When ‘Fur-ever’ Feels Overwhelming: Redditor Considers Rehoming Their Clingy Cat, And Reddit Has Big Feelings About It
Ten years ago, an Redditor adopted one of four kittens born to a street cat in their neighborhood, while the mother was adopted by neighbors. Fascinated by cats and craving a pet, they were excited to bring a furry companion into their home.
The OP had always been drawn to cats’ independence and envisioned a relationship more like roommates than parent and child. They were eager for a pet that would offer companionship without overwhelming demands.
Over the years, however, their first cat developed an intense attachment that the OP found increasingly difficult to manage. Despite adopting two other cats without issue, this particular feline formed a bond so deep it became overwhelming.
The cat demands long, exclusive petting sessions, will only drink water under the OP’s supervision, and insists on sitting on their lap or chest at all times. It wakes up daily between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m., vocalizing for company, leaving little room for the OP to have personal space.
The OP describes themselves as more of a loner and has been struggling with depression and anxiety for the past three years. While they take care never to take out their frustrations on the cat, they admit that the relationship has become a strain on their well-being.
They have tried discussing their feelings with their spouse and friends, only to be met with aggressive reactions. Now, the OP is wondering if they would be wrong to consider finding a new home for the cat, despite the guilt and love they feel.
The OP’s first cat developed an intense attachment that they found increasingly difficult to manage.
Here's the original post by Reddit user 'taway0867785653454'.
Throwaway account because of how much hate I've received when trying to discuss this in real life. Ten years ago, I adopted one of four kittens that were born from a street cat in my neighborhood --the mother was adopted as well by a couple down the street. I'm fascinated by cats, and always wanted to have one as a pet.
The main factor that draws me to them is how independent they can be in their relationship with their human companions, and I was really looking forward to the prospect of sharing my house and life with an animal that would be more of a roommate than a child.
It was my first cat. I have adopted two other with which I have no problems at all. But this cat apparently developed such a deep bond with me that have felt increasingly overwhelming over the years --to the point that there's not a single day I don't think of getting it a new house.
It demands long and thorough petting sessions exclusively from me, will only drink water if I open the tap and remain by its side while it drinks, and will sit on my lap or over my chest the entire time when I'm sitting or lying on the couch. It's very vocal and wakes up between 5 am and 6 am everyday to demand that I get up and make it company. I have always been more of a loner, and, to add to that, I've been battling depression and anxiety issues for the last three years.
I need some alone time for my wellbeing and this relationship is not helping at all (I guess it's important to point out: I obviously don't lash out those feelings on the poor thing. It has no fault on any of this, and is always very pampared by me and others) I've tried to discuss this with my wife and some friends, and was met with some quite aggressive reactions, in my opinion.
So, honestly, AITA for feeling like this? WIBTA if I tried to find it a new house?
Here’s how the Reddit community reacted.
YTA.
“Sounds like you have a typical cat.”
“You’re the person, he’s the cat.”
WTF!
YWBTA.
The poor cat will get depressed if you rehome it.
It would be cruel.
Don’t punish the cat for loving you.
You made a commitment.
“You’re it’s whole life.”
“Grows up!”
“It’s not fair to the cat.”
Pets are not disposable.
Ultimately, the OP is left wrestling with guilt, love, and the need for personal space. Sometimes, caring for a pet means knowing when it might be healthier for both of you to find a new home.
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