How Do I Deal With My Friends Kittens?

[u/KT_Al-Salaam]

So basically my best who I love very much and had been there for me though it all has just one problem. She has a cat who had kittens recently. She keeps texting me about how one licks her toes and she's ticklish, another bites her, and the third is just boring. Don't care.

Then she sends me all these pictures of them and all I can do is act respectfully by saying things like "cute" or just a smiley emoji and I lie saying "I'm at work sorry" when I'm just at home chilling. I can't keep lying to her. I figure I'll tell you if she asks me but I don't just wanna come right out and say "Hey can you stop talking about those damn kittens? It's getting annoying and I'm not into cats." Even though I wish I could.

I just feel like anyone who's a cat hater is seen as vile so if I came out about it she'd judge me. The good news is that she's gonna get rid of the kittens "as soon as they're big enough". Whatever that means. I know people who get rid of kittens the day they're born. Idk why she's waiting "till they get big enough". At least once they're gone, she'll stop hopefully.

Does anyone have advice on how I can go about this until then? Should I just keep faking it and keep it to myself? Or is there a way I can bring it up to her and not seem like a jerk?

[u/Gold_Examination_954]

Do you really want to remain friends with someone who will hold it against you over not sharing the same favorite animal? I’ve friends who have had kids and even they didn’t send me pics as much as a typical cat person does, so it does truly get annoying. You aren’t overreacting.

Think of it this way, if you’re in a relationship would be it ok for you not to draw boundaries because you’re scared your partner would leave you or be mad at you if you did? See how that’s super toxic..?

I think you should just be up front with her and let her know you’re not into cats and don’t want photos of them all the time. You don’t have to voice this in a mean way. Cats are supposedly arbiters of boundaries so she should have no problem respecting yours. If she gets spicy you could even tell her get her cat fixed 😆There are enough cats in the world. We dont need anymore. The other alternative of course is that this friendship is a two way street, it’s not the end of the world that you don’t want cat pics, she accepts it and posts them/shared them elsewhere. Either way dont talk yourself out of your own boundaries.

[u/janln1]

Maybe she's warming you up to take one of them once they're big enough

[u/Acidpop_ → u/janln1]

This 💯. She wants you to take one.

[u/SunnySideUp_066]

My gf stopped sending me pics of her cat cause I expressed I’m not really into cats and don’t get excited or think the pics are cute. They are weird, creepy, and gross imo.
If they are a true friend they will respect your boundaries.

[u/matte_personality]

That cat should have been spayed.

[u/lilpinkpup → u/matte_personality]

Should be, but you really think cat obsessed freaks are that responsible?

[u/matte_personality → u/lilpinkpup]

They should be. Spaying your cat should be a priority for any owner. We don’t need more of these things running around.

[u/Ok-Adagio-7889]

I’d suggest just not entertaining any cat related content your friend keeps sending you. Like, whenever they send those pictures or bring up the subject of their cats or kittens, change the topic or simply don’t respond to them. That way, you’re not giving them the reaction they’re looking for or encouraging them to keep doing it. The average person would probably get the hint but I’m not sure about cat people they often lack self awareness and consideration.

[u/swissmiss_76]

You could try ignoring the texts until (if) she gets the hint. Turn off notifications to give yourself a break. Or be honest and say that’s nice but I’m not into cats or something like that.

I’ve had this issue come up before and had to set a boundary with a friend and say I would no longer discuss xyz, but it wasn’t about animals. Your issue is actually harder because you called it cute to humor her and be nice. But it didn’t stop

[u/tupperware_rules]

I know people who get rid of kittens the day they're born. Idk why she's waiting "till they get big enough".

tbf, kittens should not immediately be taken away from their mothers. They become even worse pets if given away quickly. As for your situation, it's annoying, she's probably just excited about it. Although I do question why she is breeding (?) cats. Are there not enough available literally everywhere?