AITA for not giving my cat back to the breeder?

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Cat Drama: A Battle Over a Beloved Feline

When a couple finally adopts a Maine Coon, they think their cat troubles are over, but a twist of fate brings unexpected challenges. After a successful trial period with their new cat, they face pressure from the previous owner to return him for breeding purposes, despite their concerns about his well-being and the impact on their existing pets. This relatable story highlights the complexities of pet ownership and the emotional bonds we form with our furry friends, raising questions about responsibility and the ethics of breeding. Can they stand their ground, or will they be forced to compromise?

Family Drama Over a Maine Coon Cat

The situation revolves around a couple who recently adopted a Maine Coon cat, leading to unexpected family drama and wedding tension. Here’s a breakdown of the events:

Background: The couple has always wanted a Maine Coon cat. They previously adopted one that did not meet their expectations.
Acquisition of New Cat: An acquaintance offered them a male Maine Coon from their cattery at a reduced rate, emphasizing the need for a good home and neutering.
Current Pets: The couple has two other cats: a skittish rescue cat and another cat known for her difficult temperament.
Trial Period: They agreed to a trial period for the new cat to assess compatibility. The new cat turned out to be submissive, easing tensions with the existing pets.
Decision to Keep: After confirming compatibility, they decided to keep the new cat and paid a symbolic amount for the microchip transfer.

However, the situation took a turn:

Unexpected Request: The cattery contacted them, requesting the return of the new cat for a few days due to a female cat not being pregnant as expected.
Concerns Raised: The couple expressed hesitation, as their new cat was scheduled for neutering soon and had just begun to settle in.
Pushy Behavior: The cattery insisted on taking the cat for breeding, even suggesting bringing the female cat to their home instead.
Further Complications: The couple agreed to the female cat visiting while their cats were out, but the cattery continued to push for taking the male cat back.

The couple is now feeling uncomfortable with the entire situation:

Neutering Concerns: They worry that if the cattery takes their cat back, he might miss his scheduled neutering.
Behavioral Issues: They are concerned that their existing cats would react negatively if the new cat returned with unfamiliar scents.
Financial Pressure: The cattery has been emphasizing the value of the cats, adding to the couple’s discomfort.

In light of these events, the couple is left questioning their stance:

Conflict Resolution: They are seeking advice on how to handle the pushy requests from the cattery while ensuring the well-being of their pets.
Family Dynamics: The situation has created tension, as they navigate their responsibilities as pet owners against external pressures.

Ultimately, the couple is left wondering: AITA for wanting to keep our new cat and refusing to return him for breeding?

This is Original story from Reddit

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Story

Backstory: we’ve always wanted a Maine Coon. We got one a few years ago that turned out to be a wish.com Maine Coon.

One of our acquaintances runs a Maine Coon cattery, and due to a lack of genetic diversity, they needed to rehome their two male cats. We were offered one of the males at an extremely reduced rate to ensure that he would a) be treated like a prince and b) be neutered, and not just bred again.

Important context: we have a very skittish cat who came from a hoarding colony seized by the council. She’s a rescue and our little angel who can do no wrong. She’s also not fond of other cats but tolerates cat 2, who is affectionately known as the bitchcraft.

We thanked them for thinking of us as suitable and asked if he could come on a few days’ trial to see how the cats’ chemistry would be on February 1st. It turns out he’s a total himbo and a very submissive cat, so while she isn’t fond of him, she’s also very quickly realized that he’s not going to try and beat her.

We accepted and thought that was that. We confirmed that we would like to keep him on February 9th and paid a symbolic amount for the microchip transfer on the 10th.

Yesterday, on the 19th, we got a message that they would like him back for a few days because one of their girls wasn’t pregnant like they thought she was.

We’re super hesitant, as they’ve only just started jelling. He’s scheduled to be neutered this coming Monday.

They then pushed that they could pick him up in the morning and drop him off at night and that he’d get the job done. We again said that we’re not comfortable with him leaving the house, and they asked if they could instead bring the female to our house to breed.

Our girls are scheduled to be out of the house for a few hours this weekend, so we agreed, but now they’re talking about taking him with them.

We’re super uncomfortable with the whole situation since it was stipulated by them to get him neutered ASAP, and now they want him back. We’re also worried they’d keep him beyond the scheduled time if he doesn’t breed her, and then he’d miss his neuter.

They’re being super pushy and now doing some weird “do you know how much these cats sell for?” spiel.

Our argument is that he’s only just stopped calling for his old household and that our girls would lose their minds if he came back smelling weird again. He’s also just a little baby cat 2 and isn’t titled.

AITA?

View the Original Reddit Post Here

Summary of Reddit Comments

The top Reddit comments indicate a strong consensus that the original poster (OP) is not at fault (NTA) for their decision regarding the cat. Many users express concern over the acquaintance’s unethical breeding practices and suggest that the OP should not feel obligated to return the cat or comply with their demands. The comments emphasize the importance of animal welfare and the OP’s right to protect their pet from potential exploitation.

Verdict: NTA

Expert Advice for Resolving the Conflict

It’s understandable that you’re feeling overwhelmed by the situation with the cattery and the pressure to return your new Maine Coon cat. Here are some practical steps to help you navigate this conflict while prioritizing the well-being of your pets:

Steps to Take

Communicate Clearly with the Cattery:
- Draft a polite but firm message to the cattery outlining your concerns. Emphasize that your new cat has settled in well and that you have scheduled his neutering.
- Express your discomfort with their insistence on taking him back for breeding, highlighting your commitment to his welfare.
Set Boundaries:
- Make it clear that you are not willing to return the cat for breeding purposes. You can suggest that you are open to discussing other arrangements, such as temporary visits from the female cat, but only under controlled circumstances.
- Establish a timeline for any discussions, indicating that you need time to consider your options without pressure.
Consult with a Veterinarian:
- Schedule a visit with your veterinarian to discuss the neutering process and any potential behavioral issues that may arise from the new cat’s interactions with your existing pets.
- Ask for advice on how to manage the introduction of the new cat to your household and any precautions you should take if the cattery continues to push for his return.
Document Everything:
- Keep a record of all communications with the cattery, including dates, times, and the content of conversations. This documentation may be useful if the situation escalates.
- Take notes on your cat’s behavior and health during this period to support your case if needed.
Seek Support:
- Talk to friends or family members who understand your situation and can provide emotional support. They may also offer practical advice based on their experiences.
- Consider reaching out to local animal welfare organizations for guidance on how to handle the cattery’s demands and ensure your cat’s safety.
Prioritize Your Pets’ Well-Being:
- Focus on creating a stable and loving environment for your new cat and existing pets. Their comfort and happiness should be your top priority.
- Be prepared to stand your ground if the cattery continues to pressure you. Remember that you have the right to protect your pets from potential exploitation.

By taking these steps, you can assert your rights as a pet owner while ensuring the well-being of your animals. Remember, it’s important to trust your instincts and prioritize what is best for your pets in this situation.

Join the Discussion

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What do you think? Would you have handled this differently?
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