Am I Overreacting for Being Upset About My Wife Getting 2 Mice for the Kids?

AITA for being upset my wife keeps bringing pets home without discussion, despite complaining about caring for them?

Damjan

Published in Interesting
7 Oct 2025

Am I Overreacting for Being Upset About My Wife Getting 2 Mice for the Kids?

Are you the one in the wrong for being upset that your wife brought home 2 mice for the kids? Let's delve into this intriguing situation.

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It all started with a history of impulsive pet acquisitions, from cats to a beagle puppy to even hermit crabs. And now, the latest addition - 2 mice.

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Despite her previous complaints about pet responsibilities and the desire to have no more animals, here come the rodents. The community seems to lean towards your side, pointing out the importance of discussing such decisions and the significance of shared responsibility when it comes to pets.

Some even suggest that this behavior might be a sign of a deeper issue, like animal hoarding tendencies, which could benefit from counseling. The key question remains: Are you overreacting, or is there a valid reason for your discontent?

The thread reflects a mix of perspectives, from condemning the impulsive pet acquisitions to suggesting potential underlying psychological factors. As the discussion unfolds, it raises intriguing points about pet ownership, responsibility, and communication within relationships.

So, what's your take on the matter?

Original Post

Some backstory - My (35M) wife (32F) got 2 cats when they were stray kittens years ago. In our pre-engagement days I saw a cute beagle puppy and said something along the lines of wanting one - FF less than a week later...

boom we have a beagle puppy. 5 years into marriage she comes home from the beach with 2 hermit crabs (one had a heat stroke within a month after she left them in her car during the summer).

Today, she comes home with a tank, the accessories for rodents, and 2 mice (the smell was in the air before I even saw them). Some additional backstory - she has/had up to a 1/2 dozen dogs living at her parents house from her previous relationships (a few have passed away).

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She’s always complaining about the animal hair around the house and having to clean up cat poop. She’s also stated numerous times how she can’t wait until the animals are gone and how she doesn’t want anymore.

Yet, here we are! She knew I was pissed as soon as she brought them in and I saw them.

The only question remains, AITA for it?

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