Everyone has heard at least one story of how a wife got a cat for her husband who doesn’t like cats. It is such a common joke that you can find it in about every book of jokes. But it seems that this joke doesn’t happen as often as one might think, because when a husband forced his wife to take care of a cat when she was pregnant, she just agreed knowing that he also hated cats, but now that the wife is pregnant again, the husband is refusing to take care of the cat’s litter box. The situation has been described in a lengthy post on the AITA Reddit community where the author explains how he and his wife got a cat on her insistence and how the couple made an agreement that if they were to get a cat, then it will be her responsibility, but now he thinks it is his wife’s duty to look after the litter box even though she is pregnant.
Man won’t clean litterbox for pregnant wife because “it’s her responsibility”; a story of conflicting desires ⚖️
Man & pregnant wife make a deal: she gets a cat, but he refuses to help with the litterbox
Man refuses to change the litter box for pregnant wife, citing “it’s her responsibility”
Husband’s ‘agreement’ with wife triggers debate on responsibility and parenting
Man refuses to clean up after the cat, claiming it’s his pregnant wife’s “responsibility”
He won’t clean the litterbox because ‘It’s Her Responsibility’
A husband and wife are expecting their first baby, and the husband insists that it is her responsibility to take care of the cat. Despite warnings from family members, the husband stands firm on his agreement that the cat is her responsibility. While the situation may sound strange at first, it actually raises an interesting question: when it comes to household responsibilities, how do couples decide who is responsible for what with a new addition to the family? To give more context to the situation, let’s look at the full story and comments from readers.
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YTA or Not – You Should Help Your Pregnant Wife!
Commenter suggests getting a self cleaning litter box to help with the responsibility, as pregnant wives shouldn’t be around cat feces. Replies to the comment emphasize how helping a pregnant wife is much more important than laziness, with many citing horror stories due to toxoplasmosis as a result of not taking proper precautions. OP is branded a-hole for not understanding the importance of helping his pregnant wife.
♂️ Father Refuses To Take Responsibility
A man refuses to clean his pet’s litterbox for his pregnant wife, and is called an “embarrassment” for putting a deal over his unborn child’s health. Replies agree, saying that not wanting pets is a huge red flag and that no one will side with him.
Man’s irresponsible behavior towards pregnant wife
Commentor was appalled by the selfish act of the Man not to clean the litterbox as it is a potential health hazard to a pregnant woman, and criticized him for not taking responsibility towards his child. Replies provided proof and sources regarding the risks of Toxoplasmosis, a parasite found in cat feces, for pregnant women.
Man shows true ❤️ in difficult times!
The comment in the section declares YTA (You’re the A**hole) 100% for the man not taking responsibility for taking care of the litterbox for his pregnant wife. Some replies commended him for taking on the responsibility, while other replies mentioned him as an a**hole who will not admit being wrong. The comment also got updated to remove phrases that could be interpreted as toxic masculinity.
♂️ YTA: Risking toxoplasmosis.
Commenter asserted that the man is the a**hole for not helping his pregnant wife clean the litterbox, citing the danger of toxoplasmosis. Comment replies supported the sentiment, sharing stories of babies with birth defects due to the disease caught from cats.
♂️ YTA: No Help For Litterbox?
The comment and replies criticized the man for refusing to help his pregnant wife with the litterbox, arguing that it could lead to serious health issues for the baby. One reply pointed out that it could just lead to blindness or mental disabilities instead of a ‘catastrophe.’
Toxic ultimatum
The commenter’s response to the original post was a definitive YTA (you’re the a**hole). They found it inconceivable that the man was willing to risk his unborn baby’s health by refusing to clean the litterbox, just to prove a point of dominance. Replies include mentions of how the man’s behavior is a warning towards the wife to not expect anything of him, and expectations on how he will react if the baby has health issues.
The of this man’s decision!
The comment describes how the man’s refusal to clean the litterbox for his pregnant wife is a YTA moment. The replies suggest that the neighbors can step in to help the wife in this situation if they can.
