameras to sitters?
Yes, it’s best practice (and often required by law) to let sitters know about cameras. This owner had disclosed the Ring cam in advance.
Q: What should I do if I feel uncomfortable with a sitter’s behavior?
End the arrangement immediately, remove them from your home, and report concerns to the platform or agency involved.
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