Visitors want us to remove the cat and dog while they are staying with us

Karen91

The sister of my OH is visiting us from abroad in 2 months with her husband and baby they will be staying for a week with us. My OH told me that she has requested that we remove the animals while they stay with us for the safety of her baby.

The cat and dog are both house pets the cat is never allowed out unless on a lead because we live near a busy road and the dog only goes out to relieve herself and comes straight back in. So basically we would have to board them for the week while they are here, my parents might be able to take the dog but the cat would have to be boarded for sure as mother is not a fan of cats.

I am rather insulted about it and I am tempted to tell her find alternative accomodation, would it be unreasonable of me to do so?

Some opinions on the matter would be greatly appreciated!

VonVix

Your house, your rules. She is the guest, she shouldn't be dictating what goes on in your house, if she doesn't like it she should be staying elsewhere.

An alternative would be her paying for your dog and cat to be boarded somewhere comfortably for the week, you shouldn't fork out a cent to accommodate someone else in your own home.

I probably sound harsh, but it's what I believe.

Sobko

Is there a reason they are not staying at a hotel? I assume you have been kind enough to offer accommodation to keep their travelling expenses down. I'd be quite insulted to be honest. Offer to find them alternative accommodation.

sharkfox

I wouldn't mind if one of them was allergic to one of the animals but I wouldn't move them just because it's what they want.... Talk to them first and try work something out but at the end of the day it is your house and your pets.

jimmycrackcorm

just reassure them that your pets will cause no harm to the baby. It's unlikely that the baby will be left alone in their presence.

molly09

I have to say I agree with the above posters, I feel that my doggie is my family and her home is my home. I can understand where your sis in law is coming from with the new baby but if there is no other family members they can stay with, they might be happier and more comfortable in a hotel, ye could have them for dinner etc but why should your pets move house for the week!

Karen91

They have stayed with us before but that was before they had a child and there was no problem but now she claims he could contract something from our filthy animals as she put it!

I am really considering telling them find a hotel but my OH is trying to avoid insulting them.

Westernyelp

Give them the number of a nice hotel

eviltwin

How dare they. Where are they expecting them to go? Have they offered to pay for boarding? I'd tell them where to go. My pets are family, they stay. Anyone has a problem I can always recommend a nice hotel

paulmclaughlin

Karen91 wrote: »

she claims he could contract something from our filthy animals as she put it!

Tell her that children who grow up around animals generally develop into adults with a more robust immune system and have a lower chance of developing allergies and asthma.

Proof.

Sobko

Did she really say filthy animals? Wow.

hollster2

Filthy animals she sounds lovely doesn't she, but she insulted you about your animals, That is the animals home whether she likes it or not id tell her if she doesn't want to be near your dog and cat to go to a hotel!

qo2cj1dsne8y4k

If that's how she feels let her stay in a hotel. Wouldnt be too worried about insulting them as they haven't extended the same courtesy to you. The baby is her family, the animals are yours. Let her take her child somewhere else and not inconvenience your family

SimonLynch

I am rather insulted about it and I am tempted to tell her find alternative accomodation, would it be unreasonable of me to do so?


There's great value out there, tell us the area and we'll find a nice beast-free hotel at a good price :-)

DoYouEvenLift

I'd tell them to fuk themselves and send them a link to hotels.com

strandroad

Karen91 wrote: »

They have stayed with us before but that was before they had a child and there was no problem but now she claims he could contract something from our filthy animals as she put it!

I am really considering telling them find a hotel but my OH is trying to avoid insulting them.

She sounds so incredibly rude. Must make a lovely house guest!

I would say very politely that unfortunately you have no way of removing your pets but you'll understand if they decide to decline your invitation.

the_syco

Karen91 wrote: »

The cat and dog are both house pets the cat is never allowed out unless on a lead because we live near a busy road

For this reason alone I wouldn't let cat and the OH sisters family be in the same house, in case they "accidently" left the door open.

