It's like having someone's brats over: It's your house, it's your rules. If the cats are allowed on counters, cars, etc at their own home, good for them. I have the last word in my house, and I won't be waiting for the owners to give me permission. Obviously, everything I'd do would be humane, and never hurt the animal. Mousetraps/newspaper on the counter and if I caught one of them scratching my furnature, the squirtgun comes out and kitty gets a face full.

If one is pet sitting in the cat's own place, then yes, let them do whatever the owners says they're allowed to do.

When one is pet sitting, the owners have to allow some latitude to the sitter, else what would you do if an emergency vet trip was needed? If they didn't like it, they could always book space at the local vet or pet "motel" instead.

 

BE REAL!!!!
If you park your precious MINI outside....it's "fair game"!!!!!
Get a garage!!!!

 

That's why I advocate car covers. They can be locked in place to avoid theft.

 

Leave the lawn sprinkler on all night near the car. Oh wait, that's no good. The car'll get water spots. =o\

Zip

 

If its a stray, give him to the pound, and they will kill him for you