Man asks if he's wrong to insist pregnant wife care for 'her' cat he never wanted.
'AITA for tell my wife the cat is still her responsibility even if she is pregnant?'
My wife (28) and I (36) are expecting out first baby. 3 years ago my wife decided she desperately wanted a cat. I hate cats and all animals in the house really so I was against it. She wouldn’t stop talking about so finally we made a deal she could get a cat but it was her responsibility I would have nothing to do with it she agreed.
She stuck to her word and I stuck to mine I mostly ignore the cat. Now she is pregnant and asked me if I can scoop the litter until she give birth because of toxoplasmosis, but I looked it up and as long as she wears gloves and washes her hands she should be good. So I told her absolutely not [Editor's note: This isn't exactly accurate – see below for CDC guideance].
She wasn’t happy but I reminded her of our agreement when we got the cat. I told her it was her responsibility and if she didn’t want to take care of it anymore with the new baby coming we can get rid of it and find it a new home.
She said no and has been scooping the litter. Her sister was over and saw her doing this and flipped out at me telling how dangerous it is. But of course her sister is going to be on her side and overreact. I never wanted the cat so I don’t seehow I’m wrong.
However, from the CDC:
If you are pregnant or immunocompromised:
'1. Avoid changing cat litter if possible. If no one else can perform the task, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.'
'2. Keep cats indoors. This is because cats become infected with Toxoplasma through hunting and eating rodents, birds, or other small animals that are infected with the parasite.'
'3. Do not adopt or handle stray cats, especially kittens. Do not get a new cat while you are pregnant or immunocompromised.'
Here's what people said in the comments:
DistributionHuge8163 writes:
The vet clinic cares more about their employees than this man cares about his pregnant wife.
This dude is about to get absolutely rolled by parenthood.
If his wife gets a 4th degree tear and has a colicky baby who nurses until her nipple cracks and nearly falls off he’s going to be demanding she feed the cats because they had a “deal”.
A**hole isn’t a big enough word to capture what this guy is.
exsanguinatrix writes:
Solid birth control and shoring me up on the “NEVER EVER trust someone who baldheadedly says they hate any animal but especially cats” front.
BGkitten writes:
My first thought too. “I never wanted the cat.” That’s fine, but he wants the baby, right?
Bananapanda123 writes:
OP, we get you didn’t want the cat. Do you want your wife? Do you want your baby? Cause I promise you scooping out the litter box is not the last thing you’re going to need to do for the health and safety of your family that you don’t actually want to do. It might just be the easiest.
Mykittenismychicken writes:
On top of this. Major YTA. I’m pregnant as well and my doctor told me specifically that even with gloves and a mask it’s a no go. Stop being lazy and help your wife!