Choosing My Cat Over My Half-Brother: AITA for Making a Stand?

AITA for prioritizing my cat over my half-brother? Dad insists on reconciliation, but my feline friend takes the cake.

Damjan

Published in Interesting
23 Dec 2025

Choosing My Cat Over My Half-Brother: AITA for Making a Stand?

In the world of family dynamics, few situations can be as complicated as those involving half-siblings and the emotional fallout from betrayal. A recent Reddit thread has sparked a lively discussion, as a young man shares his story of prioritizing his beloved cat over his half-brother after a painful incident involving infidelity.

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At just 18, this user finds himself navigating a web of familial expectations, loyalty, and personal values that many can relate to, albeit with different circumstances. The backdrop to this story is fraught with tension – the user’s father cheated on his mother, leading to the birth of his half-brother.

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Despite a previously amicable relationship, things took a turn when the half-brother crossed a significant line by engaging in a romantic relationship with the user's girlfriend. The fallout has prompted the user to make a bold statement to his father: he would always choose his cat over his half-brother.

As the thread unfolds, commenters weigh in on loyalty, family obligations, and the value of self-respect in the face of betrayal. Join the conversation and share your thoughts.

Is choosing a pet over a sibling justified? What would you do in this situation?

Original Post

I(18m) used to have a relatively good relationship with my half-brother(19), despite the fact that my dad cheated on my mom with his mom with the excuse that he thought my mom would never be able to 'provide a child.' I never blamed my half-brother for it and we got along reasonably okay up until I found out he has been sleeping with my then-girlfriend(18). Blocked and haven't talked to him for four months now.

My cat and my half-brother have the same birthday so over the past several years I would attend my half-brother's birthday party in the morning and throw my cat's birthday party afterwards. Yesterday though, I decided to have an early, extra long party for my cat instead with my mom, aunts and friends.

They all adore Claire. I didn't go to my half-brother's birthday, which caused my dad to call and say that I was being a bad brother for not forgiving my half-brother and reconciling.

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So I told him that my half-brother was the one who betrayed me and that I am not interested in conciliation. He asked me if my cat is more important so I said yes, and that I would always choose my cat over him.

Now I have three aunts. All my mom's sisters, all hate dad for cheating on her.

But one of them said I was a bit too harsh on him. Was I too harsh to my father?

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