Friends Turn On Guy For Refusing To House-Sit, All Because They Forgot To Mention Their Cat

Allergies can range from a mild inconvenience to a serious health risk, but one thing’s for sure—they’re not something to take lightly.

So, when this Redditor agreed to house-sit for a friend during their vacation, the last thing he expected was for them to casually drop the news that they had just gotten a cat—despite knowing he was allergic. Naturally, he had no choice but to back out.

However, this decision didn’t sit well with his friend, and what started as a simple favor turned into a frustrating standoff.

The man agreed to house-sit for a friend while they were on vacation

Two men having a heated discussion indoors, one with visible frustration about allergies and pet care responsibilities.

Image credits: LightFieldStudios / Envato (not the actual photo)

But when he found out they had gotten a cat, he backed out, and the situation quickly turned sour

Man with allergies declines watching friend's dog due to having a cat.

Text about helping a friend with a dog, highlighting a decision to take time off work for extra attention.

Text exchange about getting house keys, mentioning a cat unexpectedly.

Text reads: "This caught me off guard because I'm very allergic to cats.

Text discussing allergies related to leaving gatherings early due to a friend's new cat.

Text about allergies and a man's avoidance of a house with a cat due to dander.

Text from a story about man refusing to watch a friend's dog due to allergies and having a cat.

Text about allergies and pet sitting dilemma involving a dog and a cat.

Orange and white cat looking through stair railings, relevant to a man with allergies balancing pet care duties.

Image credits: Image by Freepik (not the actual photo)

Text discussing a man unable to watch a friend's dog due to allergies and having a cat, causing tension among friends.

Text questioning an overreaction about dog sitting due to allergies.

Image credits: Serious_Reaction6980

Up to 20% of adults are allergic to cats

Allergies affect a significant portion of the population—up to 30–40% worldwide. Among those, around 10–20% of adults are sensitive to cats, making these furry companions a surprisingly common trigger.

In fact, cats are one of the biggest offenders when it comes to pet-related allergies, being twice as likely as dogs to cause a reaction. And despite what many believe, it’s not their fur that’s to blame. The real trouble comes from proteins found in their saliva, urine, and dander (tiny flakes of skin they shed).

According to the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, these proteins can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, such as:

• Sneezing
• A runny or stuffy nose
• Red, itchy, or watery eyes
• Itchy nose, throat, or mouth
• Dry or itchy skin
• Rashes or hives
• Coughing
• Wheezing or chest tightness
• Shortness of breath

Image credits: alexander132 / Freepik (not the actual photo)

For most, these symptoms are more of an annoyance than anything else. But for others, an allergic reaction can escalate into something much more dangerous. Severe cases may result in anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that includes swelling, difficulty breathing, and even shock.

While there’s no surefire way to prevent an allergy, there are ways to manage it. Medication or allergy shots, for example, can help reduce reactions. If you’re allergic, it’s still wise to limit your exposure to cats and consult a doctor for personalized advice. Allergies are no joke—stay safe out there!

Readers supported the author, insisting he had every right to refuse to care for the cat

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing allergies related to cat dander and pet care.

Reddit conversation discussing a man with allergies refusing to watch a friend's dog due to owning a cat.

Text from a social media post supporting a man with allergies for not watching a friend's dog because of a cat.

Comment supporting a man with allergies, highlighting importance of not ignoring health issues.

Text discussing man's struggle with pet allergies, emphasizing the seriousness of allergens from dogs and cats.

Text conversation supporting a man with allergies for not watching a friend's dog due to owning a cat.

Reddit comment discussing allergies and pet-related responsibilities.

Text post discussing allergy conflicts involving a man, a cat, and a friend's dog, highlighting frustrations.

Text conversation discussing the impact of allergies on friendships and pet sitting conflicts.

Allergies and pet care: comment explaining someone's dilemma about watching friend's dog while having cat allergies.

Comment criticizing a friend for being unsupportive regarding allergies and pet care.

Comment discussing cat allergies and advising a friend should have notified about the situation.

Text discussing allergy challenges with friend's pets and agreements.

Reddit comment about allergies and pet care: "NTA, you didn't leave them in a lurch.

Text screenshot about prioritizing personal health over favor, mentioning allergies and a cat.

Text post discussing cat allergies and losing friends over pet preferences.

Comment about allergies highlighting breathing difficulties.

Text discussion about a man with allergies, unable to watch a friend's dog due to presence of a cat.

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