My husband is spending more and more time with another female...
By Suzieqmom
@Suzieqmom (2755)
United States
January 11, 2013 5:49pm CST
Sad to say, after almost 20 years of marriage, another beautiful female is now occupying a lot of my husband's time...LOL. It's our cat Cleo, who absolutely ADORES my husband. Every time he sits down, she jumps on his lap and makes herself comfortable. She won't move, but sits there kneeding him and cooing. She sits on the counter at every meal and talks to him--chattering away, purring as he walks by. And he chatters back at her...and she follows him around the house, crying at the door if he goes into a room and shuts the door behind him...
Now I have been putting up with this for a long time. But lately it has been getting worse and worse. She is now almost 15, so she is developing some arthritis and doesn't like to climb the stairs as much as she used too, and she sleeps even more now than before. So my husband sits on the couch even more, so that she can sit on his lap. (And, of course, he can watch more football at the same time...). Sometimes he stays on the couch with her for so long that he falls asleep and never makes it upstairs to bed! But he says it's ok because she will be sad if he leaves her...he even gets up early in the mornings to feed her because he is afraid she will be uncomfortable if she doesn't eat often enough...and he will carry her from place to place, wrap her up in warm blankets, and otherwise pamper her...and she eats it up, of course!
He has longer conversations with her (in cat-speak) than he does with me...and the compliments he gives her...!
I have to say, she is VERY cute...so I guess it is only understandable...but sometimes it's tough having to share your husband with the princess of the house!
Anyone else have to share their spouse with a family pet?
12 people like this
20 responses
@LovingMyBabies (85290)
• Valdosta, Georgia
11 Jan 13
Geez, don't do that to me! You scared me, I was thinking oh no don't tell me anyone is being cheated on! Okay, glad I can breathe again. Lol. I don't have to share my hubbby with our dogs, he has to share me with them!
2 people like this
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
12 Jan 13
I figured the title would grab somebody's attention! LOL! Honestly, it's great that he loves her so much....but I really do have to share him with her. He will actually say that he can't get up from the couch because she is so comfortable--even if he is not! Oh yeah--and he is allergic to cats! LOL! He takes medicine every day so that she can sit on his lap.
You seem to have done a better job with your dogs, although I get most of the attention from our male cats...
Here is her picture...for some reason I couldn't attach it to the original post...
1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85290)
• Valdosta, Georgia
12 Jan 13
Aw! I think it's cute that he is so sweet to her and loves her so much! My husband does more complaining about our dogs than anything else... I wish he would be so sweet to them like your husband is to your cat!
1 person likes this
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
12 Jan 13
Yes, he's very good to her. He's pretty good to me too, but she wins, hands down!
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
12 Jan 13
Before I met John I never realised that a cat could become attached to a male BUT, I reckon our cat Flojo has her favourite..and it ain't me, purely because John will let her out whilst he smokes at the back door. I don't smoke so, obviously, she's not let out as much when John is at work..unless she begs me of course. She spends most of her time indoors you see.
I do think it's lovely when a man bonds with his cat (or is it the other way round) and the fact your cat is 15 now says it all really. Without all this love would she last as long, I wonder?
As for me, I adore older cats and one of mine lived until she was 19. Flojo has a way to go until she gets to that grand age (she'll be 6 this year) but I'm hopeful she will, just so I can have her on my lap 24/7..or will that be John's lap?
Probably!
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
12 Jan 13
How interesting. Most cats I've had whilst at my parents' were female and none of them made a fuss of my Dad. But, there again he's a bit gruff and will only stroke a cat's head if he's forced to as he has various aches and pains. In fact, one of the cats there at the moment (Ellie-Babes) sits on one of the higher stairs so Dad doesn't have to bend down as much to stroke her.
'Ain't that sweet? She will be 10 this year and her daughter Soxx will be 9.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
12 Jan 13
That is very sweet...cats are so intelligent, aren't they? And they really do care about their human servants...
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
12 Jan 13
I am sure having his affection has helped her last this long, and still remain relatively healthy. Our real "success" story was our cat Simba...he was diagnosed with IBD and pancreatitis when he was 2 years old, then developed diabetes when he was 5...he needed 3 pills and two insulin shots a day, and lived until he was 14, when he finally succumbed to cancer. He was my baby--he used to "pet" my hair with his paws, and give me kitty kisses....there were many nights that I spent on the couch with him, especially as he was declining....so I can't really blame my husband, can I?
I think female cats have a tendency to bond with their "daddy", just like little girls do...I hope your Flojo lasts for a long, long time...but she will probably spend more time on your husband's lap than yours!
@bellis716 (4799)
• United States
13 Jan 13
The cat was supposed to be my Christmas present, but he preferred my husband from the beginning. I kept telling myself that it was because a retired man has more time to just sit than a woman does. The saddest thing is that we got to keep him less than 6 years. We had to put him down because of inoperable kidney problems. Very sad day for both of us.
