X street cats done good & Hogs want nice Peoples to take care of them

About this assignment

** November sit dates are flexible; hence the update, as we are happy to help sitters fit us in with other sits, so November start dates are currently negotiable for the right peoples **

*** Please note that our home is currently "Going through changes". We recently installed a new kitchen, a more efficient heating source, and some new ceilings and windows. It is much improved since we had our last THS sitters. We are continually making improvements, which means we can not lay a new floor in the kitchen and lounge until they are complete. Therefore, the floor is the old original with cemented areas, from when we knocked out walls and paint splashes. It is clean and in preparation for the new wooden floor to cover it. We are between 2 kitchens until the new appliances are connected. Our home is still in one of the most beautiful locations in the Algarve, on the edge of a lovely village and surrounded by nature. As they say, you have to break a few eggs, and we hope to complete our omelette in 2027. ** November sit dates can be flexible, as we are happy to help sitters fit us in with other sits, so the November start dates are currently negotiable for the right peoples ***

**** We are new to Mindyourhouse but have many reviews on other sites. ****

We are Lisa & David, seeking kind-hearted sitters to care for our rescue cats, Little Monster and Bagpuss, as well as the Campo cats and their Wild bird & Hog friends, when we travel. Sadly, Monster lost both of his siblings (who were with him his whole life) within 6 weeks and has become much more needy than usual. We expected him to revert to being Top Cat, King of all street cats, within a short time, but he didn’t.

That was until Bagpuss decided to adopt our home and our unconventional family. Things have recently changed, and Monster (not so) gracefully accepted Bagpuss into his life.

We know this section is supposed to be about us, but Monster et al. are the US. That said, we have an Airbnb profile if anyone is interested. Please note that the Airbnb property is not where Monster et al. reside. (Shown so you know we are ok peoples) They have their own home (as shown in the photos on THS) and kindly let us stay and pay their bills. They are very generous like that!

Plus 7 street cats to feed each morning in their pen, 1 minute from the house.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/12390269?search_mode=regular_search&adults=1&check_in=2025-11-08&check_out=2025-11-

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Not so brief description and essential info to note......

We kindly request a daily photo and brief update at an agreed time. This reduces my separation anxiety and makes us smile!

MONSTER
If Monster is hungry, he will try to wake you between 7 and 8 for breakfast. You can negotiate with him. Times vary as he likes to sleep in during the colder months, depending on how late a night he had on the tiles. It won't hurt him to wait for his wet food, as he always has dry food. (Please note that he usually wins the debate and gets food when he wants it)
He typically snacks throughout the day and expects his evening meal between 4 and 6 pm-ish; if he is in the kitchen, he wants a treat or feeding. He only stays in the kitchen if he wants food.
He usually stays inside at night unless he needs to patrol (Depending on the time of year). He has a cat flap to come and go as he wants. As intelligent as he may be, he has still not mastered the art of opening a cat flap himself. We therefore keep it open for him at all times.
During the 10-plus years he has owned us, he has never used a litter tray; he prefers to go outside. We leave one for him, but we doubt you must change it. He has never soiled in the house, even when he stays in all night. However, he likes to pee on his dad when he is gardening. He has never done it to anyone but David, so please don't worry that he will do it to you. David showers a lot.
He can not be left alone overnight. He is already traumatised by the loss of his siblings. He is okay to leave during daylight. Please ensure he always has dry food available, and if you go out in the evening, leave a lamp on and some music. He likes 80s music. You often find him sitting next to the resting place of his deceased siblings! We like to think he tells them about his day and has a therapy session with his spiritual elders.

BAGPUSS
One has never encountered a feline with such a wonderful temperament. We never thought that another cat could steal our hearts. Bagpuss doesn’t demand food like Monster, but he does wait to walk around the garden every evening when we are waring plants. He loves it and will demonstrate his tree-climbing skills and rolling-in-dirt dances. You will not be disappointed (but he will be if he doesn’t get his walk). This can take you anywhere from 2 minutes to forever, depending on how much you enjoy our gardens. Bagpuss has tested positive for feline aids. He is currently in good health and, as of this writing, is not taking any medication.
He has an unusual voice, as if he has inhaled a lot of helium. He is still learning how to react to being loved. If you pick him up, he goes floppy. He's still timid and somewhat apprehensive. Mainly of Monster when Monster is in one of his frequent grumpy moods. He also loves to run up and down on the roof at about 7.11 am.
He is absolutely adorable and so grateful to have been accepted into our home.

PLANTS
Some of our outdoor plants need watering, but we have the hosepipes on hand. Water them either before the sun rises or after it sets. The irrigation system covers most of the garden, but as David is currently landscaping our land, the many plants we purchased for the project will need daily watering until the irrigation system is complete. In our opinion, it is a pleasurable job, especially for those interested in nature.

