Redditor Lets Cats Eat Food From Human Plates, Faces Criticism From Mom's Boyfriend Over Etiquette And Hygiene

"He started saying things like "do you even know etiquette"."

Filip

• Published in Interesting
• July 9, 2023

Cats can eat from the same plates humans use, but there are always some facts to consider on both sides. For instance, it's easier to feed pets using available kitchenware instead of purchasing separate pet dishes, and human dishes are easier to clean and disinfect also.

But on the other side, it's possible to transmit certain diseases between humans and pets, or cats might start seeing all human plates as their potential feeding spots, which can lead to their unwanted behavior. Recently, a Reddit user reached out to Redditors seeking an objective stance.

The OP wanted to confirm whether they were in the wrong or just being subjected to manipulation. The OP fed their cats wet food on two small plates and disposed of the leftovers.

The issue arises from their mother's meticulous boyfriend, who was raised with opposing values. Observing the cats' meal on the plates and the OP's subsequent cleaning with the household sponge, he criticized their understanding of etiquette.

He also expressed his disapproval of animals dining from human crockery. The OP said that honestly, they didn't see the issue, comparing it to handling baby food or raw meat.

This difference of opinion escalated into a disagreement involving the mother, who shares the OP's perspective on the matter. While acknowledging underlying interpersonal tension with the mother's boyfriend, the OP's primary concern is the potential specific etiquette around animals' eating habits.

The OP wanted to know if it's wrong to let cats eat from human plates and to clean them using a regular kitchen sponge. And is it genuinely unacceptable to use the usual household items this way?

Here is the OP's dilemma:

The OP gave food to their cats using their small tea plates:

But their mother's boyfriend was disgusted when he saw they were using human cat plates:

This issue started an argument between them, involving the OP's mother also:

So, the OP wanted to know if they were in the wrong for using human plates to feed their cats:

There is nothing wrong with using their plates

It's not a big deal

Another Redditor agreed that the OP is not in the wrong here

"If you used soap and hot water to clean everything I don’t think it is gross at all."

The OP responded:

"That guy is a weirdo"

"I am going YTA"

After considering the Reddit community's perspective, the agreement appears to side with the OP. While there are certainly valid hygiene considerations around allowing cats to eat from human plates and cleaning them with a shared sponge, the majority view this as a matter of personal preference, practicality, and individual hygiene habits.

The OP's act of feeding their cats from small plates and washing them doesn't intrinsically breach any etiquette. The conflict seems to originate more from a clash of different personal values ​​and perspectives within the household.

Thus, based on this discourse, the OP is not in the wrong for their actions.

Filip