1 person likes this
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
15 Jan 13
Oh, that is sad, but at least he had a loving home for those years. I actually picked Cleo out and brought her home, so she was supposed to be my cat too. But she adopted my husband...you might be right about the more time to sit thing--and I don't think it's just retired men!
@CODYMAC (1356)
• San Diego, California
12 Jan 13
Very cute indeed. Well I guess that my brother's room mates cat loves me then. It does the same thing. She hates being petted and I really do not like being clawed, but she sometimes likes to sleep on my lap. I have only been here for a month, and she only sleeps on my lap.
My fiancee is jealous and understands that this female is one I adore too...
1 person likes this
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
12 Jan 13
I think you have a new love in your life...sounds like she has picked you to be her human! Maybe your fiancee needs a cat of her own?
1 person likes this
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
15 Jan 13
Then hopefully she lived a good, long life!
1 person likes this
@ZoeJoy (1392)
• United States
13 Jan 13
That is adorable and I like how you wrote your post. :)
My husband and I decided now that we have an empty nest, we don't want any pets. We are free to go anywhere we want, now that our kids have left home. And we don't want to worry about pets. Perhaps that will change as we get older and less mobile. But for now, we just don't want any pets to get between us. :)
Take lots of photos, I am sure your husband is going to miss his princess.
My sister has a cat that is almost 15 years old. He is getting cranky, as he is so old. But my sister still just adores her cat.
1 person likes this
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
13 Jan 13
I do takes lots of pictures--I have tons of each of our cats (and quite a few of the kids too!).
Cleo is not really cranky--she is very friendly, but she has always been a bit snooty--she is truly a beautiful princess and acts like one!
My husband and I thought we would stop getting pets after our original bunch had passed--Cleo is the last of them. However, somehow we have managed to acquire three more YOUNG cats, so we will have cats running around long after our kids move out, I think....
1 person likes this
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
12 Jan 13
Yeah, he's a good guy...the fact that we have had 6 cats altogether since we have been married, and he's allergic to cats says a lot...but he loves cats too, and he spoils them all. He builds toys for them, buys special treats for them--he even got them a water filter so they would always have running water!
I like writing humorous posts from time to time--it's more fun!
1 person likes this
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
12 Jan 13
At least you don't need to turn up the heat or grab extra blankets...unless you end up on the floor, of course!
1 person likes this
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
12 Jan 13
On any given night, I have a cat or two and/or a kid or two who have climbed into bed with us...there is definitely not enough space for all of us! That's one of the reasons my husband ends up just sleeping on the couch with Cleo--at least he has room to stretch his legs!
1 person likes this
@enchantedleppard (1541)
• United States
11 Jan 13
Haha Suzie, I thought for sure this post was going to go differently than the way it started. I can certainly empathize with you. My boyfriend of 6 years is my cats main squeeze.. She thinks the sun rises and sets on his shoulders. All he has to do is drop his hand down on the floor and she comes running. I always joke that we can never break up because I'd lose my cat, but seriously, its so true. She would never understand if he disappeared. I wish him and I had that kind of relationship :) Have you told him how you feel though? I know it sounds silly, but I sure wish he'd treat me half as nice as he does our pets. I would purr too! Best of luck to you.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
12 Jan 13
Actually, I don't mind (except when he is using it as an excuse not to help with the dishes or something). The funny thing is, I picked her out and brought her home, so technically she is my cat. But she adopted him right away and it has been love ever since!
1 person likes this
@elitess (5070)
• Ipswich, England
12 Jan 13
I wonder hoy many people will reply here that you are being cheated by the other woman :))
Good tittle to misslead those who choose to answer without reading.
Now on the subject, she is already pretty old and seeing how she has only a few years left I don't think it's a big problem but you could draw a hint to him that you would like a little more attention, or you could try to make it happen in a sexy way ? Let your imagination run wild :).
1 person likes this
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
12 Jan 13
Actually, I would like him to give more attention to the dishes, the laundry, etc...it's amazing how many times she climbs into his lap when there are chores to be done!
I love Cleo a lot too--she has been with us for all of her 15 years. And she is a very affectionate cat to all of us--but she just LLLLOOOOVVVEEESSSS my husband!
1 person likes this
@marguicha (220820)
• Chile
12 Jan 13
I loved your post, Suzie! I think that even if you share your hubby with another female, think that she´s a lot older than you. I understand your husband. I remember when my Misty was very old I took much better care of her than what I did when she was young. Can{t you join them and make a trio? THey say it´s very hot.
@marguicha (220820)
• Chile
12 Jan 13
Well, you know how women are! They go after men without any modesty!
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
12 Jan 13
And she just prances around, cooing and making eyes at him...
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
12 Jan 13
LOL...well, we actually do have a trio with our other female cat Sookie, who sleeps on our bed with us but--that's another story!
Cleo loves me too, and I spend lots of time snuggling with her as well, especially now that she is older. And she sits on my lap or next to me too. But the minute my husband walks into the room, that's it--I'm toast. She can't get to him fast enough!
It's very cute, actually.
