WIBU - Cats on Table

[cuppaandabiscuit]

I have 2 cats. They like to sleep on the dining table out of reach of the dog.
DP hates this and keeps complaining that it's unhygienic.
I feel that, as long as the table is cleaned properly before each use there's no problem.

WIBU?

(NB I've bought the cats hanging beds, cat trees etc and they still sleep on the table. Plus DP doesn't like them sleeping on sofa, beds or anywhere else really but the dog is encouraged onto sofa, beds etc. TBH DP doesn't really like the cats full stop. They've been mine for 10 years, DP been around for 8)

The cats were there first so they win!

My cats like lying on the table too. They like looking out the window as that's where the table is. Yes it's probably unhygienic but I don't really care tbh

I'd hate this (cats on the table) and wouldn't have hung around 8 years tolerating it...so from that perspective it clearly isn't a deal breaker for your DH as much as he complains plus he's being hypocritical given that the dog is given free reign to furniture.

Tell him the conversation can resume when the dog is no longer on the sofa etc. Otherwise he needs to keep his thoughts to himself.

Cats rule, yanbu!

You can't control a cat, that's just the way of things.

I just wipe after they've sat in inappropriate places (work surfaces etc) as it's not a war I am prepared to wage with them. They will win.

Nope. I’m with your husband on this. Unnecessary and unhygienic.

I think you need to consider this from another angle - how on earth would you stop them sleeping on the table even if you wanted to?

He's right having cats on the dinner table is gross and if they think of it as their bed what's to stop them climbing up on it when you're eating 🤮

What's his reasoning for them not being on beds, sofa etc if the dog is allowed there? As he can't be saying hygiene for that?

@TheHatInTheCat

The cats were there first so they win!

Tbh that was the just of what I said to DP yesterday when he started moaning about it again 🤣

Cat and/or dogs on tables, on sofas, in beds, on kitchen surfaces, (on carpets too, tbh), all unhygienic. 🤮

So long as you have plates, I can’t see the problem.

@Hoardasurass

He's right having cats on the dinner table is gross and if they think of it as their bed what's to stop them climbing up on it when you're eating 🤮

They never come near the dining table when we're eating - it's probably to busy and noisy for them. They only come in the living room because, aside from my room, it's the quietest room when stroppy teens are home on consoles & tvs

What do those of you who don't allow this think that they do when you are out?? Or are all you non cat slaves who think they are easy to manage?

I don't even clean the table after it's been catted... I'd pretend to a stranger that I do, but I definitely don't. Ignore DP.

@HarrietOh

What's his reasoning for them not being on beds, sofa etc if the dog is allowed there? As he can't be saying hygiene for that?

Just that the cats are longer haired than the dog. But my reasoning is both moult 🤦‍♀️

Hmmmm. This sounds like a cat people v dog people problem. To me, this can sometimes be as fundamental to a couple's compatibility, as their sex drives, or vaccine stance. . .

@murasaki

You can't control a cat, that's just the way of things.

I just wipe after they've sat in inappropriate places (work surfaces etc) as it's not a war I am prepared to wage with them. They will win.

I agree. They have leant not to climb on kitchen worktops (kitchen door is only open when I'm preparing food - no animal is preening while I'm cooking!)

If you have an issue with this, dont have pets (or don’t get involved with someone that does!) Cats will win anyway and go where they want! Mine go on tables, kitchen worktops, wherever (and so would the dog if he could, lol) Just clean surfaces before use - no issues (I don’t even do that tbh, and no one has died yet!)

@Hoardasurass

He's right having cats on the dinner table is gross and if they think of it as their bed what's to stop them climbing up on it when you're eating 🤮

Mine don't go on the table while we're eating. Never been an issue

My husbands cats are like this and I hate it. They’ve had no training what so ever. They are everywhere.
He says you can’t train cats but it’s funny how mine don’t go where their not supposed to, don’t claw the carpets and understand the word no.

I’ve never allowed any of my cats on the table or kitchen bench etc. It’s not hygienic - so no thanks, cleaned or not!

However, he had double standards for what the cats and dogs can do which is hypocritical and not ok.

I don't really like cats, so I'm with your DH on that one.
However, my Shih Tzu is often found lounging on my dining table, so I can't say anything.

@HopefulProcrastinator

I'd hate this (cats on the table) and wouldn't have hung around 8 years tolerating it...so from that perspective it clearly isn't a deal breaker for your DH as much as he complains plus he's being hypocritical given that the dog is given free reign to furniture.

Tell him the conversation can resume when the dog is no longer on the sofa etc. Otherwise he needs to keep his thoughts to himself.

I love your reasoned argument here and would happily agree with you! Have said this many many times! But according to him it's different with the dog..... 🤣

He is being unreasonable. (Yes I am a cat person.)