YTA! ♀️
The commenter believes that the man is acting like an immature a**hole for not helping out with the litterbox and points out that the age gap between the couple might be a factor. The comment reply adds that although the age gap is not too extreme, the man likely married his younger wife because of his immaturity.
♂️ Even ‘non-cat’ owners do better!
The commenter calls out the husband for not doing the litter box chore for his pregnant wife, saying ‘Right now you sound like you suck. One reply says that even when the fiancé hadn’t been dating the commenter for long, he not only took over the chore but did it enthusiastically, even though the cat wasn’t even his. “He saw that the chore was hard for me and took over it without me asking because he wanted to.”
YTA: Husband won’t help pregnant wife
The commenter called the husband out for not helping his pregnant wife with the cat litterbox, stating that it is cruel to put her in a position where she could do something dangerous or get rid of her beloved pet. In replies, it was suggested that the husband might use a similar argument when asked to care for the baby once it is born. “Yikes man, you really ought to do some serious reflecting on what kind of husband you are, and what kind of husband and father you want to be,” the commenter wrote.
YTA: ‘Love’ or not ¯_(ツ)_/¯
Commenter thinks the man is in the wrong for not doing something as simple as cleaning the litterbox for his pregnant wife. The replies suggest that he may not love her as much as assumed and is willing to make her pregnancy harder for personal gain.
This husband stepped up
The comment says YTA (you’re the a**hole) as the initial poster is refusing to clean the litterbox for his pregnant wife despite being aware of the potential health risks. The comment also gives an example of another husband who accepted the responsibility out of love for his pregnant wife, despite not liking cats.
Fiancé is for refusing pregnancy duties
Commenter classified the fiancé as a**hole for denying to help the pregnant partner with the pregnancy responsibilities. Reply added that the guy seemed useless.
Parenthood ≠ Litterbox?
Commenter suggests that if the husband can’t clean the litterbox for his pregnant wife, he’ll have difficulty caring for a baby. Replies agree, adding that healthy babies are known to make messes, so the husband must be prepared to handle any bumps in the road. Overall, commenters find the husband to be in the wrong. YTA! ♂️
♂️ YTA: Don’t risk your child’s health!
The comment states that the man’s refusal to clean the litterbox for his pregnant wife is wrong and could be potentially harmful to their child. They urge him to help out for the 9 months. The comment implies that the man’s ‘she should be fine’ attitude is irresponsible.
Don’t trust a hater
Commenter says YTA (you’re the a-hole), as the man won’t clean the litterbox for his pregnant wife because ‘it’s her responsibility.’ Replies suggest that a man who hates cats is someone who hates anything he can’t control, and that people who ‘hate cats’ are ‘weird.’
YTA: Not supporting expecting wife’s plea for help!
The commenter finds it unacceptable for the man to refuse to clean the litterbox for his pregnant wife as she needs help; not just because of the toxoplasmosis risk, but also because of the smell. The commenter believes a good partner should be supportive and it is not wrong for the wife to ask for help temporarily.
Husband won’t clean the litter box for pregnant wife, YTA
The comment declares the husband to be the a**hole (YTA) in this situation. He is refusing to clean the litter box for his pregnant wife despite the risk that it poses, despite the advice of OBs to not have her do it, and despite it being a temporary arrangement. The reply to the comment calls him an a**hole (AH) for using this as an excuse to make her get rid of her cat.
Unjust and unfair??
The comment argues that the man is being unjust and unfair by refusing to clean the litterbox for his pregnant wife and questions why it would be such an effort for him to do an action that would help her and reduce unnecessary risks. No replies found.
♂️ YTA! His inflexibility is putting his wife in potential danger…
The commenter called out the man’s behavior as ‘YTA’ (you’re the a**hole) and pointed out the potential danger his inflexibility can put his pregnant wife in, and how he is rehoming a living creature instead of doing one small thing for just a few months.
YTA: Dad-to-be won’t do duty!
The commenter calls out the man for not cleaning the litterbox for his pregnant wife, questioning his priorities and suggesting that his aversion to responsibility could extend to other aspects of fatherhood and husbandry.
