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Original poster

Not sticking to feeding requirements for MIL cat

84 replies

Demandingcat · 07/11/2024 18:27

MIL in hospital, DH agreed to look after her cat (I’m mildly allergic so not impressed but antihistamines are working).

The thing is I have a fish and shellfish allergy. Cat is given fish or prawns every day. Obviously we can’t do that and have been giving alternatives but DH thinks it’s unfair on the cat, has told MIL who is now sad in hospital and texting about it - all the time. I’ve told dh is anyone mentions it to me one more time I’m putting the cat in the carrier and taking it over to SIL flat and that will be the end of us looking after it as I’m not prepared to risk my health.

Apparently I’m unkind and should be putting cat first as she’s in a strange house and being given different food

OP posts:
Roosnoodles · 07/11/2024 18:43

Honestly this is really bad. Even humans are advised to only eat seafood once a week. Pregnant people or infants are supposed to avoid and cats are only tiny. Thanks for listening. Also don’t put your health at risk.

fashionqueen0123 · 07/11/2024 18:43

Demandingcat · 07/11/2024 18:37

I got some cat treats as an alternative but apparently they are ‘common’ and MIL doesn’t want them to be consumed 😂

That would just make me think she was being ridiculous about the whole thing! Many people’s cats have dried or tinned food etc and snacks! Not seafood every day 🤣

Octavia64 · 07/11/2024 18:43

My cats love fish and turn their nose up at meat based food.

They are fussy bastards though.

OP the cat will be better off in its home with Dh popping in or with SIL.

kiwiane · 07/11/2024 18:42

No way should the cat be fed fish in your home - your life would be put at risk and the cat was eating other stuff.

InformEducateEntertain · 07/11/2024 18:42

On what planet are the dietary considerations of a non human more important than the health/ life of an actual one?

YANBU

Original poster
Demandingcat · 07/11/2024 18:41

Yes ….dh didn’t need to tell her that has irritated me !

OP posts:
nothingshortofaswine · 07/11/2024 18:41

I am chuckling at the idea of a pescetarian cat, mine prefer chicken/beef to anything fishy anyway

Dotto · 07/11/2024 18:41

Now I want fish and prawns..

Sparxdislike · 07/11/2024 18:41

Someone else should pet sit the cat.... I have a close friend with severe allergies. I would never ask her to feed my cat something that would potentially make her ill.

I understand the cat needs this diet but I would be looking at another family member or a cattery.

Original poster
Demandingcat · 07/11/2024 18:41

Roosnoodles · 07/11/2024 18:38

You need to stop her feeding the cat fish and seafood everyday. It contains mercury. We can’t even eat this amount. She will end up with a cat with hyperthyroidism.

I did wonder if it was ok to have every day but I don’t know much about cats really !

OP posts:
Dotto · 07/11/2024 18:40

Oh for Christ's sake, so it's not even for the cat's main meals?! Now I think your DH is being even more unreasonable and petty for telling her!

Pandasnacks · 07/11/2024 18:39

Take the cat back to its home and your DH visits twice a day to feed and pet the cat. Cat will be happier in its own home and feel physically better with its usual food too. It's the best option.

Original poster
Demandingcat · 07/11/2024 18:38

Frostycottagegarden · 07/11/2024 18:37

My friend has a fish/seafood allergy and it can be scary. No way would she be able to have either in the house under any circumstances, so I totally understand. Hers I'd life threatening, so a bit of a bad tummy for a cat is hardly on the same level.

It hasn’t really affected the cat seems to be going to the toilet fine no issues and is on the regular food just minus the treats of fish and prawns each evening

OP posts:
Dotto · 07/11/2024 18:38

Your DH is in the wrong for telling her anything about it!

Roosnoodles · 07/11/2024 18:38

You need to stop her feeding the cat fish and seafood everyday. It contains mercury. We can’t even eat this amount. She will end up with a cat with hyperthyroidism.

TTPDTS · 07/11/2024 18:37

I can't believe PPs are saying just to let the cat eat shellfish and prawns that you're allergic to 😂

If it gets it on its fur / tracks it around the house / licks things then you could have a serious reaction - that's not something to be messed with.

The cat needs to go somewhere else if that sort of dietary requirement needs to be met! MIL should be happy the cat is being looked after (I say this as a cat lady!).

Original poster
Demandingcat · 07/11/2024 18:37

I got some cat treats as an alternative but apparently they are ‘common’ and MIL doesn’t want them to be consumed 😂

OP posts:
ChubbyMorticia · 07/11/2024 18:37

I’m completely baffled by people prioritizing a cat’s feelings over your health, OP.

Even an upset belly for a cat is far less traumatic than allergies, given that can they worsen with exposure and without warning.

And yes, I have pets that I adore. But ffs, allergies are nothing to mess with!

Frostycottagegarden · 07/11/2024 18:37

My friend has a fish/seafood allergy and it can be scary. No way would she be able to have either in the house under any circumstances, so I totally understand. Hers I'd life threatening, so a bit of a bad tummy for a cat is hardly on the same level.

Floralnomad · 07/11/2024 18:37

Demandingcat · 07/11/2024 18:33

Literally can’t have fish/shellfish near me as I react and if the cat eats it and gets any on itself it’s then going to get round the house.

In this case it would be best if the cat went elsewhere .

RJnomore1 · 07/11/2024 18:35

Sounds like the cat going to SIL is the solution.

Lifeglowup · 07/11/2024 18:35

I would send the cat home with a cat sitter to pop in twice a day.

Original poster
Demandingcat · 07/11/2024 18:35

Octavia64 · 07/11/2024 18:33

Some cats get diarrhoea or vomiting if you change their food.

Sounds like a not great situation all round.

Can DH go round and feed the cat and then shower/wash when he comes back?

This is what I’ve suggested either SIL can help or dh can take the cat to MIL and look after it there or he could stay there if he thinks the cat will be lonely

OP posts:
RandomMess · 07/11/2024 18:35

Sounds like the cat either goes to SIL or MIL pays for a cattery.

I am devoted owner of 4 cats and a dog and still think that.

Octavia64 · 07/11/2024 18:33

Some cats get diarrhoea or vomiting if you change their food.

Sounds like a not great situation all round.

Can DH go round and feed the cat and then shower/wash when he comes back?