So this happened over the holidays. My aunt came to visit. Shes one of those people who always has something rude to say, like she thinks shes being honest but really shes just mean. She never filters herself, even when nobody asked for her opinion.
We have two cats at home. One is a fluffy Himalayan, and the other is a Siamese-Himalayan mix with this cool off-white and brownish pattern. Theyre super sweet and everyone in the house loves them. Theyre like family.
While we were all hanging out, the cats came into the room like they usually do. I was petting them, and my aunt suddenly goes, Why do your cats look like that. They look dirty. Are they supposed to be that color.
I just stared at her. She kept going. Said one looked like it came from a trash pile. Said the other looked like it had mange. I was trying to stay calm, but I was seriously annoyed. These cats are clean, gentle, and honestly better company than most people.
So I said, Maybe worry less about my cats and more about your own situation. Youre out here judging animals while youre the one raising two kids that arent even yours. One is still in diapers and the other cant even finish high school. And the guy who got her pregnant left before the baby was born. So now youre stuck playing mom and grandma at the same time. But sure, go ahead and insult my cats.
She went quiet. Like, completely silent. A few minutes later she said she had to leave and just walked out. Didnt even say goodbye.
After she left, my mom pulled me aside and said I went overboard. That I should have just let it go. But I couldnt. I love my pets so much. Theyre gentle, loyal, and they never hurt anyone. And hearing someone insult them like that, especially in our own home, really hit me hard.
My mom doesnt get it. She doesnt feel the kind of pain I felt when someone disrespected something I care about that deeply. I know I snapped, but I dont regret it. I stood up for my cats. They deserve that.
Comments
NTA. People, even family need to learn to respect personal boundaries. Specially when they are inside of someone else’s home. Even if she genuinely was uneducated about cats, you don’t go inside someone’s home and insult them about anything. They were kind enough to let you in. So you keep your opinions to yourself and be thankful!
YTAH.
Cats can be like babies (well, babies that answer only to the sound of a can of tuna being opened), and like babies cats can’t control the color patterns of their bodies. Your relative was rude, if not also nonsensical, to comment on their appearance. NTA.
Ok, ya that’s clearly escalation. Your comment was WAY worse than hers. Not saying she’s not an AH, but you are as well.
ESH
NTA. Your aunt sounds like she enjoys putting people down to feel better about herself. She deserved a taste of her own medicine and you know what? if she comes back expecting an apology i would decline and say “Respectfully, the way i made you feel is the way you make me feel all the time. If you don’t like the way i acted, you need to look in the mirror and change yourself.” I know they’re just cats but to some people (myself included) they mean as much to you as children! i would die for my kitties, they’re innocent and honestly sound super sweet! Also the colors sound adorable btw🫶
NTA. Aunt can dish it, but can’t take it. She needed the reminder that you won’t stand for her bullshit anymore.
There needs to be a justified asshole option.
Because that was mean af but well earned. If someone insulted my pets I’d also go for the jugular verbally.
NTA. She fully earned that burn.
I would tell her that not only do you not intend to apologize, but you will not welcome her into your home until she apologizes.
She needs to learn that one can be honest without being an asshole and without insulting others.
YTA.
Way to escalate and do your utmost to *really* hurt your aunt for some stupid remarks that you could have laughed off as ignorance. React to pinching by getting out the shotgun. AH.
NTA If someone insulted my cats like that, they would find out just how much foul language this old sailor knows. When I was done, I would show them the door and tell them that they were no longer welcome in my house.
Horrible for someone to say something mean about a pet.
NTA My husband and I are the only ones allowed to insult our fur babies. The one is an airhead but no one else is allowed to call him stupid.