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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I hate the cat

259 replies

WarriorWalrus · 10/07/2023 01:13

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???

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 10/07/2023 20:35

Socrates is a beautiful cat. I’d have one line that if l wasn’t allergic to them😭

Irequireausername · 10/07/2023 20:37

You can't really stop cats liking you. Ours is attached to me even though I don't actually want him near me, don't feed him etc. I tolerate him because he's an animal and that appeals to him for some reason. I wish he'd prefer other family members too. I've got no advice sadly. 🤷‍♀️

DerekFaker · 10/07/2023 20:41

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Isthisasgoodasitis · 10/07/2023 20:44

Cats grieve sadly your cat is grieving loss of dd1 so I suggest you invest in catnip spray and feliway plug in and spray spray dd2 clothes and room with both sprays place plug in in an area of the house the cat can mellow and at all cost AVOID either in around near anything that’s yours if you spray cat nip at the door or dd2 before bed then he will go there at night to get in also plop marmite on the back of his paws at night to settle him….

Lottapianos · 10/07/2023 20:46

'The looney MN Cat Fanciers are well triggered though.
Reason #2367 why I will never, ever get a cat.'

😂 My thoughts exactly!

Viviennemary · 10/07/2023 20:49

Yanbu. Some people love pets others don't so they dont have them but you have had this cat forced upon you. Tell her she needs to take the cat to live with her or it will be re-homed.

WhileMyGuitarGentlyWeeps · 10/07/2023 20:55

You need to get this beautiful furry Angel rehomed where he is wanted, and cherished. Poor Socrates. 😥

WhileMyGuitarGentlyWeeps · 10/07/2023 20:59

Of course, the people getting upset and feeling sad for the cat, are overreacting, and other posters are taking the piss and mocking. Because how fucking DARE anyone actually worry about an animal whose owner doesn't give a flying fuck about them? Hmm

People mocking and deriding other people for being worried and upset, about an unloved and unwanted cat. Disgusting. Shame on you all. Hmm

ghostyslovesheets · 10/07/2023 21:01

Please please please say you pronounce his name 'So-Crates' like Bill and Ted!

OP I have 6 cats - I do love them but at times they make me want to turn them into a winter coat - like the 3am live mouse through the bedroom window or the fresh vomit on the landing - it's part of cat ownership - sew Dreamies into DD2's clothing - he'll get over his hate quickly!

StarDolphins · 10/07/2023 21:09

10HailMarys · 10/07/2023 01:22

It’s fucking weird that you resent your daughter asking how her cat is.

I definitely didn’t get that impression from op at all. The way it was written seems tongue in cheek!

Op, sometimes you need to add (lighthearted) for the ones that can’t read between the lines & don’t pick up on subtle hints of humour!

He’s gorgeous by the way! I get followed everywhere by my dog & cat & child🤣

StarDolphins · 10/07/2023 21:13

WhileMyGuitarGentlyWeeps · 10/07/2023 20:59

Of course, the people getting upset and feeling sad for the cat, are overreacting, and other posters are taking the piss and mocking. Because how fucking DARE anyone actually worry about an animal whose owner doesn't give a flying fuck about them? Hmm

People mocking and deriding other people for being worried and upset, about an unloved and unwanted cat. Disgusting. Shame on you all. Hmm

If I picked up in any way from the initial post that the op genuinely hated the cat as in doesn’t love or care for the cat & will be outing it to the local rescue any day then I would’ve been really shitty with her. I just didn’t get that impression at all & subsequent replies from op confirm it.

StarDolphins · 10/07/2023 21:22

Frequency · 10/07/2023 13:04

I concur that cats pick the one who loves them least. My DDs have a cat each. I have zero cats. I dislike and distrust cats and I am allergic to them.

I wake up every morning in desperate need of a piriton with a cat on my pillow and another at the end of my bed. They congregate in my room and wait for me when I am not in. When I am downstairs with my dog (who they despise) they scratch and cry at the door until I go up to see them.

Saying that, I have become quite fond of them. I would never have chosen to get a cat of my own but now they have adopted me as their own I have grown to love them. I don't love that the white one tries to kill me every night by sleeping right by head causing me to itch and wheeze but I don't kick her out either.

Haha🤣 this is lovely & really funny! Congregate in your room & needing a piriton while they’re on your pillow!🤣

StarDolphins · 10/07/2023 21:25

Viviennemary · 10/07/2023 20:49

Yanbu. Some people love pets others don't so they dont have them but you have had this cat forced upon you. Tell her she needs to take the cat to live with her or it will be re-homed.

You’ve just totally missed the point of the post & at no point has she said she wants to rehome the cat.

TwilightBee · 10/07/2023 22:12

Cats can be trained to like people (and other cats). If you want the cat to befriend your youngest daughter it can be done fairly quickly, but may need to do it again when your eldest goes to uni.

Start with daughter always feeding the cat and handling the food bowls, or putting a t-shirt or something of hers hung near the cat food. Having the cat smell her while eating means the cat will associate her smell with positive feelings.