BTW, how soon after ensuring they had a free room in your house did they start with their demands? And is there other family that they could stay with?

shruikan2553

Just say you have nowhere to put them (the pets that is). They can then decide if they will stay with you or look elsewhere.

sheesh

apologise and say "no" explain that they are house pets and would not survive outside.

Unless you can get a friend or relative that likes them to take them for a week. It is a dangerous precedent to set though someone coming for a week and you have get rid of your pets for them it just add to the bother.


Say you thought that your friend could take them but they were ill and the kennels are a rip off keep athe baby and the pets in separate rooms.

Hollister11

Animals are part of your family and they shouldn't be put some where else to accommodate in laws. I wouldn't do it.
Tbh tell her if she isn't happy to stay with animal and stop being tight and stump up for a hotel.

ABajaninCork

Tell her to get stuffed. I wouldn't bother to dress it up either. The animals live there. She does not. Find a hotel if the animals are that filthy...

My friend once asked that I put my cats out when she visited. Told her the same thing. In fairness, she never visited my house again. My cousin and her husband will be coming over soon. They already know to find a hotel, since I will not be putting my dog anywhere.

efb

www.booking.com

lulu1

I couldn't imagine sending our dog to kennels or anywhere for that matter just to please someone else. Even if they paid for it I still wouldn't do it. Your sister in law had a real cheek to ask. I would just tell her that they are more than welcome to stay but the dog and cat are going nowhere. It's her choice.

Comhrá

You could explain to her that your clean domesticated pets would be in danger of picking up an infection from the filthy animal homes she's expecting you to use, so.......sorry, but the cat & dog are staying put.:mad:

ABajaninCork

ABajaninCork wrote: »

Tell her to get stuffed. I wouldn't bother to dress it up either. The animals live there. She does not. Find a hotel if the animals are that filthy...

My friend once asked that I put my cats out when she visited. Told her the same thing. In fairness, she never visited my house again. My cousin and her husband will be coming over soon. They already know to find a hotel, since I will not be putting my dog anywhere.

My husband is allergic to cats and can be quite ill for 48 hours after being exposed to them. We ask our friends to put the cats out when we're there and everyone has always been really good about it. I'd have no interest in a friend who'd put the comfort of a cat before the comfort of a person.

Having said that, regarding the OP's sister and her long visit at the OP's home, I think it's absolutely fair to ask her to pay for the kennells. If she won't, then she can just put up with the animals and be grateful.

I am a big believer in having good boundaries but telling a loved one to eff off or get stuffed over an animal makes no sense to me.

Hollister11

Mystery Egg wrote: »

My husband is allergic to cats and can be quite ill for 48 hours after being exposed to them. We ask our friends to put the catt out when we're there and everyone has always been really good about it. I'd have no interest in a friend who'd put the comfort of a cat before the comfort of a person.

Having said that, regarding the OP's sister and her long visit at the OP's home, I think it's absolutely fair to ask her to pay for the kennells. If she won't, then she can just put up with the animals and be grateful.

I am a big believer in having good boundaries but telling a loved one to eff off or get stuffed over an animal makes no sense to me.

Eh... Are you for real ? The family pets should not be put in a kennel at all. That's there home. The sister should pay for hotel if she doesn't want her baby near the animals, but OP no way should you give in to her demands.

Ken.

My response would be. I'm sorry my cat and dog could pick up a nasty infection from your crotch goblin. Any chance you could put it in a pound for the week. Absolutely no way in hell would I put my cat out for anyone. You don't like cats-tough, I do. Your allergic-well then don't call or you'll die cause the cat stays.

Hollister11

Hollister11 wrote: »

Eh... Are you for real ? The family pets should not be put in a kennel at all. That's there home. The sister should pay for hotel if she doesn't want her baby near the animals, but OP no way should you give in to her demands.

Yes, how insane that I think humans take priority over animals. But I'm also saying that if the visiting sister wants the animals gone, she should pay for it.

Ken.

Mystery Egg wrote: »

My husband is allergic to cats and can be quite ill for 48 hours after being exposed to them. We ask our friends to put the catt out when we're there and everyone has always been really good about it. I'd have no interest in a friend who'd put the comfort of a cat before the comfort of a person.