Man refuses to clean litterbox
The original comment says the man is YTA (you’re the a**hole) for not cleaning the litterbox since his pregnant wife’s health and the health of their unborn child are at risk. A reply mentions how the man’s self-centered attitude is a concern for his wife and the child.
YTA?↗️ Pregnant wife & unborn child✨
Commenter says that the man is the a**hole for not helping out his pregnant wife with the litterbox, as it’s her responsibility, and it’s only temporary.
Contracts can’t prevent scooping!
The comment says YTA (you’re the a**hole) as the commenter thinks the man should scoop the litter box while his wife is pregnant, even if there is a contract in place. The comment suggests that the man should switch the job back to her when the baby is born.
Man takes power struggle to a new level
Man won’t clean the litterbox for his pregnant wife because he believes it is her responsibility. People are stunned at how transactional some person’s relationships can be, questioning how it can last if someone is “keeping score” like this.
♂️ Man won’t help pregnant wife, but can he move past his principles?
The comment said YTA (you’re the a**hole) – that the man’s decision to not clean the litterbox was his own responsibility, born from his decision to have a child with his wife. He was advised to be more flexible for the next nine months or risk being remembered as the stubborn a**hole forever.
YTA: husband won’t care for wife and baby !
The comment asserts that the husband is the a**hole for refusing to scoop the cat litter, as the wife and unborn child are his responsibility. He is accused of caring more for cats than his own family.
♂️ YTA, a jerk!
The comment declares the man YTA (You’re the A**hole) for not cleaning the litterbox for his pregnant wife, calling him a ‘transactional jerk.’
YTA? Couple needs to adjust during pregnancy!
Comment suggests that it’s the OP’s responsibility to clean the litter box due to the pregnancy, which is an alteration to the deal that should have been discussed between the couple first. Comment suggests it’s YTA, as realistically, it’s up to the OP to make the necessary adjustments during the pregnancy they **both** chose.
Helping to make a baby NTA that dad should help out
The commenter asked if the pregnant woman miraculously conceived, pointing out that the dad should help out since he helped make the baby. They concluded that YTA – the dad should offer her some kindness and help with the cat. No replies were found.
♂️ Marriage ≠ Transactions ♂️
The original poster (OP) criticizes the number of people with transactional marriages, pointing out that it could lead to tragic divorce statistics. YTA OP.
YTA: Marriage is a partnership, not a petulantship.
The comment says YTA for not changing the cat litter for his pregnant wife, despite their agreement. It says marriage is a partnership and not a petulantship and calls out the commenter for being a decent person to family and animals, despite not liking cats.
The grim reality of a child’s future.
The comment section conveyed disappointment in the man’s behavior, calling it “grim” and expressing best wishes to his wife and child.
Couples: Respect each other’s responsibilities!
The comment states that though the cat might be the pregnant woman’s responsibility, it is the man’s responsibility to make sure their child does not die due to the cat’s litter box being uncleaned. No replies found.
Man❌refuses to help
Man is accused of being an a**hole for not cleaning the litterbox despite wife being pregnant. No replies found.
Baby-daddy blues ♂️
The commenter thinks the man is the a**hole for not cleaning the litterbox due to his pregnant wife’s duties and questions if the baby was her idea alone or if the man will be helping out too. No replies found.
Compromise gone wrong ♂️
The commenter states that the man is wrong for not cleaning the litterbox for his pregnant wife because ‘it’s her responsibility.’ They point out that it’s been three years and compromise should have been discussed beforehand.
Lending a helping hand!
The comment suggests that the man should do his part and help his pregnant wife by cleaning the cat litter box as it is her responsibility. The commenter also acknowledges that compared to changing diapers, cleaning the litterbox is a minor sacrifice.
⚕️ YTA: Man won’t help wife with litterbox
The commenter says the man is the a**hole for not understanding that he should take responsibility for the litter box for the sake of his wife and unborn child whilst she is pregnant. They suggest he ‘suck it up’ for a few months before and after the baby is born.
Don’t let pregnant wife clean litterbox!
