When ‘Fur-ever’ Feels Overwhelming: Redditor Considers Rehoming Their Clingy Cat, And Reddit Has Big Feelings About It
A cat can be a roommate, a shadow, or a full-on clingy roommate who moves in emotionally and never leaves. In this Reddit post, OP thought they were getting a mostly independent companion, but their first cat bonded so hard that it started taking over daily life.
OP says the cat demands exclusive long petting sessions, will only drink water if the tap is running, and insists on sitting on OP’s lap or chest during couch time. Then there’s the daily 5 to 6 a.m. wake-up routine, plus OP’s own depression and anxiety, which makes needing alone time feel non-negotiable.
What makes it messy is that OP is not trying to be cruel, they just feel trapped, and they’re asking Reddit if they’re the asshole for wanting to rehome a cat that won’t stop seeking them out.
The OP’s first cat developed an intense attachment that they found increasingly difficult to manage.
Original Post
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.
This echoes the case of an adopter weighing whether to block a former foster carer’s constant check-in messages, years later.
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.
OP adopted the kitten years ago expecting an easygoing buddy, but the “roommate” vibe turned into a cat that only drinks when OP turns on the tap.
Every day becomes a negotiation, from the nonstop petting demands to the cat choosing OP’s chest as its preferred nap spot while they try to relax.
The situation gets extra tense when OP tries to talk to their wife and friends and gets hit with aggressive reactions instead of understanding.
And because the cat wakes OP between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. every single morning, the idea of finding it a new home starts to feel like the only escape route.
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.
Reddit did not just judge the cat’s clinginess, it judged OP’s breaking point.
Before you judge, read how a clingy cat led one redditor to give them away.
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