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Original poster

Living with pets - do you find it hard?

116 replies

Notdoingthis · 02/11/2021 11:16

I'm having real trouble adapting to habing cats. I got them becausr my husband and son wanted pets, and my girls were terrified of cats and dogs. I am not an animal lover, but did some research and was convinced cats would be the easiest pet. I just wanted to do the right thing by everyone.
I grew up with a dog, lots of siblings and a small house. I really value space, cleanliness and calm now. I felt in control before the cats. Now I am always on edge.
I can't stand the smell. Of their food and hair. I hate hoovering every day. I don't like out clothes, sofas and beds being covered in cat hair. I hate the litter tray.
We got them (a boy and girl) at 3 months, now they are 7 months. The rest of the family adore them.
They are no trouble really. I just find their prescence annoying and extra work. I get no joy from them. I know I am stuck with them now, but has anyone else felt the same, and did you get used to your pet?
Thanks for any comments, I have tried to include any relevant info.

OP posts:
Original poster
Notdoingthis · 02/11/2021 11:17

Excuse all the typos. Thanks

OP posts:
garlictwist · 02/11/2021 11:17

A bit different as I was a child when we got a cat but I never liked her. I just found having a pet a bit irritating and an annoying presence and never really felt any love or joy. I think some people are just not animal people - and that's OK. It seems to be a bit of a taboo to say it. I would never have a pet now.

Oftenithinkaboutit · 02/11/2021 11:19

You’re not a cat person
I’m not either
Couldn’t bare it

Others love

Fair enough

You either have to see it through to the bitter end and goes improves or re home

I’d go the latter personally

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Cats
Imissmoominmama · 02/11/2021 11:19

Work at loving them- the rewards are immense!

If you aren’t used to animals, it might not be a natural thing, but it’s so worth it.

Floralnomad · 02/11/2021 11:19

I think it’s always going to be hard living with an animal that you don’t really want or particularly like . We have a dog and I don’t find him difficult at all but then again I instigated getting him and he does nothing but bring happiness to our home .

Original poster
Notdoingthis · 02/11/2021 11:19

Thanks. I think you are right. I won't ever get pets again. But these ones may last 20 years yet!

OP posts:
HariboBrenshnio · 02/11/2021 11:20

Slowly introduce them outside. I found my two quite overwhelming (got for the kids after we separated) but since they've been going out there's less fur, less smell, and they sleep loads when in.

Original poster
Notdoingthis · 02/11/2021 11:21

Thanks everyone. They have a catflap but just love humans and want to be with us all the time!

OP posts:
MedusasBadHairDay · 02/11/2021 11:23

I love animals, and always used to love having pets, but since having kids it's just felt like more and more chores. We have a single pet rat at the moment, and despite it being quite a low maintenance pet really, I resent it.

DH is taking about getting a dog once the rat has gone, and I'm very torn on it.

StarShapedWindow · 02/11/2021 11:30

I’ve always had cats and we now have a dog (have had the cats 14 yrs and the dog 4). To be honest I hate the hair and the feeding and the feeling of guilt if they’re left any time. I love the animals and do get pleasure from them but most of that pleasure comes from the joy I can see the children and DH get. I don’t think I’d get more animals but overall I’m glad we have them so the DC get to enjoy them and don’t have any phobias of domestic animals.

We don’t have a litter tray unless the cats are ill.

helpfulperson · 02/11/2021 11:39

They are only very young and will change hugely over the next six months. And in spring as its warmer and they are more confident they will probably be out more. But those in the house who wanted them should be doing the extra work involved.

iwannabelikeyouhoohoo · 02/11/2021 12:05

Two cats here - not my choice but my husband and kids begged and I finally caved in. I don’t get any joy from them and find them hard work, but have gone from actively disliking their presence to feeling neutral about them over the last 5 years. I don’t know why they choose to sit on me rather than one of the other family members who wanted them though Grin As long as you’re not lumped with ALL the work involved in keeping them, I think it’s worth persevering to let the rest of your family enjoy them.

Playdoughcaterpillar · 02/11/2021 12:08

Get rid of the litter trays for a start. Eugh. Train them to go outside. I had cats for years and never had a litter tray once they were big enough to go out. Feed them dry food. That's 2 big smells gone in one go.

