So I’m looking after my neighbours cats while they’re out of the country for a few weeks. As usual I am feeding the cats and checking in on them a few times a day. They usually don’t bother with me, not unfriendly with me or anything, I’m just not on their radar and probably because I smell of our dog.

Anyway, this time one of the cats is being clingy, very clingy, meowing and rubbing against me, but also quite vocal making other noises that I can’t imitate to talk back to her. She’s eating and drinking fine, seems to be sleeping okay as I seen her sun bathing on the windowsill during the day. But she seems really nervous/ distracted. She keeps looking to the drive or goes the garage door (not sure if she’s looking out for the owners car) She’s also followed me home a few times but dare not let her in. I’ve left a couple of lights on for her so it’s not pitch dark in the evenings and then pop over to check on her before bed and switch off the lights.

I’m quite nervous of cats and was wondering if anyone could advise me as to what to do to comfort her. Can I just pick her up or is that not a good idea? How do I approach to stroke her, on her head or back? I’m really unfamiliar with cats and hope I don’t sound silly but the owners are away for another two and a bit weeks and I don’t want her feeling lonely for that length of time.

Any tips and advice would be appreciated