WILD HEDGEHOGS
As mentioned, we have visiting hedgehogs. Do not be alarmed by them or shoo them away. Sometimes they screech at each other, which can be shocking if you have never heard a Hedgehog scream in anger or frustration.
OTHER STUFFS
Please do not apply if you prefer to keep your bedroom door closed at night. Monster and BP dislike closed doors and become very stressed if locked out of the bedroom. We are contemplating cat flaps into the bedroom.

MICHAEL J FROG.
Michael J arrived the night we put the water in The Pond That David Built. He and his big family are self-sufficient and help to control the mosquito population.

Tuther stuffs…
We leave 2/3 dehumidifiers running continuously in winter, once all windows are closed. Please empty them when required. You're welcome to move them around.

From a timing perspective (excluding garden walk, cuddles, and strokes), this extensive list would take you 44-59 minutes per day, possibly less in winter.

What are the good features of the property and location

Our home sits on the edge of a traditional Portuguese village near Lagos. It is a few minutes' walk to local cafes, bars, and a mini market. Local buses run regularly to Lagos, Burgau, Vila Do Bispo, Sagres and surrounding villages. It is private, with countryside views, and is less than a nine-minute drive from Praia Da Luz and Burgau local beaches.

We are continually improving our home and garden. Some areas of the garden are always under construction because of its size. You are free to roam around and take in the tranquil sounds of the birds, bees and fountains. The pond has attracted new visitors, and watching Michael J try to catch the dragonflies has replaced TV sports. (MJ has a lot to learn. What he lacks in jumping skills, he makes up for with tanning skills.) A morning coffee watching our garden wake up is our favourite time of day.

We are ideally located near beaches, cycling and walking trails. We can provide push bikes if required, but we take no responsibility for injuries. There is a new cycling shop/café/beer stop in the village, where you can hire electric bikes and learn more about the nearby trails. They have a website so you can book a bike in advance of a trip. https://www.musette.bike/ They are charming, helpful people. Plus, their coffee is fabulous, and they have nice beers!

We have an outdoor pool. No lifeguard is present! If pool use is a deciding factor for you, please double-check that it is in use before applying, as we occasionally need to empty it for maintenance. It may be too cold for winter sitters, but you can brave it if it is in use. It is fully automated, so no cleaning is required.

Our home is very basic (see pics), but clean, tidy, and private. You have to wash your dishes by hand. What it lacks in a modern style, it makes up for with love, serenity and peacefulness. It features a lovely patio area perfect for outdoor dining and sunbathing. Our home is clean and neat, but not sterile—Monster and Bagpuss frequent work surfaces. If you prefer a sterile environment, consider this before applying.

It is worth noting that a house is being built approximately 100 meters away. This should be completed by February 2027-ish. (We have no idea) Until then, there may be odd days with some building noise. It doesn't bother us at all, but it's best to be upfront, just in case they have random banging days!

We will provide you with fresh linen, bathroom, and beach towels.

We have 3 bedrooms, but only one is for use. It is an en suite room with ample storage space. We will remove most of our items and leave a shelf for your things in the bathroom. One other bedroom remains available so that Monster and Bagpuss can sleep in the bed of their choice. The other is locked so we can hide all of our stuffs. We consider the other open bedroom a private area unless sibling arguments occur and intervention is necessary. They don’t fight often, but we do stop it when they do. Monster is a drama King (and a bully sometimes when he wants to assert authority over his new sibling)

We have UK and international TV stations, movies, Netflix, Prime, and many other series. Sadly, we cannot allow anyone with their pets, and smoking is only allowed outside, where care must be taken due to the high fire risk in the area.

We do not allow guests other than the named sitters to visit the house. If you plan to have guests on your sits please refrain from applying to us.

You will have use of 1 double room with an ensuite, one extra toilet, the lounge, dining room, Kitchen, Adega, and all outside space.

As we have only one large bed for sitters, we will accept applications only from couples or singles.

The winter months are particularly cold once the sun has set. Our home is a traditionally built property. We have a new pellet burner in the lounge, but other rooms may still be cold, so warm clothes are advisable. Although the Algarve enjoys beautiful temperatures for most of the year, we wouldn't want anyone to be disappointed if it occasionally gets very cold at night. It also rains here when you don't want it and doesn't when you do. We will provide electric under blankets to ensure you have a cosy bed. Depending on the time of year, temperatures range from freezing to exceptionally hot. Winter can be brutal once the sun goes down, and our home lacks central heating.

We can provide an RHD automatic car (Alphie) for sitters who are legally authorised to drive in Portugal. We have third-party, fire, and theft insurance. If an accident is your fault, you will be liable. The car is too old to be fully comprehensive. If you wish to drive Alphie around the Algarve, we will require copies of your driving licence and passport before your arrival, as we need to provide a letter of consent to drive in case the authorities stop you.

We believe our home is better suited to a couple, as we do not allow visitors other than the named sitters, and we are concerned that single folk may feel lonely.

What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment

When asked ....What do potential house sitters need to consider before applying for this assignment?

Answer: Everything that is written in our advert should be considered as we have given a lot of detail! :-)

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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