Redditor Refuses To Drive Two Hours Every Day To Check On Their Parent's Cat

She offered them to keep the cat in her house, but father refuses

Damjan

• Published in Animal Stories
• February 10, 2023

One of the responsibilities of pet owners is making proper arrangements for them when going on a trip. This includes finding someone to look after them, such as a family member, friend, pet sitter, or boarding facility.

It also includes ensuring they have access to food and water, providing their necessary medications, and ensuring they have access to adequate exercise. OP and their mom had made a plan for her cat to stay at OP's house while they were in Mexico for a week.

As OP's husband and they had a big dog, the plan was to put the cat in their basement with the door closed at night/when they weren't home and give him the run of the house when they were home to stop the dog from bothering him. However, OP's dad was very upset by this plan and thought that OP and their husband should drive to their house and check on the cat every couple of days.

He thought that since the cat was very old, he wouldn't adjust well to a change in environment, and the dog being around would upset him. OP tried explaining all of this, but their dad yelled at them about it, and OP said that if the cat wasn't brought to their house, they would refuse to check on him at theirs, and they would have to find someone else to do it.

Now, their dad is not talking to them and is very offended that they refused to drive out and check on the cat. OP is now not sure what's going to happen, as they thought the plan was squared away.

OP asks:

OP and their mom had made a plan for her cat to stay at OP's house while they were in Mexico for a week.

However, OP's dad was very upset by this plan

OP tried explaining all of this, but dad wouldn't budge.

OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the a-hole

and this:

Cats can often pee outside the litterbox when they are upset

OP needs to read the fine print

OP responds:

OP is not thrilled about having him

It's not reasonable to ask someone to travel two hours to check on a cat.

This Redditor has a pretty strong opinion on the matter:

And they got a good answer:

OP should stick to the original plan

The bottom line is:

One of the responsibilities of pet owners is making proper arrangements for them when going on a trip, and you can't be mad if someone doing it for free wants to adjust it to their abilities. It is important to make sure the pet owner is comfortable with the arrangements and that the pet will be safe and well taken care of while they are away.

This might include providing proper food, water, and exercise, making sure they will be housed in a safe and clean environment, and that they will receive regular veterinary care. It is also important to make sure that the person taking care of the pet is aware of any specific instructions or needs the pet may have.

Damjan