Have your daughter be the only one to offer treats and try be at a consistent time e.g when she gets home from school. If she calls Socrates and then shakes treat bag when she gets home to offer treats, it won’t take long for Socrates to respond to being called when your daughter gets home without the sound of the treat packet being shaken. After a few times of the cat responding to your daughter getting home alternate between treats and lots of cuddles and strokes then slowly reduce the amount of treats.

I did this when I got my youngest cat, maybe took about a month before she was completely content.

MadCatLady27 · 10/07/2023 22:30

He is absolutely glorious, my ragdoll would love him!

He looks like he's at least part Norwegian Forest Cat or Ragdoll, both wonderful chatty breeds who love their people (I have a ragdoll who will shout to join you for "toilet time" and will demand smooches and even want to sit on your lap which is very off-putting - it's the latest ragdoll "obsession" which they seem to be prone to. Likewise bath bath, as soon as I go up to shower Into the bath she hops!).

Maybe he's a bit lonely and would like a friend? He's wonderful 😍

huntingcunting · 10/07/2023 22:35

Poor Socrates. He is missing your DD. Give the guy a break.
I still feel awful about when I left and went to university and my cat was really upset. He was never really the same after that and it just wasn't possible to take him with me - it was 6 years before I was in any position to have a cat live with me again (due to living in halls/flatshares etc).
So give Socrates loads of cuddles and let him cling on to you.

MadCatLady27 · 10/07/2023 22:46

GADDay · 10/07/2023 19:53

Sorry to inform you OP. Your cat is either purebred Norwegian Forest Cat or has some Maine Coone.

You are fucked. These cats HAVE humans - I know as I am the faithful servant to one. They are vocal and needy. Day and night. My girl is 15 and is obsessed with me.

You have two options:

  1. Rehome Socrates- it's what I would do, if I were you.
  2. Learn to love your little shadow, as you won't be given a choice. This is what I have done.

Your DD needs to take responsibility for the welfare of her cat and understand that this animal needs more than she can offer.

We had a moggy we suspected was part NF she was so so wonderful - she'd "prook" at you and you could almost have a full conversation. If roast beef was cooking, she'd sit at the mouth of the kitchen waiting patiently for her share. I'd also have dinner with her - she'd sit by my chair if I had gammon and I'd sporadically give her tiny pieces - no begging just waiting politely as she knew it would work. She also loved custard and ice cream, if my dad had desert and she heard the bowl she'd sit quivering, waiting for her spoonful 😍

They've got ragdolls now and I have one too (my absolute favourite breed, also have OH BSH) but id also love an NFC or Siberian too!

itsmylife7 · 10/07/2023 22:51

That is a gorgeous cat 😍

blondiepigtails · 10/07/2023 23:09

Ah, a Maine coone x. We have one of those. Belongs to my daughter. She’s buggered off and can’t take him. He’s attached himself to me. I feel your pain…

Waffle78 · 10/07/2023 23:13

They do say cat's choose they're owners and he's chosen you as his replacement owner. He's beautiful BTW.

LongDarkTeatime · 10/07/2023 23:15

I totally understand @WarriorWalrus
I am a dog person.
DD got a similar long haired cat and it decided I was it’s mother. Yowls for me and dribbles on me.
After a move we were able to have more room and I got a dog, yippeee, joy at last! But dog fell in love with DD and I’m left with the yowly cat!!
They laugh as yowly cat dribbles on me.

allhailthebrain · 10/07/2023 23:20

I like cats. As a kid I always wanted one.

Then in my late teens my immune system decided it HATED cats and that was the end of that sadly (even more sad for the cat loving hubby and the cat adoring 10 year old!).

Seriously, every cat I ever come across gravitates towards me. I swear, everyone else is fussing the cat but me (because I can’t) and they sense it 😂 I am their new best friend and they’ll do anything to be with me. Preferably on me. Ignoring their owners and other adoring fans.

Cats know what they’re doing 😆

Yellowlegobrick · 10/07/2023 23:21

Socrates looks so fwuffy and gorgeous.

I have a similar situation except DD is 3, and absolutely worships Kitty (the feeling is mutual), but is not often allowed to have Kitty sleeping on her bed because kitty likes to knead her lovingly at 4am. This wakes her up and she doesn't love waking up to Kitty's face right in hers.

So Kitty instead wants to knead me at 4am and must be trapped in the kitchen instead, where she shreds the door desperately trying to get upstairs and sleep on DDs bed.

Solonge · 10/07/2023 23:22

What a beauty! I love your cat.

StellaJohanna · 10/07/2023 23:25

WarriorWalrus · 10/07/2023 01:44

Sure, This is him. Bain of my existence right now.
In all seriousness though, I don't hate him. Just wish he had selected someone else to be the centre of his world while DD is gone.
Also don't resent DD for asking about her cat, was making a joke out of how she is missing the cat but no one else!

What an absolutely gorgeous cat.
He has chosen you.
You must submit. 🐱

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