Not sticking to feeding requirements for MIL cat

[Demandingcat]

MIL in hospital, DH agreed to look after her cat (I’m mildly allergic so not impressed but antihistamines are working).

The thing is I have a fish and shellfish allergy. Cat is given fish or prawns every day. Obviously we can’t do that and have been giving alternatives but DH thinks it’s unfair on the cat, has told MIL who is now sad in hospital and texting about it - all the time. I’ve told dh is anyone mentions it to me one more time I’m putting the cat in the carrier and taking it over to SIL flat and that will be the end of us looking after it as I’m not prepared to risk my health.

Apparently I’m unkind and should be putting cat first as she’s in a strange house and being given different food

Can the cat not be fed somewhere away from you ?
Dish washed straight away and don't be tempted to nibble any leftovers ?

Can you not compromise and feed the cat fish or prawns when you're out? Changing cats food can really upset their tummies.
Of course if you go into anaphylaxis breathing it in go ahead and drop off at SIL but if not then try to reach a compromise.

I don't think anyone is being unreasonable here tbf, if you can't do pet sitting in the way its requested then DH should've just said no and let someone else do it. Youre allergic it's not like you just don't want to. Why didn't your DH go over to feed the cat in its own home like a cat sitter visit? Does your MIL live far away?

Yanbu

Its bad enough just the cat when your allergic but surely they can’t honestly expect the cat to then be fed food your also allergic too.

Cats clean themselves so basically licking all that nice allergen over their paws and tails and backs to then walk it all over your home. Nope.

If nobody is asking you to actually handle the prawns would it really hurt , it does smack a bit of just being a bit mean . I’m sure your MIL would rather not be in hospital and I would imagine the cat is a bit sad being in a strange house and not getting his usual food .

Your MIL and DH are being ridiculous. I'm sure the cat can cope with chicken or dried food or whatever until it goes home. It's not like you're starving it.

If you have fish and shellfish anaphylaxis then obviously it's unsafe for you to have these in your home, or for you to enter MIL's home. Cat won't die on a different diet, or shut in a separate room.

If you are allergic to fish/shellfish and can't physically handle it what does MIL expect you to do???

YANBU

Literally can’t have fish/shellfish near me as I react and if the cat eats it and gets any on itself it’s then going to get round the house.

Some cats get diarrhoea or vomiting if you change their food.

Sounds like a not great situation all round.

Can DH go round and feed the cat and then shower/wash when he comes back?

Sounds like the cat either goes to SIL or MIL pays for a cattery.

I am devoted owner of 4 cats and a dog and still think that.

This is what I’ve suggested either SIL can help or dh can take the cat to MIL and look after it there or he could stay there if he thinks the cat will be lonely

I would send the cat home with a cat sitter to pop in twice a day.

Sounds like the cat going to SIL is the solution.

In this case it would be best if the cat went elsewhere .

My friend has a fish/seafood allergy and it can be scary. No way would she be able to have either in the house under any circumstances, so I totally understand. Hers I'd life threatening, so a bit of a bad tummy for a cat is hardly on the same level.

I’m completely baffled by people prioritizing a cat’s feelings over your health, OP.

Even an upset belly for a cat is far less traumatic than allergies, given that can they worsen with exposure and without warning.

And yes, I have pets that I adore. But ffs, allergies are nothing to mess with!

I got some cat treats as an alternative but apparently they are ‘common’ and MIL doesn’t want them to be consumed 😂

I can't believe PPs are saying just to let the cat eat shellfish and prawns that you're allergic to 😂

If it gets it on its fur / tracks it around the house / licks things then you could have a serious reaction - that's not something to be messed with.

The cat needs to go somewhere else if that sort of dietary requirement needs to be met! MIL should be happy the cat is being looked after (I say this as a cat lady!).

You need to stop her feeding the cat fish and seafood everyday. It contains mercury. We can’t even eat this amount. She will end up with a cat with hyperthyroidism.

Your DH is in the wrong for telling her anything about it!

It hasn’t really affected the cat seems to be going to the toilet fine no issues and is on the regular food just minus the treats of fish and prawns each evening

Take the cat back to its home and your DH visits twice a day to feed and pet the cat. Cat will be happier in its own home and feel physically better with its usual food too. It's the best option.

Oh for Christ's sake, so it's not even for the cat's main meals?! Now I think your DH is being even more unreasonable and petty for telling her!

I did wonder if it was ok to have every day but I don’t know much about cats really !