Should I Return My Cat to the Breeder? AITA for Keeping Him?

Are you the jerk for holding onto your cat instead of giving it back to the breeder? Here's the scoop: one Reddit user shared their Maine Coon cattery experience, where they were offered a male cat for a reduced rate under the condition that he would be treated well and neutered.

The twist? Their skittish rescue cat isn't a fan of other felines but somewhat tolerates the new addition, dubbed "the himbo" and "bitchcraft." However, things took a turn when the breeder requested the male cat back for breeding purposes, causing discomfort and pushiness from the breeder's end.

The Redditor is conflicted, feeling torn between the breeder's financial concerns and their cat's well-being. The thread teems with advice and judgments, with many siding with the original poster's decision to keep the cat.

Some users criticize the breeder's motives, labeling them as sketchy and untrustworthy. Others emphasize the importance of the cat's welfare over breeder demands, highlighting the ethical dilemma at play.

As the discussion unfolds, opinions vary on whether the Redditor should stand their ground or comply with the breeder's requests. The situation raises questions about responsibility, ethics, and pet ownership, sparking a heated debate within the Reddit community.

Original Post

Backstory: we’ve always wanted a Maine C**n. Got one a few years ago that turned out to be a wish.com Maine C**n.

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

**Important context: we have a very skittish, came from a hoarding colony, seized by the council cat. 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’s 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 (1. Feb).

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 realised that he’s not going to try and beat her. We accepted, and thought that was that.

Confirmed that we would like to keep him 8/9 of February and paid a symbolic amount for microchip transfer on the 10th. Yesterday, 19/2, we got a message that they would like him back “for a few days”, because one of their girls weren’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 on 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 mind if he came back smelling weird again.

He’s also just a little baby cat (2) and isn’t titled. AITA??

Ethical Considerations in Pet Ownership

When it comes to pet ownership, ethical considerations play a significant role in decision-making. Dr. David Favre, a professor at Michigan State University, argues that pet owners must consider the welfare of the animal, particularly when rehoming is involved.

Research suggests that pets can experience stress and behavioral issues during transitions, making it essential for owners to reflect on the long-term implications of their decisions.

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According to Dr. Esther Perel, a renowned couples therapist, "Animals, much like humans, thrive in environments where they feel safe and secure." The emotional and psychological well-being of pets should be a central concern for any pet owner, especially when considering rehoming. Furthermore, Dr. Daniel Goleman, an expert on emotional intelligence, emphasizes that "understanding the emotional needs of our pets can lead to more compassionate and informed decisions." Recognizing the responsibilities of pet ownership can help owners navigate these challenging choices with empathy.

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The Emotional Bond Between Humans and Animals

The bond between humans and their pets is profound and often comparable to familial relationships. Dr. John Archer, a psychologist known for his work on human-animal relationships, notes that pets fulfill emotional needs and provide companionship.

Breaking this bond can lead to feelings of loss and guilt, which can affect both the owner and the pet. This emotional connection underscores the importance of careful consideration before deciding to return a pet.

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Practical solutions for pet owners facing dilemmas about rehoming include exploring alternatives such as fostering or seeking support from animal behaviorists. Studies show that many behavioral issues can be addressed with training and environmental adjustments rather than resorting to rehoming.

Engaging in open discussions with family and professionals can also provide valuable insights and support, helping owners make decisions that prioritize the welfare of the animal while considering their own circumstances.

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We'd love to hear your take on this situation. Share your thoughts below.

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Psychological Analysis

This scenario encapsulates the emotional complexity often involved in pet ownership decisions. The bond between humans and animals is profound, and returning a pet can evoke feelings of guilt and loss that are difficult to navigate.

It's essential for pet owners to weigh the emotional and ethical implications of their decisions carefully, considering both their needs and the welfare of the animal.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, pet ownership carries ethical and emotional responsibilities that are significant for both the owner and the animal. Research consistently emphasizes the importance of understanding these dynamics to make informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of pets.

By fostering open communication and exploring all options, owners can navigate these challenges with compassion and responsibility.