@Aja103654 (5646)
• Philippines
18 Apr 13
Oh, it's a cat LOL. I thought it was a real woman. If it were, I'd go crazy.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
20 Apr 13
Yes, I was trying to be humorous--because it really is funny to see him sit down and then two seconds later she is on his lap settling in for the night!
@Aja103654 (5646)
• Philippines
21 Apr 13
The cat must really like your husband. I wonder why?
My boyfriend likes cats and dogs. He whistles to call attention of any stray cat or dog he finds and starts to touch them. Even when it's cute, it's still unsanitary.
LOL, I understand. having a humorous and scandalous title makes it more fun for people to find out it's just a bluff and would actually be in a better mood to participate in our discussions. I did the same when I made 'I'm cheating with this 2 guys' as a title for my discussion.
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
19 Apr 13
Let him have her. You can do the same as he does. Hahahhaha. Payback time..
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
20 Apr 13
Well, since we do have 4 cats, and two are male, I can certainly try...in fact, one of our male cats follows me around constantly and loves sitting on my lap too!
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
20 Apr 13
There you go.. a real wild party you can have there. have a good day there...
@leeandrew (1225)
• Philippines
12 Jan 13
Hahaha. I was sad when I saw that title that your husband is spending time with another girl, but it makes me laugh when I continue reading and saw that it was your cat. It's the same her, my hubby is too occupied keeping his fish full and his aquarium clean.
I got jealous sometimes though co's hubby is always at work and when he's home I want him to spend his time with us (me and my little girl). But cleaning the aquarium would take so much of her time and I argued about it with him.
I am okay with it now though.
1 person likes this
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
12 Jan 13
It sounds like he really takes good care of his fish...hopefully he spends time with you and your daughter too...it's tough taking care of pets; they can take a lot of our free time.
1 person likes this
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
19 Feb 13
Thanks--yes, he does love the cats and takes very good care of them...I am teaching our boys to be the same way.
@wilsongoddard (7291)
• United States
12 Jan 13
Well, as I type this, I have 10 pounds of snoring cat on my lap. Although, if I move, he will transfer to his Daddy's lap.
We have three cats. They all take turns claiming one or the other of us.
It sounds like your little girl is developing some separation anxiety as she ages. My late male dog was like that during about the last year of his life; he wanted Mommy next to him all of the time, and he'd get upset if I had to leave him even though his fuzzy siblings and a couple of his feline cousins were usually with him.
I'm glad that your husband is treating your little princess as she should be treated.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
12 Jan 13
We have four cats--they are all friendly and are happy to receive attention from all of us, but Cleo definitely prefers my husband. I used to have a beautiful male maine koon named Simba who was absolutely attached to me, but he passed away last year. Now one of our other male cats, Muffin, has adopted me as his favorite. Both male cats like playing with our two (human) boys as well...
You may be right about the separation anxiety, although she has always followed him around and meowed at him. But she definitely wants him to be close by more foten now. He used to work from home and she was in heaven; now she mopes around until he gets home!
He treats all of our cats very well (as do we all) but Cleo is definitely his favorite...
@cupkitties (7421)
• United States
12 Jan 13
Our families Labrador is like this. She is very attached to my father. If he goes up stairs to his room, she'll climb up after him and sit outside the door whimpering until he comes out. She hangs out with him in his shop if he lets her and if not she'll start howling until he returns. She always sits right in front of his chair and on top of his feet. He doesn't realize how much she loves him because I told him about this and he says "She just wants her dog treats".
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
12 Jan 13
I think you are right--she is attached to him. Pets form definite attachments to "their" human--usually the one they pick out, regardless of whose pet it actually is. I bet they look very cute together...
@vidhyaprakash_2 (7116)
• India
19 Apr 13
Hi friend, good to know about your pet, as you mentioned your hubby is spending most of his time with it, which shows that he likes that cat a lot. There is nothing wrong in spending time with our pet animals, so don't worry for it
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
20 Apr 13
Yes, he really does love that cat...and I do too. It's just kind of funny to see...
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
12 Jan 13
Omg, I was already feeling sorry for you. You are so bad there. great post.. have a super weekend there.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
12 Jan 13
A little light-hearted humor on a rainy and cold Friday night...but they really are inseparable these days!
@liviaslife73 (238)
• United States
12 Jan 13
I think that is so sweet the way your husband takes such good care of her. Our pets really are our babies & most of the time they have us w/ just a look, a simple meow, or a puppy whimper....LOL I can't say that I have to share my hubby w/ my pets, but my husband does have to share me w/ our pets. I baby them just like your husband does & just like you put up with it w/ your husband my husband has to put up w/ it too. I wouldn't say I always put my pets first, but something close to that would be accurate....LOL
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
12 Jan 13
Our cats are definitely part of the family--and Cleo is the last cat alive of the three we had before we ever had kids, so she is really like a "child" to us.
I baby all of the cats as well--my husband has said that on my list of priorities, he knows that he's below the kids and the cats, but as long as he's above the frogs, he's happy!