Anyone else have family who don't like cats?

[whatnowfedup]

I'm getting my first cat soon, I'm very excited. However I've never had a cat before and my parents and grandmother dislike them.

Both parents screwed up their faces (like a cats bum) when I told them I was getting a cat. Generally they come out with things like "smelly cats, bird killers" etc when talking about cats. Go on about them scratching things and shitting in peoples' gardens. They've even said things like cats aren't proper pets. I think because they're dog people (I love dogs too) and obviously dogs are very demonstrably affectionate they would rather I get a dog. Which I may do in future but for now cat it is.

I messaged my DM today and among other things I said I'm picking up the cat soon and she never mentioned it at all. I feel kinda sad that they're not even pretending to be excited for me.

A friend's parents were exactly the same but came round and were asking about her cat etc. I'm not sure if mine will be like that, they're not over here much anyway but I get the impression they'll try and avoid the house so as not to encounter the cat. Which is stupid really.

Anyone else have cat hating family? Has your having a cat changed their minds?

I don't think mine hate them, but none of them have cats, they all have dogs. I know that they wouldn't choose to have cats though. My DM's not a pet type of person, so can't relate to the desire of wanting any kind whatsoever. Your family are typical of a lot of people who have no experience of cats. Maybe they'll change their minds, maybe they won't. You'll enjoy your cat and your family can do the same, if they know what's good for them.

Good luck!

Mine is definitely not only affectionate when he wants food and he craves human company. Yes they kill birds but we eat meat so are in no place to complain

Cats can be affectionate. Gentle paws pat your cheek, a head rests over your heart, they purr ecstatically when you pet their favourite place. They sit on the arm of your chair bolt upright and proud. Terrific pets.

Yes, I did.

Notice the "did".

These were die-hard cat loathers.

They came round in the end 😉

Now they're "their" cats!

I volunteer at Cats protection, they absolutely are not just affectionate for food. It is said that cats are the most misunderstood animal. I agree, cat people who understand cats know they make the best pets.

I socialise and care for probably 12 cats a week, most of them are hugely loving. The rest are scared, or distressed but come round in a few weeks.

You need to go NC with your family. Cat's far more important

TBH, if a friend/relative got a cat, I'd say something polite, and then forget all about it. A cousin has a cat that I've never seen because it always hides, so I wouldn't think to ask about it.

The cat is likely the biggest thing happening in your life right now, but others won't see that. Its like someones child or pet- not one else really cares or wants to listen to the parent/owner talk on and on about them.

Congrats on your new family member.

Well, they don't have to live with the cat so it doesn't really matter what they think. The cat will be yours and that's what counts. My cat is incredibly stupid but also very loving. As pets go, they're also by far the easiest to look out for.

If your family visit, it will go one of two ways - either the cat will hide and they won't see it anyway, or the cat will detect the family member that most dislikes cats and make a beeline to sit on their lap. Be prepared!

My family would not get “excited” about someone getting a pet, whatever type of pet it is. They might ask “how are you getting on with the new kitten, puppy, rabbit, hamster etc?” but they’d only be asking out of politeness, not because they were very interested.

My parents look after our cat when we are away.

My dad hates cats but wants to stay with mum so they both come and stay. (He's got a chronic illness, mum looks after him)

My cat knows Dad isn't a fan so will rub around his legs, want a chin rub, a cheek rub, and asks Dad to play. I think my cat just likes to annoy him.

My mum loves cats but my one won't give her the time of day! 😂

They are trying to keep the peace by not talking about the cat, perhaps best if you do the same. A lot of people dislike cats, I think it's unreasonable to expect your parents to be thrilled or pretend to be.

I came from a dog family and didn't really understand the point of cats as pets. I genuinely believed that they were aloof and lacking affection and rather nasty and cruel. Then I ended up with a cat and discovered what amazing, beautiful, hilarious, ridiculous, adorable, needy, foolish little creatures they are. So sweet. So loving. All so different. I would never be without a cat now. Our current cat is a rather fat 8yo rescue and she is like a Zen crystal - she improves the mood of the whole family just by existing. She seems to soak up any bad vibes and puts out good energy. I've got teenagers and I'm not even slightly joking when I say she's an important part of their mental health management.

My mother loathed cats - if one came near her she demanded that we 'get it away from her' or she told it to 'shoo'. She invented misgendering before it was popular too. All cats were 'it' or somehow the opposite sex to their actual sex no matter how many times she was told. My father loved cats.

I bought cats out of my inheritance.

I think if your friends and family know something is important to you then they should try to take some degree of interest, even if essentially not interested themselves.

I got 2 kittens recently and my friends and family managed this even the ones who are not cat lovers themselves.