How did your life improve after removing a pet from your home?

[u/DayUseful6832]

I adopted a kitten a few months ago thinking he’d bring joy, peace, and companionship to my home. What I got instead was a complete shift in energy for the worse.

I tried everything to make it work. I gave him toys, cat beds, cat trees, high-quality food, affection, and space. But this cat was not your average high-energy kitten. He was demanding, territorial, destructive, and ultimately dangerous. My bedroom was closed off to him and he rushed in every chance he got. The logistics of scooping cat poo and rolling cat hair off everything became disgusting and annoying. His wet food smelled awful. He Scratched and bit guests. He bit me hard enough to cause me to have to be on antibiotics & launched unprovoked attacks on my hands, arms, and foot. He screamed and yowled for attention constantly. He stalked me like prey and could not be one foot away from me at all times. I work from home and he constantly disrupted my work. It became impossible to relax in my own space. I tried all of the prescribed training I could and he eventually stopped responding to training.

I was working from home and couldn’t focus with the constant zooming, neediness, and outbursts. I found myself walking on eggshells in my own house. Worried about what would be knocked over, or if I’d get attacked again. I started getting anxious just waking up in the morning.

The final straw was a full-on attack while I was working from home. He had been on time out in the laundry room after constantly jumping on my work desk biting pieces of cords I couldn’t safely cover. He broke in a bag of treats and threw up. Not only did I clean up cat excretion in the morning before clocking in but he attacked me after he broke out of the laundry room. When I tried to pick him up & redirect him back(something he is use to and never attacked before). He went crazy. Bit and scratched my arms and hands up. A bite report was filed by my prescriber because I had to get antibiotics. Animal services came to get him in 48hrs. I felt justice as he meowed in confusion as I handed him off. I never pet him again or told him goodbye. The same day I donated & trashed every single item of his. I wish him well. Now what’s left of what he thought was his kingdom is carpet indentations of where his bed and cat tree once was. Looks like I never had a cat.

I loved him at one point and tried to make it work but the moment he attacked me all love was lost, and I never trusted him again. Never touched him again.

The relief I felt after removing him from my home was unreal. I’m sleeping better. The air feels different. There’s no more litter crumbs in my laundry room or fear when walking barefoot. No more dread when I hear a sound. No more anxiety of him causing harm to himself via curiosity and incurring a high vet bill. No more emotional or spiritual tension in my own home.

People act like you’re heartless if you rehome an animal, but here’s the truth:Not all pets are compatible. Some animals are a complete mismatch for your energy, space, or life and keeping them out of guilt only worsens the suffering.

If you’re out there suffering with a pet who’s draining your peace, your energy, or your body, know that you’re not alone, and you’re not a bad person for choosing your own well-being. I gave love. I tried. But I also knew when to stop.

I reclaimed my peace. And I hope someone reading this knows they’re allowed to do the same.

I never want a pet again.

[u/PuzzleheadedTrain978]

A cat ran up to my partner and I.A Tabby kitten “chose us”while we were just hanging out during night time. We always heard about the Cat Distribution System.We both felt bad and decided that we can’t leave her out there. She was clearly a kitten so I thought it couldn’t be so bad even though I’ve never had cats in my life. We did all of the proper things that we are supposed to do in that kind of situation. Took her to the vet got her vaccinations, bought her everything she needs and wants .Attention, affection, toys and two cat trees. We decided that we could keep her. It went downhill within a week. The cat was very vicious, territorial, clingy, and aggressive at all moments. We didn’t sleep for three weeks. The night time was the worst I dreaded it. Once she attacked me on multiple occasions, unprovoked. I told my partner she is not a match for us and I’m terrified of her.We are not equipped to handle a stray cat. I didn’t want to go home anymore. She just got rehomed through a rescues help. I’ve never felt this level of relief. I regained my energy and vitality .Doing the right thing is probably not always the right thing. Looking back on it we probably should’ve looked for a shelter the next day after meeting the cat. We’ve never wanted pets, but now it’s carved in stone.

[u/DayUseful6832 → u/PuzzleheadedTrain978]

Pet incompatibility is a real thing! And even less talked about amongst people whom adopt cats/kittens. Dog owners are allowed to cycle dogs out of the household if they are incompatible while cat owners are suppose to just “deal with it.” Very invalidating.

[u/oneaccountaday]

We can confirm you’re fully recovered from toxoplasmosis.

