Please or to access all these features

Mumsnet classics

Relive the funniest, most unforgettable threads. For a daily dose of Mumsnet’s best bits, sign up for Mumsnet's daily newsletter.

DH says cat needs to show more gratitude

483 replies

UngratefulFeline · 06/06/2025 08:52

I’ve been away for a few days and DH managed the kids and the dog just fine.

He’s upset with our cat though and says he made a real effort to bond with him by giving him treats, protecting him when our dog had the zoomies and making sure his bedding was fluffed.

DH said the cat gave nothing back, blanked him and even swatted at DH when he tried to pet him.

DH wants to know why the cat doesn’t show any gratitude. I explained to DH very carefully that the reason the cat doesn’t show any gratitude is because it is a cat.

DH says that is illogical and there must be a real reason and “it’s a cat” doesn’t cut the mustard.

YABU- Deeper reason why cat won’t show gratitude
YANBU- it’s a cat.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
21
Didshejustsaythatoutloud · 06/06/2025 09:21

Indifference, that's why we love them😂

powershowerforanhour · 06/06/2025 09:19

Cat in typical cat behaviour shocker.
I bet he wanted the "ta-da" moment when you came home to show how the wild woodland creatures come to him like he is Snow White or something. But...animals just do what they want.
Explain to him that a cat is as unlike a dog as a chicken is unlike a dog. Or more so.
They are kind of pointless pets except as a useful reminder that life's not fair, you don't always get out what you put in, we don't control everything. Like Marcus Aurelius' servant whispering in his ear.
They exist for themselves. Yours is very handsome also.

Livingthedream1978 · 06/06/2025 09:14

This is hilarious!

Does he not know that the correct way is for him to feel so grateful that the cat deigns to even acknowledge him let alone feel gratitude towards him?!

whynotmereally · 06/06/2025 09:13

My dh gets frustrated sometimes with the dog when he barks/runs/scavenges for food i ask him when we got a dog was he expecting an adult human?

Yatzydog · 06/06/2025 09:13

Thanks OP 😂😂😂

MiracleCures · 06/06/2025 09:13

UngratefulFeline · 06/06/2025 09:06

Um photo which I seem to have failed to upload before.

Your DH should be expressing gratitude for the honour of caring for a cat that good looking.

Daleksatemyshed · 06/06/2025 09:11

I read the title to my DP and we both had a good laugh. Your DH whistled at the cat, bless him, he's deluded. Beautiful cat Op

BangersAndGnash · 06/06/2025 09:11

Your DH is right, your cat, all cats, should show more gratitude.

But they are cats so 🤷🏻‍♀️

UngratefulFeline · 06/06/2025 09:10

L00pyLou · 06/06/2025 09:07

This made me laugh 😁
But taking his complaint seriously for a moment, does he understand how to adapt his body language for cats? Avoid eye contact, slow blinks and squints etc? Talking to them and telling them how marvellous they are?

He doesn’t understand this at all. He treats the cat like a dog and it doesn’t work then DH feels rejected.

OP posts:
Limer · 06/06/2025 09:09

Cat is a real beauty! I adore him!

Caterina99 · 06/06/2025 09:07

Our cat brings us “gifts”. I assume that’s his way of showing his gratitude. Lines them up nicely on the step and everything, which considering we are his slaves and we live to serve him, is really very kind of him to consider us at all!

L00pyLou · 06/06/2025 09:07

This made me laugh 😁
But taking his complaint seriously for a moment, does he understand how to adapt his body language for cats? Avoid eye contact, slow blinks and squints etc? Talking to them and telling them how marvellous they are?

UngratefulFeline · 06/06/2025 09:06

Um photo which I seem to have failed to upload before.

DH says cat needs to show more gratitude
OP posts:
EvangelicalAboutButteredToast · 06/06/2025 09:06

But cats are widely known as having no shits to give. That’s why when you become ‘their people’ you feel deliriously blessed. Get a new husband.

Perhapsanothertime · 06/06/2025 09:06

One of many reasons I’ve never wanted a cat. If I’m going to spend my time and money on a pet, it should be one that actually wants to be there.

UngratefulFeline · 06/06/2025 09:05

Kylie83 · 06/06/2025 09:01

You know what, I actually kind of believe this, I volunteer for a cat refugee here in Australia and twice the same cat was bought back from adoption from 2 different families because the cat didn't understand human commands. Yes I am being legit that was the reason our poor cat was bought back, not once but twice. 🤣🤣

My cat is Australian and has never responded to a command either. Because, cat.

OP posts:
bridesheadremoved · 06/06/2025 09:05

MadlyTrudyDeeply · 06/06/2025 09:01

Has he never met a cat before?

I literally saved our cat from certain death, nursed her back to life, introduced her to dreamies and cat yoghurt - and when the mood takes her, she pisses on me. Not DH, who did none of those things and is constantly telling her to get off him and leave him alone. No, me. I get the urine. I'd prefer disdain.

Edited

You're being scent marked as property, be grateful. 🙄

RareGoalsVerge · 06/06/2025 09:05

The cat probably thinks you and DH don't show him enough gratitude. Doesn't DH realise how amazingly lucky and privileged you are to have your home graced by such an awesome feline presence on a daily basis. The treats and other services are no more than the basic and obvious things that the cat deserves so fundamentally that gratitude woukd be silly, like being "grateful" for your own heartbeat. Expecting petting privileges is sheer arrogance and rank assumption from DH - such privileges may be earned after extensive additional services over a much longer timescale than a mere few days.

LiamNeesonIsADerryGirl · 06/06/2025 09:05

He's need to LTC (leave the cat)

Limer · 06/06/2025 09:03

Hilarious! To echo a PP, if the cat had "shown gratitude" your DH would have been cleaning up the remains of a dead mouse every morning.

UngratefulFeline · 06/06/2025 09:03

Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 06/06/2025 09:00

Can I request a photo of this marvellous creature please (the cat not your DH 😁).

Yes you can!

OP posts:
dayslikethese1 · 06/06/2025 09:03

You should both be grateful that DCat continues to deign to live with you both and hasn't decided to move in elsewhere with different 'staff'. The idea of a cat being grateful...😂

Renabrook · 06/06/2025 09:02

Tell him to sit and have a discussion with said cat then report back to us please

Kylie83 · 06/06/2025 09:01

You know what, I actually kind of believe this, I volunteer for a cat refugee here in Australia and twice the same cat was bought back from adoption from 2 different families because the cat didn't understand human commands. Yes I am being legit that was the reason our poor cat was bought back, not once but twice. 🤣🤣

lunar1 · 06/06/2025 09:01

Your husband is the cat’s designated spare human, he needs to learn to be grateful to feed the overlord and share space.

Swipe left for the next trending thread