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???

Oh, yes, get another cat. The more the better. It will distract him and love or hate her, it will preoccupy him.

I don’t think you are being unreasonable at all! We have two cats, one was my daughters she got before getting married to her husband. Her ex-partner got the cat for her and she got him a cat. They split up and she ended up with both cats. My son has a big scruffy Tom cat with a cloudy eye ( makes him look mean) I am the only one they go to at feeding time, the lady cat is really naughty jumps through neighbours window and smashed an ornament , always jumps up in my kitchen work top and scratches at the carpet to get in my son’s room in middle of night, also had scratched my grandson a few times, always hissing. The Tom cat with one eye sits by my feet while I’m doing chores moaning, he wants food every hour he is greedy and big, plus he will only go out through the one door, no matter if the other doors are open into the garden. So, so annoying! I mention this to the vet her response was “ cats are sensitive. No your not being unreasonable, they are a pain! The reason my daughter didn’t take the lady cat is it constantly hisses at her husband, and she asked would her brother ( who still lives at home we us) if he would look after it, well guess who is looking after it.

Haven’t read through all the posts but if you can get DD2 and DH doing all the feeding, giving treats etc that will build up a relationship. But you are ultimately the chosen one 😻

Knowing how much cats like to sleep in human occupied beds, our current one has always been shut into the dining room at night, with his food, water, catflap, blanket and igloo. What he's never had he can't miss.

Get a dog if you have the time. This capricious cat could be with you until it’s 18 along with its expensive vet bills to treat its many ailments. Once insurance has paid a claim on its health problem they then exclude it. So my thinking is have something you enjoy. No idea how it will take to the dog. I’ve always had cats but the last one, who I loved dearly died during lockdown and we are enjoying the freedom. You are not being unreasonable.

Stop being so childish, you just don't seem to understand that you just need to leave the poor cat out of your silly arguments about why you don't want the cat to follow you and how you feel ignored as your daughter just asks about her cat and not you. Did you ever ask yourself if you've been there for your daughter when she's needed someone to talk to or a shoulder to lean on when she has fallen in/out of love.?
Was it you or her cat that she poured her heart out to.?
If the answer is the cat, then you're clearly jealous of the cat...just tolerate the poor animal and continue to feed and clean up after it while your daughter is away..cats don't stay where they don't feel wanted, but I think deep down you really love the cat..

You can put cats off approaching you by staring at them with wide eyes.

But I'm sure you will grow to love him soon - he's gorgeous!

He is gorgeous

Wow, you fo know this is about your relationship with your daughter and nothing to do with a cat! Cats need very little input. Why are you so grumpy about a cat following you around? Does it adversely affect your life? My husband really doesnt like cats but manages to feed my cat and deal with the litter tray in my absence. If you dont want the cat in your bedroom put her in the kitchen or utility room overnight, with a bed obvs.

When kids first leave home its the hit of freedom they enjoy, they arent keen on keeping in touch. Your daughter will later on, just enjoy the lack of laundry and cooking! Being kind and stroking a cat a few times a day isnt a big price to pay, however if the poor thing is surrounded by people that dont care for her tell your daughter to rehome it and hopefully she will find a loving home!