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AIBU?

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I hate the cat

259 replies

WarriorWalrus · 10/07/2023 01:13

DD1, 17, got a cat for her 15th birthday, she had been begging for years and loves the cat to pieces, it was a joint bid for the cat, DD1 promising all the care until she left for uni, DD2, (now 14) promising to take over and DH saying he would do care when they aren't around.
Well DD1 just finished her a-levels, left to go travelling with her friends, not back until mid-August (she turns 18 at the start of August). DD2 hates the cat (the cat also hates her, I'm not sure why they have beef but its a no go, the cat just scratches DD2), DH feeds him and changes the litterbox but the cat seems to have decided in the absence of DD1, he wants me, we might have the only clingy cat in the world, but he waits for me to get home, follows me for a bit the goes to lay in DD1s room. Can't say DD1s name in earshot or the cat comes running and follows me again. Middle of the night he scratches my door to be let in, then sleeps in-between DH and I, he loves it, I hate it!!
7 days into DD1 being gone, I've heard from her 4 times, each time "How's Socrates (the cat), Can I see Socrates, show Socrates this video so he doesn't forget me", I send a response (pic of the cat usually) she reacts to it, I ask how she is and get left on read?? Like she only misses and cares for the cat!!!
And to think she is off to uni halls in sept, so this is just my life now!!
AIBU to hate the cat, do any cat whisperers have tips on how I can get the cat to give his love to DH or DD2 and leave me alone???

OP posts:
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Cloud62 · 12/07/2023 08:58

I am a Grandmother who brings up my grandchildren I have a two bedroom flat so I am sleeping in the living room . Does anyone recommend or has tried and tested a everyday sofa bed ? I need one in my life.

SheerLucks · 12/07/2023 01:12



SheerLucks · 12/07/2023 01:11

This is so sad.

I was completely indifferent to cats until our DD16 persuaded us to get a kitten in September 2021. I fell in love and it was me who then persuaded everyone to get a second kitten last September. After a few days they got on on and now adore each other.

Honestly, they bring us so much joy. Get your poor, lonely cat a friend and then watch the loveliness unfold! It's easier than you think...



Lunaticmess · 12/07/2023 00:48

Aw, he’s lovely. I’ll have him!

tzb · 11/07/2023 23:49

How can someone HATE a CAT that is loved by their daughter? Something is deeply wrong here…

Bored Cat GIF
SaponificationQueen · 11/07/2023 23:33

WarriorWalrus · 10/07/2023 01:44

Sure, This is him. Bain of my existence right now.
In all seriousness though, I don't hate him. Just wish he had selected someone else to be the centre of his world while DD is gone.
Also don't resent DD for asking about her cat, was making a joke out of how she is missing the cat but no one else!

Socrates is beautiful. Looks a lot like my Iris.

I hate the cat
Longdarkcloud · 11/07/2023 23:28

How lucky you are to be loved by such a gorgeous cat. Be grateful

Salome61 · 11/07/2023 22:39

Our beloved cat died aged 17 in August, our dog aged 14 in October.

By January, for the first time in my life, I had rats running around the garden - and they'd burrowed under the shed, with the intention of nesting I assume. I'd never appreciated that my cat and dog had done such a good job of keeping the rats at bay.

Highdaysandholidays1 · 11/07/2023 22:27

Why is everyone saying Socrates is not cuddled or rejected? He sleeps between the OP and her husband every night!

Janey331 · 11/07/2023 22:23

Poor Socrates, all unloved and desperate for cuddles 😪 He looks like our Sonny who died 4 years ago (photo attached), I'd do anything to have him back, you should give him the love he's craving.

Feelingfifty · 11/07/2023 22:08

Please don't get another cat, they're solitary animals and don't need friends!

Janey331 · 11/07/2023 21:53

This poor cat deserves a loving home. I feel really, really sorry for it not being given any love or attention and being shooed off when it's asking for a bit of affection. OP should be ashamed of themselves 😡

Mamabear2424 · 11/07/2023 21:50

what the hell is wrong with you?? Be thankful you have a cat who wants to be with you as some are not like that! Mine is like that , always with us, runs to greet us, doesn't sleep between us but id love that.
Get a grip and be a bit kinder,

PinkRiceKrispies · 11/07/2023 21:49

He is so beautiful. I refuse to see how you can have such negative feelings for him. Makes me really sad to be honest,

Wisper77 · 11/07/2023 21:47

Chill, your doing too much. She can hate the cat if she wants.

axolotlfloof · 11/07/2023 21:44

I was torn until I saw Socrates, but now I know YABU. Love him back OP, cats hate too much attention. He will call you needy and attach himself to DH instead.

twinmum2007 · 11/07/2023 21:43

He's gorgeous. Big ❤ here for Socrates. But then I a.cat-person.

Pippyls67 · 11/07/2023 21:33

Answer is easy thankfully. Get DH and DD2 to play with a cat teaser toy and give cat treats. Never stare at the cat, instead do long slow blinks at him. This is cat language for friends. Only pet him on the top of his head above his eyes and briefly under his chin. Remember the cat wants to be boss at all times. He likes you because he takes your indifference to be deference and respect. Funny creatures cats tbf.

Fluffmum · 11/07/2023 21:30

Cats are great you’re obsessing

Chocolatehamper · 11/07/2023 21:20

Yep - you are being unreasonable. Socrates is a fabulous boy and deserves to have ALL your attention.

Have you not yet realised that you are there solely to do his bidding? Just be grateful you haven’t got three more, just as demanding, four legged fiends that will not go to anyone else in the family (nor will said family members take on responsibility of emptying the litter trays, feeding, picking up dead presents, chasing the presents that are still alive…)

He’s beautiful and probably missing your daughter as much as you… 😻

Lindyloo23 · 11/07/2023 21:08

You hate the cat???? I really feel sorry for the cat. If DD2 starts to feed him he will have love for her too. She did say she would help initially!
Cats know who to go to. It has many years left and it’s cruel to hate an animal who is dependent on you. Clearly he loves you because he sleeps with you and follows you around. I would be grateful to receive love in your daughter’s absence.
Seriously you need to change your attitude towards this poor animal. Personally I can’t understand the hate. If your daughter can’t have him back, travelling, Uni and then probably a house/flat share you need honestly to think about re-homing him to a loving family, rather than waiting for her to come home in the gaps.

SleeplessinScarbourough · 11/07/2023 20:57

He’s a gorgeous, gorgeous boy!
Get DH and DD2 to try the slow blink/ kitty kiss
Eye Blink Kitty Kisses
“The eye blink is another way that non-aggressive cats signal that their intentions are not hostile. Cats blink at each other, as well as at the humans they trust, with a slow eye blink "cat kiss." Kitties that use this non-threat signal are able to smooth their interactions with other cats.”

Justsu · 11/07/2023 20:51

Tough for you but cats are very savvy, I reckon Socrates might win you over if you give him a chance.

meowgender · 11/07/2023 20:38

WarriorWalrus · 10/07/2023 01:44

Sure, This is him. Bain of my existence right now.
In all seriousness though, I don't hate him. Just wish he had selected someone else to be the centre of his world while DD is gone.
Also don't resent DD for asking about her cat, was making a joke out of how she is missing the cat but no one else!

What a beauty 😻😍

Kathy34 · 11/07/2023 20:37

He needs a friend. Try a kitten or cat a bit younger so he has to help it learn to cat. Also make dd2 be the only one caringg for new kitty so it bonds with her. Once sock ( I can't spell!) Bonds with the new kitty and new kitty bonds with daughter they will likely both want to sleep, eat and be cared for by dd2

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