Having said that, regarding the OP's sister and her long visit at the OP's home, I think it's absolutely fair to ask her to pay for the kennells. If she won't, then she can just put up with the animals and be grateful.

I am a big believer in having good boundaries but telling a loved one to eff off or get stuffed over an animal makes no sense to me.

If your visiting a house where there is 1 child,1 cat and 1 dog your more likely to catch something from the child than the pets.

ken

ken wrote: »

If your visiting a house where there is 1 child,1 cat and 1 dog your more likely to catch something from the child than the pets.

And?

I've no concerns about 'catching something' from an animal.

VonVix

Hollister11 wrote: »

Eh... Are you for real ? The family pets should not be put in a kennel at all. That's there home. The sister should pay for hotel if she doesn't want her baby near the animals, but OP no way should you give in to her demands.

There is a bit of a difference between visiting someone for an hour or two and a few days. I have hidden my dogs upstairs for a while as my MIL had her friend over who was deathly afraid of dogs, even though mine are these gentle fluffy things, but it's no issue for me having my dogs in a room for an hour or two.

Now, if someone was staying overnight and they didn't want to catch sight of my dogs that would be another story. I would be swiftly mushing them out my front door and wishing them a good night.

Hollister11

Mystery Egg wrote: »

Yes, how insane that I think humans take priority over animals. But I'm also saying that if the visiting sister wants the animals gone, she should pay for it.

But why should the sister dictate that the pets should go to a kennel. Away from there family, there home. ??
As I said if the sister isn't happy co-habating with animals, she can get the f**k and pay for hotel accommodation.

Milly33

OMG and yes I did say it. I hate this crap.. It is your home and your rules apply. Sorry but animals can get very put out by moving them, fine a night or two is ok but if it is needless then sod it.. I remember my sister was like this for a while even with her own animals and thank god she came out of it. For some unknow reason they think that a cat is going to attack the child and crawl into its crib while tis sleeping and eat it.. MM not unless it has a pound of kitty snacks attached..

I would stand my ground and say well look the animals will be there fine we can comp remise and not have them in the same rooms all the time but that's it..

Karen91

Yes she actually said filthy animals, I will never understand people with this attitude. My OH tried to reason with her, she said they are just animals and her baby is more important.

This got to me even more I adore my two girls so its very frustrating when I get the its only a cat or only a dog.

Their not the type of pets that can be put in a kennel though they have never been boarded before my parents usually take the dog and a friend of mine takes the cat when we go away but my friend is away that week and my parents could possibly be away then also.

I am going to give her two choices get over the fact that the animals are in the house or go find a hotel!

Hollister11

Hollister11 wrote: »

But why should the sister dictate that the pets should go to a kennel. Away from there family, there home. ??
As I said if the sister isn't happy co-habating with animals, she can get the f**k and pay for hotel accommodation.

Sure, if that's how they want to do things.

But for me, my relationship with my sister is more important to me than my relationship to my pet, so I'd be willing to compromise as far as a kennel...provided she paid.

Others are different. But I've no intention of falling out with loved ones over pets.

Karen91

Karen91 wrote: »

Yes she actually said filthy animals, I will never understand people with this attitude...

I am going to give her two choices get over the fact that the animals are in the house or go find a hotel!

Fair enough.

shruikan2553

If I had such a problem with animals I wouldnt decide to stay with someone who owned some. Even with the animals moved elsewhere the place would be covered in hair etc unless they get some industrial cleaning in there.

DoYouEvenLift

Mystery Egg wrote: »

Yes, how insane that I think humans take priority over animals. But I'm also saying that if the visiting sister wants the animals gone, she should pay for it.

The pets would go from being in a warm comfortable home and beds to a dog kennel where they'd probably not be comfortable and wondering where their owner is gone. However the people who are visiting could just stay at a hotel and would be very comfortable in one.

Also the fact she called ops pets "filthy animal's" implies she assumes they don't take care of them so that's a blatant lack of respect

ABajaninCork

Mystery Egg wrote: »

My husband is allergic to cats and can be quite ill for 48 hours after being exposed to them. We ask our friends to put the cats out when we're there and everyone has always been really good about it. I'd have no interest in a friend who'd put the comfort of a cat before the comfort of a person.

