A content creator took to Reddit to seek advice on whether she would be wrong for rehoming a stray cat that has been causing her resident feline significant stress. The woman explained that while her boyfriend has grown attached to the stray, her own cat’s health is at risk due to the animal’s presence.
The Backstory
The woman and her boyfriend moved into a farmhouse three years ago, where they live with her orange cat, a Golden Retriever, and his Labrador puppy. All pets coexisted peacefully, and her cat became the “star” of her content creation business, frequently appearing in viral pet videos.
However, six months ago, a stray orange cat appeared in their shed. Concerned for its well-being during winter, the couple provided food, heat lamps, and a heated cat house. After checking for a microchip and local lost-pet listings with no success, they continued caring for the cat outdoors.
A History of Stress
The woman revealed that her cat has a severe reaction to other felines—a previous attempt to introduce a kitten a year ago resulted in a near-fatal stress reaction, leading to $4,000 in vet bills. To avoid a repeat, they kept the stray outside.
But as the weather warmed, the stray began spending more time near the house, causing her cat to exhibit stress behaviors—including litter box avoidance and territorial pacing.
A Relationship Dilemma
When she suggested rehoming the stray, her boyfriend became upset, expressing his attachment to the cat. Though she initially dropped the issue, she now plans to give the cat to a co-worker seeking a pet, believing it’s the best solution for both animals.
Reddit’s Response
Most commenters agreed that rehoming the stray is necessary, given the resident cat’s health risks. However, many criticized the idea of doing so without her boyfriend’s consent.
“Obviously the cat can’t stay, not sure why your boyfriend doesn’t understand that after the $4,000 vet bills,” one user wrote. Others urged transparency, with one advising, “Put your foot down, but don’t deceive him.”
The situation highlights the challenges of balancing pet welfare, personal attachments, and relationship dynamics when caring for animals.
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