InternetAnonymityCanHelp · 02/11/2021 12:31

Definitely get them outside more. Cats are more independent than dogs, and at least you can let them roam alone outside. Maybe start slowly - but actually put them outside rather than waiting for it to happen.

I wouldn’t like pets smelling my home either

We have a dog, that I’m not wild about, but I appreciate the benefits he brings to the family. Our kids are older now (young adults) and they come home to see the dog!

AllThingsServeTheBeam · 02/11/2021 12:34

@Playdoughcaterpillar

Get rid of the litter trays for a start. Eugh. Train them to go outside. I had cats for years and never had a litter tray once they were big enough to go out. Feed them dry food. That's 2 big smells gone in one go.
Litter trays don't smell if you empty them everyday. What happens when your cat doesn't want to go out because it is raining?
Justcannotbearsed · 02/11/2021 12:35

Our cats have never had litter trays. We have a microchip cat flap so other cats can't get in. We have throws on the couch. They have a comfy bed in a warm place where they mostly sleep. I think they get less hassling as they get older.

Ours mostly minds his own business.

Justcannotbearsed · 02/11/2021 12:36

"Litter trays don't smell if you empty them everyday. What happens when your cat doesn't want to go out because it is raining?"

he gets gently nudged out of the door with a gentle toe...

AllThingsServeTheBeam · 02/11/2021 12:37

@Justcannotbearsed

"Litter trays don't smell if you empty them everyday. What happens when your cat doesn't want to go out because it is raining?"

he gets gently nudged out of the door with a gentle toe...

Couldn't do that to my eldest. He hates the cold and wet and goes days without going outside. He doesn't even like the dark.
cobblers123 · 02/11/2021 12:42

I've had quite a few cats over the years but the current one will be the last. He is just such hard work with everything especially his food. He totally rules every decision I make regarding the house and garden because he is so destructive.

It's not his fault, he doesn't know the effect he has but he will definitely be the last cat I ever own.

I've probably got at least another 8 years with him ...Hmm

twocatsandtwokids · 02/11/2021 12:42

If they go outside they don’t need a litter tray!

Put it outside the cat flap for a few days, then further away in the garden then get rid. It’s your choice and not up to the cat!

I love cats but would not have them if it meant having a litter tray in the house permanently 🤢

violetanemone · 02/11/2021 12:44

It's good of you to have them so your family can enjoy them. Pets can bring a lot of joy and comfort to those who like animals.

I can understand not liking the hair, smell, food, litter etc. though.

When I had a cat, I liked the company but I definitely don't miss those downsides now. I wasn't able to wear black clothes for years because of the white hair on everything, even when we hoovered, he was long haired and shed like crazy.

Also had disagreements with my ex about whether he should sleep on the bed (I didn't want him to because of the hair and I just don't think it's hygeinic).

I'd be torn on getting another, now that I'm living hair-free! I liked the company but disliked all the other stuff. But everyone in my house is allergic anyway so it's a non-issue nowadays!

MidnightMeltdown · 02/11/2021 12:45

@Playdoughcaterpillar

Get rid of the litter trays for a start. Eugh. Train them to go outside. I had cats for years and never had a litter tray once they were big enough to go out. Feed them dry food. That's 2 big smells gone in one go.

Please don't feed them dry food only. It's cruel and very bad for them. Taking on a living being is a huge responsibility. If you don't want them then you should re-home them. If others in the household want to keep them then I think it's fair to expect them to do all the associated chores (including vacuuming etc).

LadyofMisrule · 02/11/2021 12:47

Our cats quite happily go out even in torrential rain. I still have a litter tray for them in case of illness, or in case we need to keep them inside, but they haven't used it in months. They may not want to go outside if it starts snowing...

Mybalconyiscracking · 02/11/2021 12:49

@MedusasBadHairDay

I love animals, and always used to love having pets, but since having kids it's just felt like more and more chores. We have a single pet rat at the moment, and despite it being quite a low maintenance pet really, I resent it.

DH is taking about getting a dog once the rat has gone, and I'm very torn on it.

It is really cruel to keep rats by themselves, like a human living forever in solitary confinement.
Mybalconyiscracking · 02/11/2021 12:52

Also, rats are not low maintenance, they need time out of their cage to roam every day, they need to be kept stimulated.

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