My housemate has a cat who I absolutely love. My housemate often goes on trips (maybe 6-8 weeks out of the year) and I typically watch her cat. Watching her cat consists of feeding twice a day at specific times, changing the water bowl daily, the litter box, and an outdoor walk every few days but that’s not mandatory. I also send pics almost every day.

She recently got back from a 14 day trip and I was sorta expecting a little memento as a thank you because she was in a really cool city, but all I got was a verbal thank you upon her return.

I don’t know why but I always feel perplexed when she comes back from these trips (which are for pleasure, not work) without anything for me. Idk, I guess I’m expecting a chocolate bar, some little memento, or something. As a thank you. She always verbally say thank you. And her and I have absolutely no issues and I think she would return the favor if I had a pet.

Should I not be making this transactional? I feel like I’m probably expecting too much but I guess I also feel like my willingness to watch the cat is also taken for granted.

What do you do when a housemate or friend watches your cat for extended trips?