My girlfriend wants a cat, and I am allergic. She says it's either a cat or I go!!!?

Question

Basically, she is aching for a cat. She says she loves them and since we don't want children, she at least wants a pet. She tells me I can take allergy medcine, but I HATE cats. They are sneaky and ugly and they scare me. Plus I sneeze and get so sick. We live in the city, so it would have to stay indoors. I don't want to lose her. What can I do???

Answer 1

Absolutely fascinating! The stories you weave are truly entertaining.

Answer 2

"I just dont know how to tell my girlfriend that the cat isn't going to happen with her understanding." You can't. If she doesn't understand now, she never will. If you are truly allergic (and not just using that as a convenient excuse), then why would you want to be with a woman who DOESN'T CARE about your health? The cat will live 10 to 15 years, and presumably she'll want another after that, so you'd be on medication the rest of your life if you stay with her. Don't waste your time--and hers--being stuck in a relationship that will eventually fall apart, when you can both be out there looking for a more suitable partner. If getting a cat is that important to her--and that is entirely her decision to make--you two don't belong together. Yes, this *is* an issue to break up over, though do it nicely if possible. No different than one partner wanting kids and the other not wanting to be a parent. Irreconcilable. BTW, while cats can be moody and sneaky, usually they're not. They can be great pets, especially for people who don't have the time necessary to own a dog. But you get back what you put into them, and a lot of people pretty much ignore the cat after it's not "cute" anymore, so their cats probably are moody and sneaky. Maybe those are the only ones you've met.

Answer 3

Well, maybe you could meet half-way on this. She wants a cat, but your allergic. So, maybe consider another pet. That way she has a pet and you don't get sick. Or maybe she could keep the cat in only one room so that you don't have to be near the cat all the time. You would still probably sneeze some but not as much.
If she won't have any other pet or do anything,maybe you should leave. You could still stay boyfriend and girlfriend,but just live on your own. If she wants to have a cat over your health then obviously she doesn't care much for you.

Answer 4

I am a cat person, but I would never choose a cat over a gf. Rather find a fellow cat hater like yourself. It's quite ok. Easier on both of you too.

Seems your gf already decided. Accept it, you lost out to a furry animal you hate dude. Give in, and soon the cat will be sleeping on your pillow when you're not around.

Rather move out now and send her a wind-up toy cat in the mail as a form of apology. Remember to add a note saying: "I love you dearly, but sorry pet, this is the only type of cat I could ever live with."

Answer 5

First of all, cats aren't sneaky and ugly. They're great pets. I'd have one but my dh is allergic to them, so in order to honor him & help him to be healthy and happy, I forgo having a cat.

Now on to your girlfriend. If she's making you choose between living life with a pet that you're allergic to or her leaving, let her go. She's not worth your time or energy if she's that shallow and selfish.

Our solution was to get a small dog (in our case a mini dachshund) which gives us some of the benefits of having a cat...she sits on my lap and is a great companion...without the allergy meds and such.
SG

Answer 6

She doesn't respect you if she cant realize that you are allergic and that is serious business.

Allergy medicine will only work for so long. With cats living for 15-20 years, your medication needs will continue to increase.

I would start looking for a new place -- chances are that someone who doesn't respect you like that won't stay with you much longer.

Answer 7

Obviously she doesn't care about you. My hubby is allergic to peanuts and I was highly addicted to Reese's. I gave them up while he is around. If he is gone for the weekend then I eat them, otherwise, no! Allergy pills can make you very dowsy, unable to work, and may not fight off the entire allergy, which means you may stop breathing. As much as you don't want to loose her, she is not a keeper. Would you ever do anything that would threaten her life? Her answer to that question about you would be yes! Think about it

Answer 8

Cats are adorable. There is one breed that is allergy free, however it is quite expensive. There is also a hairless breed. Being a fellow cat lover myself, I honestly couldn't imagine a home without cats in it AND I did make sure my husband liked them when we first got together, because had he not, I doubt the relationship would have continued.

Answer 9

If it weren't for the allergies, I'd tell you to give them a chance, but she should have more consideration for your health. Try and see if there's some kind of other pet that would satisfy both of you, or encourage her to volunteer at the animal shelter.

Answer 10

Well if she would put a cat above you, then you have serious problems. You should leave. You really should not be posted in this section since you are not married or facing a divorce.

Also are you a Lesbian?- you really should post in the appropriate section.

Answer 11

It's not hard to get allergy medicine. You might want to find one that works for you b/f actually getting a cat.
You have to decide if you hate cats more than you love your g/f? simple as that...
Is there not one pet you could both want?