AIBU about the hamster

[OhMondayMonday]

DS’s birthday coming up and he’s been asking for a kitten. We’ve said no for various reasons.

DH leaves all the birthday planning (parties, presents, cake etc) to me. Same for Xmas. I generally do it all without his input and he thanks me on the day. This morning he called from work and i mentioned DS was talking about kittens again and that i might pop out and get a hamster. I’d mentioned it a couple of times in recent weeks. He did not object, didn’t even comment. It was a quick chat. I have popped out, bought hamster and he is set up at home. Sent DH a picture.

DH has gone apoplectic. Has demanded I get rid of it before kids see it. Absolutely doesn’t want it in house. Furious I did not consult him. His explanation is he hates hamsters.

I have apologised saying i had no idea he felt like this and asked him to reconsider. I’ve let him know I can’t get rid of hamster today.

It’s very cute and we can give it a happy home. DH does not need to go near it. Kids love animals and are at the age where they can learn about taking responsibility etc…under my supervision. We can afford it so that’s not an issue. DS will have no present for his birthday tomorrow if DH insists hamster goes.

Aibu for insisting hamster stays?

More fool him for not listening. And no I wouldn't be getting rid of the hamster.

You mentioned it a few times and your husband was clearly not listening to you. I would keep the hamster and tell your husband that the very least he could do for all your efforts is it listen!

Well, as a life-long hamster lover, it is quite clear to me that your DH is being U!

PS - picture please!!!!

His birthdays tomorrow? Left present planning a bit late in the day.

Hamsters are such a disappointing pet in 99% of cases. Particularly if his dream is a kitten.

This issue completely aside
whats your marriage like?
would I be wrong to presume that this is a drop in the ocean to other problems in the marriage?

Is his birthday “coming up”
or “tomorrow”?

I would get rid of the husband not the hamster.

What an over reaction to a tiny creature . Hamsters are gorgeous and he should stay .

I can’t abide hamsters but he had his opportunity to object I suppose, so he doesn’t have a leg to stand on.

Second this. A kid who wants a kitten (predator) doesn’t want a hamster (prey).

Your husband sounds like a total dick.

It's not his hamster and he doesn't have to look after it.

DH (Dick Head) never gets involved, leaves it all to you, doesn't listen... this might teach him to get more involved or at least listen!!

that hamster would have its pipe & slippers in by the time DH got home & DH would be told 'look anything other than thrilled & you can go back out the door & stay out'

Our hamster was the best, loads of fun & loved cuddles. She loved BIG dog biscuits!! (Longer than her!).

she was an escape artist too so we had to be careful where we let her run around.

have fun!!

Regardless of your DH problem I’m torn as hamsters really don’t make great pets for kids. But if you’re sure you can give the hamster a great life then that’s another story.

Get a kitten and kill two birds with one stone??

🙄🙄kids want 'a pet'. Sure a hamster usnt a dog, but he's not going to turn his nose up at a hamster if he can't have a dog.

weird comment,

'Do I want predator or prey?'

has no child asked themselves, ever.

Ypur son has visions of playing and acting for a kitten and then growing up with a cat for hopefully many years

not a rodent that does bugger all and needs weekly cage cleaning

Caring not acting

He had his chance when you were talking to him about it before. That time has passed. The hamster should stay. I hope your DS has lots of happy times with his pet.

Oh for the first week he will be excited and happy for sure

and then reality will hit him

this hamster is might as well be a spider for the similarity to what it actually offers in comparison with a kitten

Nah, something like a family pet it needs to be a definitive “yes we are both on board”

not mentioned and not disagreed with

Can we have a pic ? It serves him right for not listening.

He did not object, didn’t even comment.

it was a “quick chat”

he was at work

I definitely would have got to definitive yes or no before getting something like a smelly, disappointing family pet

YANBU about your DH but hamster are pretty dull. I woke mine up on purpose when I was little just so I could see it for a change and it (rightly) bit me.

Stop being apologetic and lay into him for not listening to you.