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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
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.

OP posts:
RandomMess · 07/11/2024 18:32

If you are allergic to fish/shellfish and can't physically handle it what does MIL expect you to do???

YANBU

Dotto · 07/11/2024 18:32

If you have fish and shellfish anaphylaxis then obviously it's unsafe for you to have these in your home, or for you to enter MIL's home. Cat won't die on a different diet, or shut in a separate room.

StillAtTheRestaurant · 07/11/2024 18:32

Your MIL and DH are being ridiculous. I'm sure the cat can cope with chicken or dried food or whatever until it goes home. It's not like you're starving it.

Floralnomad · 07/11/2024 18:31

If nobody is asking you to actually handle the prawns would it really hurt , it does smack a bit of just being a bit mean . I’m sure your MIL would rather not be in hospital and I would imagine the cat is a bit sad being in a strange house and not getting his usual food .

Wellingtonspie · 07/11/2024 18:30

Yanbu

Its bad enough just the cat when your allergic but surely they can’t honestly expect the cat to then be fed food your also allergic too.

Cats clean themselves so basically licking all that nice allergen over their paws and tails and backs to then walk it all over your home. Nope.

nothingshortofaswine · 07/11/2024 18:30

I don't think anyone is being unreasonable here tbf, if you can't do pet sitting in the way its requested then DH should've just said no and let someone else do it. Youre allergic it's not like you just don't want to. Why didn't your DH go over to feed the cat in its own home like a cat sitter visit? Does your MIL live far away?

PinotDragon · 07/11/2024 18:29

Can you not compromise and feed the cat fish or prawns when you're out? Changing cats food can really upset their tummies.
Of course if you go into anaphylaxis breathing it in go ahead and drop off at SIL but if not then try to reach a compromise.

66babe · 07/11/2024 18:29

Can the cat not be fed somewhere away from you ?
Dish washed straight away and don't be tempted to nibble any leftovers ?