Should I Refuse to Let My Sisters Cat Pet-Sit Our Adventurous Dog?

A 28-year-old woman refused to let her adventurous dog, Max, and her sister’s shy cat, Luna, share the same “pet-sitting” situation for a weekend, and honestly, it sounds like a recipe for chaos.

Her sister Sarah, 25, just landed a new job and needs her to watch Luna while she’s gone. The problem is Max is the kind of dog who lives for long hikes and house-wide exploring, while Luna is an indoor hermit who hides at the first sign of trouble. The last time they met, Luna hissed, swatted, and Max turned it into a chase, even if everyone insists it was “playful.”

Now OP has to decide if she’s being difficult, or if she’s preventing the next hiss-and-chase incident.

Original Post

So I'm (28F), and my sister, let's call her Sarah (25F), recently got a new job and needs to travel for a weekend. She asked me to pet-sit her cat while she's away.

Now, here's the dilemma. Our family has this incredibly adventurous dog, Max, who loves going on long hikes and exploring.

Sarah's cat, Luna, is the complete opposite - she's a shy indoor cat who prefers quiet spaces. For background, Max and Luna have crossed paths a few times, and Luna ends up hiding while Max wants to play.

Last time, Luna hissed at Max and swatted at him, which resulted in Max trying to chase her (playfully, I think). Sarah insists that Luna will be fine and can just stay in her room while Max roams the house.

I'm worried that Max's energy might stress Luna out, leading to potential accidents or harm. Sarah thinks I'm overreacting and that it'll be okay for a couple of days.

I'm torn between helping Sarah out and ensuring both Max and Luna are safe and comfortable. So WIBTA for refusing to let Luna pet-sit Max for the weekend?

Comment from u/AdventureSeeker84

Comment from u/CatLover228

Comment from u/DogMomForever

Comment from u/TravelBug73

Comment from u/AnimalLover365

This is similar to the moral dilemma of refusing to pet-sit a friend’s cat after they neglected your pet.

Comment from u/PetsAndPeace7

Comment from u/FurryFriends101

Comment from u/MaxandLunaForever

Comment from u/PurrfectPeace99

Comment from u/DogvsCatDilemma

That first awkward meetup between Max and Luna, with the hissing and the swatting, is exactly why OP is side-eyeing Sarah’s plan.

Meanwhile Sarah thinks Luna can just “stay in her room,” even though Max is the type to investigate every doorway like it owes him money.

Last time Max ended up chasing Luna after she reacted, so OP is imagining what happens when the weekend is two days longer than last time.

And the real tension is whether OP helps Sarah out anyway, or refuses to risk Luna getting stressed into another full-on escape attempt.

What would you do in this situation? Share your opinion in the comments.

OP should refuse, because “just two days” is how a calm cat turns into a flying furball.

For another family showdown, read about the WIBTA dilemma where someone tries excluding unpredictable pets from their sister’s wedding.