Roommate situation?

Question

Here's the situation. I've lived with my roommate for about 7-8 months, and so far things have been okay. We had one rough patch, but got through it just fine without any hurt feelings at the end. I work evenings and he works days so we don't see each other very often. I got home tonight from a not-so-hot day, and my cat is locked in my bedroom. This has happened before so I didn't think anything of it, until he came out of his room to talk to me about it. Apparently my cat had ruined something of his, and he was really angry about it. So he told me to pay for it, and that I now have to lock the cat in my room when I leave for work. I was caught off gaurd so all I said was "okay." Now, though, I'm beginning to get upset about it. I asked him REPEATEDLY before getting my cat if this would be okay with him, and he told me it would be...over and over. I'm just not sure what my next step should be, and I could use some help. Any advice is appreciated!

Just a little clarification (sorry it wasn't clearer earlier): This is the first thing the cat has ruined since we got him 6 months ago (and he's a kitten still). Whatever was damaged was something that dangled and I'm sure he just thought it was a toy. Anyway, the thing that upset me was not that he told me to pay for it. It's obviously my responsibility, it was just the way he addressed the situation...very much an attack. He brought up other things that piss him off about having a cat around (aka, cat hair on his stuff), but has never said anything before. It struck me as immature to save it all to throw in my face at once. But I don't understand why he doesn't shut his bedroom door and let the cat wander when no one is home, as all of the problems he has stem from something to do with his bedroom. Anyway, I think that might clarify what was upsetting to me.

Answer 1

if the cat tore something of his up then yes, you need to pay for it, that is only right, your cat your responsibility, im sure when he said you could get a cat he didnt plan on his stuff being torn up. If I were you I would get rid of the cat. The cat is obviously going to continue tearing things up and its not fair to the cat to have to stay in your room the whole time you are not there, If giving the cat up is not an option then, I wouldplan on moving and letting your roommmate know when your lease is up you will be moving.

Answer 2

In all fairness, when you asked about getting a cat, he couldn't have known the cat would ruin any of his stuff. Now that he knows this, it does seem reasonable for you to pay for anything your cat has ruined and keep the cat quarantined in some way when you are not around. It's possible your roommate could have used a little more tact in discussing this, but when its all said and done, you are responsible for your cat just like someday you will be responsible for your kids. Its called consequences. If you don't want the consequences, get rid of the cat. Calm down and use some reason. Then make an adult decision. Do the right thing.

Answer 3

You know this is very difficult situation, first he agreed that it would be OK with your cat, now it's not. You really need to get over being upset...if anything you should be mad at the cat, anything and everything that your cat damages, it's your responsibility to replace it, whether you like it or not, it's just like having a child. keeping the cat in your bedroom with litter box and food and water is not going to hurt the cat. If you can't agree on this you need to move into your own place, sorry but your roommate is right about this, good luck

Answer 4

What did the cat destroy and where was this object?
If the object was in his room then I would say you should replace it, not pay for it.
If the object was in the other areas of the house then I would say no.
Also explain to him that you do not want your cat locked up in your room all day, you asked him about the cat, he agreed and you pay your half of the rent.
Also tell him if he's not happy with this then maybe you two should find other roomates.

Answer 5

As roommates, both of you must sit down and talk matters out. All the A-Z problems must be sorted and make some ground rules towards the house e.g the dos and donts and most importantly about pets.
However, there must be some give & take in the negotiations.

Good Luck

Answer 6

i think that you both should compromise. Yes he said you could get the cat, and it wouldnt bother him, but he also couldnt predict that your cat was going to misbehave and ruin his stuff. i think you both should close your doors. and if the cat ruins stuff in the living room or areas that it has access to, then sorry, but move out or get rid of it. ive had the same situation with roommates, i dont care what you have just make sure you train it to not destroy my stuff.

Answer 7

If you want things to work out with your roommate, you need to do the right thing and pay for the damage.

Answer 8

lose the cat, there nasty