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???

OP in 2 week's time.

Oh good response ahout the projected emotions.
On another note Socrates is a fab name

He is such a beautiful cat. Try to show him some affection back

Cats are weird. Just accept it. They do what they want. You will grudgingly learn to love her 🐈

He’s a beautiful cat, you’re very lucky to have him 👍😸

OP, this is sweet. The adoration of a pet… we have dog, I am the one that loves it most, make all the sacrifices, leave work early for vet appointments or when dog walker cancels, I go out of my way to cook up something nice for her( along with her kibble) sit up with her on nights when she unwell, dog walking, poo picking, vomit cleaning, oh and I get baited into that annoying game of let me out, no let me in, no let me out - All evening! But my husband is person, and I her slave. From were I am sitting, you are the chosen one! Enjoy it 😀

Cat threads always seem to bring out the crazies on here 😂

He is beautiful! Get him a kitten. He will then be annoyed by and have to train his kitten.

I dont think this will go down at all well on here..... but I really don't like our cat either!

It's tricky when you end up looking after an animal you don't want. Its not their fault, but it's still a pain.

I've NEVER liked cats. I'm slightly allergic to them and my mum (who helps with childcare on a regular basis) is much more allergic. My DH knows this. He still adopted a stray cat, which has now been ours for 9 years. My asthma and eczema have been worse over this time and I regularly have to take a higher dose of steroids than I used to need to keep them under control. My mother suffers badly when she is here. I think one of our DC may also be allergic (hard to pin down what his trigger is as he's just a toddler).

If you're a cat lover, fine. But not everybody is, and if you're not it's frustrating to have an animal live in your house and act like it owns it (which cats do) and demand food/attention, sometimes at 4am.

OP, you didn't want a cat. Hopefully your eldest will be able to take it to Uni!

He needs a friend. Try a kitten or cat a bit younger so he has to help it learn to cat. Also make dd2 be the only one caringg for new kitty so it bonds with her. Once sock ( I can't spell!) Bonds with the new kitty and new kitty bonds with daughter they will likely both want to sleep, eat and be cared for by dd2

What a beauty 😻😍

Tough for you but cats are very savvy, I reckon Socrates might win you over if you give him a chance.

He’s a gorgeous, gorgeous boy!
Get DH and DD2 to try the slow blink/ kitty kiss
Eye Blink Kitty Kisses
“The eye blink is another way that non-aggressive cats signal that their intentions are not hostile. Cats blink at each other, as well as at the humans they trust, with a slow eye blink "cat kiss." Kitties that use this non-threat signal are able to smooth their interactions with other cats.”

You hate the cat???? I really feel sorry for the cat. If DD2 starts to feed him he will have love for her too. She did say she would help initially!
Cats know who to go to. It has many years left and it’s cruel to hate an animal who is dependent on you. Clearly he loves you because he sleeps with you and follows you around. I would be grateful to receive love in your daughter’s absence.
Seriously you need to change your attitude towards this poor animal. Personally I can’t understand the hate. If your daughter can’t have him back, travelling, Uni and then probably a house/flat share you need honestly to think about re-homing him to a loving family, rather than waiting for her to come home in the gaps.

Yep - you are being unreasonable. Socrates is a fabulous boy and deserves to have ALL your attention.

Have you not yet realised that you are there solely to do his bidding? Just be grateful you haven’t got three more, just as demanding, four legged fiends that will not go to anyone else in the family (nor will said family members take on responsibility of emptying the litter trays, feeding, picking up dead presents, chasing the presents that are still alive…)

He’s beautiful and probably missing your daughter as much as you… 😻

Cats are great you’re obsessing

Answer is easy thankfully. Get DH and DD2 to play with a cat teaser toy and give cat treats. Never stare at the cat, instead do long slow blinks at him. This is cat language for friends. Only pet him on the top of his head above his eyes and briefly under his chin. Remember the cat wants to be boss at all times. He likes you because he takes your indifference to be deference and respect. Funny creatures cats tbf.

He's gorgeous. Big ❤ here for Socrates. But then I a.cat-person.

I was torn until I saw Socrates, but now I know YABU. Love him back OP, cats hate too much attention. He will call you needy and attach himself to DH instead.

Chill, your doing too much. She can hate the cat if she wants.

He is so beautiful. I refuse to see how you can have such negative feelings for him. Makes me really sad to be honest,

what the hell is wrong with you?? Be thankful you have a cat who wants to be with you as some are not like that! Mine is like that , always with us, runs to greet us, doesn't sleep between us but id love that.
Get a grip and be a bit kinder,

This poor cat deserves a loving home. I feel really, really sorry for it not being given any love or attention and being shooed off when it's asking for a bit of affection. OP should be ashamed of themselves 😡

Please don't get another cat, they're solitary animals and don't need friends!

Poor Socrates, all unloved and desperate for cuddles 😪 He looks like our Sonny who died 4 years ago (photo attached), I'd do anything to have him back, you should give him the love he's craving.