Woman Threatens To Take Housemate's Cat To Animal Shelter After Being Left Alone With It For Months Despite Her Dislike For Cats

"I have loads of uni work to do and this is distracting."

Sophia

• Published in Interesting
• December 29, 2023

In shared living situations, respect among roommates is paramount, extending to decisions that impact the shared environment, such as pet ownership. Understanding and honoring each other's comfort levels and boundaries is crucial.

When one roommate has a known aversion or reservation about a particular animal, bringing that animal into the shared space without prior discussion and agreement can create unnecessary tension and conflict. This principle is vividly illustrated in the Reddit story shared by OP.

OP, who shares a house with Mia and Amy, found herself in a challenging situation when Mia, without prior consultation, brought a cat into their shared living space, despite knowing OP dislikes cats due to a childhood trauma. The situation escalated when Mia left for a work placement, and Amy, who initially agreed to care for the cat, became ill and had to leave, forcing OP to deal with the cat alone.

OP's frustration is understandable, as the responsibility of caring for the cat fell on her unexpectedly. Her reaction, while extreme, highlights the importance of communication and mutual respect in shared living arrangements.

Just take a look at what happened from this original Reddit post and see for yourself what you have to say regarding this...

OP shares a house with Mia and Amy after undergrad. She's in postgrad, they work, connected through friends while house-hunting.

Six weeks in, Mia brought back her childhood cat from her parents' place, where it stayed during her university years.

Unhappy with Mia's surprise cat, she dislikes them due to a bad childhood experience, claiming the landlord approved without prior discussion.

Amy likes cats, but OP, in the minority, didn't make a fuss for harmony but clarified that there is no responsibility for the cat.

Mia announced a 3-month work placement, offering to pay rent. Unhappy, OP objected, but Amy agreed to care for Mia's cat when she left three weeks ago.

Amy moved out due to health issues a week ago. OP is now alone in the house with the cat until after Christmas.

Upon Amy's absence, OP asked Mia to rehome the cat. Mia, citing local constraints, requested a few days to handle it.

The cat Mia brought is not as trouble-free as claimed. It's needy, whining outside and disrupting OP's uni work when let in.

The cat's disruptive behavior worsened post-Mia and Amy. Reluctantly feeding it, OP faces a low supply and dislikes the smell.

Desperate, OP contacted Mia's parents directly to take it.

Mia's parents were annoyed, asking why OP couldn't care for the cat. Due to the distance, they couldn't come immediately.

OP gave Mia's parents 48 hours to collect the cat or it goes to the local shelter, citing owner abandonment.

Mia has been incessantly calling and labeling OP as an a-hole. Scroll down to see what people had to say...

An edit from OP...

Clarifying accusations, OP questions assumptions about shelter equating to death, noting they're in the UK, considering an RSPCA shelter.

OP plans to provide details for Mia to reclaim the cat when she takes action.

Clarifying, "after Christmas" for Amy's return doesn't mean January 1st due to illness. The timeframe is uncertain.

Not the cat's keeper, just the message deliverer. Clearly set a timeline—her cat, her responsibility to find accommodations.

Cat declined as +1, not a fan. Shelter or a sitting fee – meow or never.

Roommate's cat, her responsibility. Ample warning was given!

"It sounds like she is just being lazy, inconsiderate, and cheap."

OP's tale is a fur-ball of a reminder: In roommate relations, it's not just about sharing the fridge, but also sharing the decision-making. It's less 'cat's meow' and more 'paws for thought' when it comes to respecting each other's pet peeves—literally.

Comment down your thoughts, or share this article for all your family and friends to see!

Sophia