AITA for Not Returning Coworkers Cat After It Ruined My Belongings -

AITA for keeping coworker’s cat that destroyed my things? Find out if I crossed the line by sending the cat away in this workplace dilemma.

In a recent Reddit thread that has sparked a heated debate, a user sought advice after being accused of refusing to return a coworker’s cat. The user, a cat lover, agreed to temporarily care for the cat named Whiskers for two weeks, but six months later, the coworker hadn’t reclaimed the pet.

During this time, Whiskers caused significant damage to the user’s belongings, including shredding furniture and knocking over valuable items. Despite the chaos, the coworker remained silent about retrieving the cat or addressing the damage caused.

When the coworker finally demanded the cat back, the user had already sent Whiskers to stay with their sister due to the lack of communication and ongoing damage. This led to a confrontation where the coworker accused the user of stealing the cat and demanded its return along with compensation for the damages.

The user defended their actions, citing the coworker’s neglect and the need to protect their belongings. The Reddit community weighed in with a mix of opinions, some supporting the user’s decision (NTA – Not The A**hole) due to the coworker’s negligence, while others criticized the unilateral action taken (YTA – You’re The A**hole) without clear communication.

This situation raises questions about pet ownership responsibilities, communication in shared agreements, and the boundaries of personal property.

Original Post

I (28F) work alongside my coworker Denise (30F) in a small marketing firm. About six months ago, Denise asked me if I could take care of her cat for ‘just two weeks’ while she sorted out her living situation.

Being a cat lover myself, I agreed, assuming it would be a short-term arrangement. Fast forward to now, and Denise hasn’t brought up the cat at all.

In the meantime, the cat, named Whiskers, has wreaked havoc in my apartment. It shredded my couch, scratched doors, and even knocked over some valuable items.

I’ve been patient, hoping Denise would eventually take the cat back and cover the damages. But nothing.

Finally, after months of silence on her end, Denise called me angrily, demanding I return Whiskers immediately. To my surprise, I had sent the cat to stay with my sister a week earlier due to the damage it caused and Denise’s lack of communication.

Denise was furious, accusing me of essentially stealing her cat. She demanded I bring Whiskers back and compensate her for the damages.

I firmly stood my ground, explaining that her neglect and lack of updates led to this situation, and I couldn’t let her cat ruin any more of my belongings. We haven’t spoken since that call, and the tension at work is palpable.

So, Reddit, am I the a*****e for not returning Coworker Denise’s cat after it ruined my belongings, and I sent it to my sister?

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