YTA – The commenter advises not to let the pregnant wife handle the litter box as this could potentially be dangerous. No replies found.
No thanks for the sarcasm
The comment sarcastically congratulated the man for not helping out his pregnant wife and labeling it as “her responsibility.”
Husband refuses to help
The commenter declares that the husband, YTA, is risking his wife and unborn baby’s health by refusing to clean the litterbox. They urge him to do his part and scoop the poop.
Compromises can be dangerous!
The commenter believes that both the husband and wife are a**holes for getting a pet and not dealing with the pet responsibilities before the baby arrives. They caution that the couple’s child could also be a fruit of compromise.
Man’s disregard for pregnant wife’s health
The commenter calls out the man for putting his unborn child at risk and finding a ‘ridiculously petty hill to die on’ regarding the cleaning of the litter box.
Litterbox duties
The comment expresses that YTA (you’re the a**hole) for not cleaning the litterbox, which is an essential part of a relationship and critical to the wellbeing of the unborn baby.
What’s the priority?
Commenter suggested that the man’s agreement to not clean the litterbox should be changed as his wife’s circumstances have changed drastically with her pregnancy. They noted the risks associated with this decision and questioned the man’s priorities.
YTA: Poor wife.
The comment says that the man is the a**hole for not cleaning the litterbox for his pregnant wife, saying that she didn’t know what kind of person she married until she was pregnant.
♂️ Dad or husband?
The comment reads: “YTA. Are you her dad or her husband? Just help your pregnant wife out while she’s GROWING YOUR CHILD. How do men like you actually exist? My husband would never.” The comment holds a judgmental attitude towards the man for not cleaning the litterbox for his pregnant wife, questioning if he is a father or a husband.
YTA Husband refuses cat duty while wife is pregnant
The comment stated that the husband’s refusal to take up the responsibility of cleaning the litterbox while his wife is pregnant is a bad sign for how the couple will parent together. The comment also stated that if this is how the husband reacts to caring for a cat, things will only get worse when the baby arrives.
Teamwork is key
The comment suggested that the man’s refusal to help his pregnant wife with cleaning the litterbox was selfish and not in line with teamwork. The comment went on to provide an example from the commenter’s own life, noting that even though it was concluded that one person shouldn’t have to do all the work, help is still necessary when necessary.
YTA: Not helping the pregnant wife!
The commentor states YTA (you’re the a**hole) as the agreement stated that the husband should help clean the litterbox, but he refused to do so, potentially making him an a**hole in general.
YTA: risking disabled child
The comment labels the man as “YTA” (you’re the a**hole), highlighting the egregiousness of his choice to not clean the litterbox and risk having their child be “profoundly disabled” instead of compromising.
♂️ Man refuses to budge,
The section’s comment criticizes the man for refusing to help with the litterbox during his wife’s pregnancy, questioning if his need to be right means more to him than his wife and child.
YTA!
The commenter thinks the husband is acting immaturely by not helping his pregnant wife and not cleaning the litterbox, declaring him to be the a**hole in the situation.
YTA: Husband needs to step up
The commentor calls out the husband’s ridiculous justification that ‘it’s her responsibility’ and says he needs to step up and help his pregnant wife with their two children. The commentor finishes off by pointing out that the husband is being a pedant and needs to grow up.
Dad puts baby in danger!
Commenter says YTA (You’re the A**hole) as the dad may be putting the baby in danger due to possible toxoplasmosis, and asks if the dad would be happy to put the baby in danger just to prove a point.
Wow, YTA!
The comment expresses shock and disapproval of the man’s behavior by using the acronym YTA (you’re the a**hole). No replies were found.
YTA For Not Helping!
The comment says YTA (you’re the a-hole) for not helping to clean the litterbox, as it puts the wife and unborn child at risk, despite it being a principle reason.
YTA! Disgraceful behavior!
A comment calls the man YTA (You’re the a**hole) and rages against him for not cleaning the litterbox, claiming it’s a disgraceful behavior that puts the woman’s and the baby’s health at risk.