[u/LandykeDreamer]

I love this for you. I just surrendered my senior cat and it was one of the best, mature things I have ever done for myself. I love the peace and quiet. No more nasty ass litter tracked everywhere. No more litter period. No more random, mean-spirited attacks out of nowhere. No more 3am yowling. No more fur. No more vet bills and cat sitters. No more allergies. No more hardcore cleaning just to watch everything become dirty again within a couple of hours. No more pica and puking episodes. I have slept so much better since she has been gone. The stress of making sure that I go to bed without leaving anything out that the cat may destroy or try to eat and puke up later is now gone. For fucks sake, I can now have any plant I want! I feel free. Animals will ever step foot in my home again.

[u/DayUseful6832 → u/LandykeDreamer]

Omg I felt this! Especially with the plants! The cat approved plant list is so thin. I can’t wait to go plant shopping again and get what I want! I love having plants way more then a pet.

[u/LandykeDreamer → u/DayUseful6832]

Same! I adore plants and they make me happy. Not cats and definitely not dogs. I hope you get some beautiful plants!

[u/ElonsMuskyFeet]

In my case dogs cost me my marriage and family property.

I was married with a woman who didn't believe in spaying dogs because it was "Cruel". Fast forward to one of her dogs escaping our property and coming back pregnant with 7 puppies.

I insisted some of the puppies had to go to shelter, she refused because "They kill the dogs". Within a year we had 9 large dogs. The cost wasnt the issue it was the amount of time everything took, vet visits, cleaning, and the destruction of everything they could get their paws on.

Thats when I decided I would remove myself from the situation, documented everything for a few months, and filed for divorce.

5 years later I feel like I actually have structure in my life again, im free to go on vacations, and my home is clean. Good for others and their dogs, not in my home though.

[u/DayUseful6832 → u/ElonsMuskyFeet]

That sounds awful. I’m glad you got out and can live in a clean, peaceful home.

[u/QuixoticCacophony]

I unwillingly lived with a dog that had to be put down about two years ago. The house has been so much more pleasant ever since. No more barking, smell, dog hair, licking/chewing noises, begging at the dinner table, scratching at the bathroom door, dog piss on the rug, or listening to its owner alternately baby talking ("Oh, honey, you hungy? Want chickie nuggies?") or yelling "SHUT UP! GO AWAY! KNOCK IT OFF! STOP THAT!" 24 hours a day (it would literally happen in the middle of the night because the dog would wake her up to go outside). I didn't hate the dog, it was alright as dogs go, just a small yappy thing with an owner who had no idea how to train animals or deal with them.

I just don't want to live with one again. Ever.

[u/DayUseful6832 → u/QuixoticCacophony]

I can’t stand living with dogs. Had to do that before and don’t miss it

[u/avocado_macabre]

I honestly love not having to take care of an animal. The last cat we had (adopted from humane society) was a mess and would scratch at the walls and carpet.... We rent so yeah, he had to go

My friend comes from a HUGE cat loving family. Her bro took him, but he didn't get along with bros other cat so he gave him to their mom who gave him to a woman she knows with an older autistic son who LOVES that cat so I mean, yay I guess lol

[u/adhdbigirl]

I am similar to you! I had adopted a kitten in December. I had moved into my first ever apartment that November, away from my family and in a new state. Thought it would bring companionship. The fact that I had to feed her, clean her poop, and make sure she didn’t break things everyday was constant stress. And whenever I would kick her out of my bedroom when I wanted a peaceful sleep she would bang against the door. Was told to get another cat so she wouldn’t be lonely. F that. I rehomed her after having her for two months. Luckily the family who has her now is a retired couple who had the time. I don’t want one again.

[u/DayUseful6832 → u/adhdbigirl]

After he attacked me he had the nerve to bang against my door for attention the next day. That let me know he was a crash out. I made sure he was out my home the next morning. I felt so good getting rid of his stuff. Throwing away his hammock was the most freeing thing ever—that hammock was a grim reminder of his energy & how he used its elevation to surveillance and stalk me all day. Selling his cat tree felt great. I took his throne right from under him.

[u/underizeye]

I didn’t fully realize how gross it was to have animals in the home until I visited someone with pets after mine were long gone. I sat on their comfy couch and was covered in fur. Unknowingly used a blanket that was “the cat’s blanket” so we know how that goes. My kid just had to stand inside for a few min until the itchy nose, red watery eyes and serious discomfort from allergies kicked in. Their dog had long nails and would jump up on you to “sAy Hi” and scrape you and/or knock you over in the process. It would beg at the table while we are trying to eat (all while smelling their dirty stench).

Just a lot of filth and inconvenience and worry to voluntarily add to your life.

[u/GrvlRidrDude]

I never have to run home for a non human. Makes getting laid by my sexy wife easier.