I hate the cat

[WarriorWalrus]

DD1, 17, got a cat for her 15th birthday, she had been begging for years and loves the cat to pieces, it was a joint bid for the cat, DD1 promising all the care until she left for uni, DD2, (now 14) promising to take over and DH saying he would do care when they aren't around.
Well DD1 just finished her a-levels, left to go travelling with her friends, not back until mid-August (she turns 18 at the start of August). DD2 hates the cat (the cat also hates her, I'm not sure why they have beef but its a no go, the cat just scratches DD2), DH feeds him and changes the litterbox but the cat seems to have decided in the absence of DD1, he wants me, we might have the only clingy cat in the world, but he waits for me to get home, follows me for a bit the goes to lay in DD1s room. Can't say DD1s name in earshot or the cat comes running and follows me again. Middle of the night he scratches my door to be let in, then sleeps in-between DH and I, he loves it, I hate it!!
7 days into DD1 being gone, I've heard from her 4 times, each time "How's Socrates (the cat), Can I see Socrates, show Socrates this video so he doesn't forget me", I send a response (pic of the cat usually) she reacts to it, I ask how she is and get left on read?? Like she only misses and cares for the cat!!!
And to think she is off to uni halls in sept, so this is just my life now!!
AIBU to hate the cat, do any cat whisperers have tips on how I can get the cat to give his love to DH or DD2 and leave me alone???

Why is everyone saying Socrates is not cuddled or rejected? He sleeps between the OP and her husband every night!

Our beloved cat died aged 17 in August, our dog aged 14 in October.

By January, for the first time in my life, I had rats running around the garden - and they'd burrowed under the shed, with the intention of nesting I assume. I'd never appreciated that my cat and dog had done such a good job of keeping the rats at bay.

How lucky you are to be loved by such a gorgeous cat. Be grateful

Socrates is beautiful. Looks a lot like my Iris.

How can someone HATE a CAT that is loved by their daughter? Something is deeply wrong here…

Aw, he’s lovely. I’ll have him!

This is so sad.

I was completely indifferent to cats until our DD16 persuaded us to get a kitten in September 2021. I fell in love and it was me who then persuaded everyone to get a second kitten last September. After a few days they got on on and now adore each other.

Honestly, they bring us so much joy. Get your poor, lonely cat a friend and then watch the loveliness unfold! It's easier than you think...





I am a Grandmother who brings up my grandchildren I have a two bedroom flat so I am sleeping in the living room . Does anyone recommend or has tried and tested a everyday sofa bed ? I need one in my life.

I’m not over keen on cats myself, especially my neighbours who is a killer cat, his favourite pray being the squirrels which he leaves just the heads of in my garden ewwk makes me feel ill, and their screams are awful …
But I think your being over the top with your hateful attitude to this poor cat, but feel your daughter should have waited until she had her own home to have any animal rather than leave for others to care for.

Sorry but I work with vets and this is so wrong. Cats are territorial and usually hate it when you bring another animal into their space - it makes them feel really insecure. Most of their behaviour issues are connected to this and so many owners just don't realise. Cats do not need animal friends!

Btw, I'm replying to those who recommend you getting another cat or kitten!

Honestly - it's got the point now where I think people WANT to believe he OP is serious.

How are so many still coming in this thread with all the 'shame on you's?

I think you need to start your own thread - it will get you more and better replies. Hope you find something suitable.

YANBU. The cat is well-cared for; you just don’t love it. Some of the posters have a sense of humor failure. You would be safer admitting that you just don’t love your DP.

No, cats are individuals, some are solitary and some like company, it depends on the cat. Even if they're not that keen they soon sort it out between themselves and work out how to give each other space. Many cats love having another cat around and they will cuddle up and hang around together. When they're young they definitely like having another cat to play with. Often, when they are going through stressful situations - ie going to the vets or going to a cattery - they will be comforted by the presence of the other cat. I had a cat that grieved for a year when we lost our other cat. I'd never have believed cats felt that deeply but he did.

It's only if they're bonded - which isn't always obvious. The only way you can tell is if they groom each other. Otherwise they're just time sharing spaces.

Cats are cute but as a rule cat people tend to be crazy, hence the enraged responses on this thread to a casual post. Think if you'd said dog, dog lovers/normal people wouldn't have flown off the handle

My dad and step sister used to live together, she had a cat. She moved out about 2 years ago, and since then her kitty has decided she loves my dad. To the point dad is woken up by the cat standing on his chest purring or padding him. He moans about the cat all the time yet always ends the conversation talking about how funny she is and how she sleeps with him at night. He loves her really as it's great company in the absence of my sister. The hilarious thing about it all is that her name is Precious, so this great big hairy man stands at the door shaking the treats calling 'Precious'!

My advice is not to worry too much about the situation. The cat is lovely and clearly loves you, be flattered it thinks you're the best. 😊

Ok that is a very abnormal view of people. That is probably reflective of you. I have had cats my whole adult life I worked shifts only now that I have retired have I got a dog. Dogs are much needier than that, saying that cats need & want love from their human family. To think that cat owners are crazy, you create this male story about single spinster crazy cat women. You are doing no favours for cats finding homes & single women/ or men who don’t want to labelled as crazy.

Erm I know plenty of (wonderfully) crazy dog people!

Despite the tone of your post, you must have quite a lot going for you as cats are choosy and he is so very beautiful.
People who ignore cats and make less eye contact are seen as less threatening, coupled with the fact that you are a big predator displaying this non threatening trait, the cat will see you as a safe bet in the absence of his favourite person, who he is probably missing terribly.
Poor Socrates. Please return his love a little

Often male cats prefer female humans and female cats prefer male humans.
I agree with ‘so sad for cab’, letDD2 spoil him, he should transfer his affection to her.

We have a cat and he adores DH, couldn't care less about me.
I'm always the one cuddling him, fussing him, buying him treats etc. DH does nothing yet is adored.....

This!! 🤣