Having said that, regarding the OP's sister and her long visit at the OP's home, I think it's absolutely fair to ask her to pay for the kennells. If she won't, then she can just put up with the animals and be grateful.

I am a big believer in having good boundaries but telling a loved one to eff off or get stuffed over an animal makes no sense to me.

My niece and my SiL are also seriously allergic to cats, and I used to hoover and put the cats out if they came over. So what?? But that's not what we're talking about here is it? The OP's relative simply does not want the animals around her baby. Fair enough. In that case, why can't she find a hotel or other family member to stay with. The relative has shown ignorance and arrogance which I would not be prepared to put up with.

Flippyfloppy

Mystery Egg wrote: »

Sure, if that's how they want to do things.

But for me, my relationship with my sister is more important to me than my relationship to my pet, so I'd be willing to compromise as far as a kennel...provided she paid.

Others are different. But I've no intention of falling out with loved ones over pets.

Is this a hypothetical pet or a real pet we're speaking of?

Ken.

Mystery Egg wrote: »

Sure, if that's how they want to do things.

But for me, my relationship with my sister is more important to me than my relationship to my pet, so I'd be willing to compromise as far as a kennel...provided she paid.

Others are different. But I've no intention of falling out with loved ones over pets.

At least I'll never have that problem with my brother. Here's 2 pics of some of his pet cats.

Tearin It Up

OP get a picture frame and hang this on your wall

ABajaninCork

Tearin It Up wrote: »

OP get a picture frame and hang this on your wall

Amen!

the_syco

Mystery Egg wrote: »

My husband is allergic to cats and can be quite ill for 48 hours after being exposed to them.

The difference is that the visitors are not allergic.

If your husband didn't have an allergic reaction, and just didn't like cats, I'm sure he would've been told long ago to shove it.

In this instance, the sister has decided to come to a house that they know has animals in it, with the condition that the animals are not there.

Drexel

Mystery Egg wrote: »

Yes, how insane that I think humans take priority over animals. But I'm also saying that if the visiting sister wants the animals gone, she should pay for it.

What if next time she decideds she doesn't like the paint colour on the wall?
Would you paint it a different colour?

She is making unreasonable demands and that's the problem. There is no allergy issue or anything like that. She just thinks her baby might catch something off a house pet cat and dog. Unreasonable and would be told fûck right off.

Karen91

Tearin It Up wrote: »

OP get a picture frame and hang this on your wall

Love this!

lulu1

Mystery Egg wrote: »

Sure, if that's how they want to do things.

But for me, my relationship with my sister is more important to me than my relationship to my pet, so I'd be willing to compromise as far as a kennel...provided she paid.

Others are different. But I've no intention of falling out with loved ones over pets.

It's a pity that the sister in law dosn't think that

brownswiss

Just send her the link to these posts

InTheTrees

Karen91 wrote: »

My OH told me that she has requested that we remove the animals while they stay with us for the safety of her baby.

So its for safety?

I've never heard of such a thing.

I wonder what she thinks might happen with your pets? Does she think the cat will attack the baby? Spread disease?

Plainly she's neurotic so maybe If you found out exactly what these safety issues were you may be able to soothe her concerns.

clappyhappy

I would speak calmly and firmly to SIL, say we are looking forward to ye staying with us for such a long period of yer stay at home, but as you know we have pets who live in our home. Say you are aware of concerns of kid around pets but offer to keep them in house away from baby. Chances are pets will get bored with kid after a few hours. Explain that pets will not be left outside for their safely and if they feel strongly about not having pets around the kid, maybe they should think of somewhere else to stay, (politely of course) baby and pets will be watched at all times and offer to keep in a different room.
Just say you are not willing to remove your pets for a full week as it may unsettle them. I honestly think she is overreacting, obviously it's a first child.....,

Patty O Furniture

Give her directions to a hotel & accidentally it turns out to be a dog-hotel, although your OH may never hear the tale-end of it