Imagine being so terrified of cats that even their presence makes you feel sick. That’s the reality for one woman, whose fear of felines has led to a family feud. Her husband understands her phobia and has chosen her over owning a cat, but his sister can’t seem to accept this. The sister-in-law has even gone as far as influencing the couple’s young children to beg for a cat. But what happens when a prank involving the sister-in-law’s cat goes horribly wrong? Let’s dive into this dramatic tale.
Fear of Cats: A Real Struggle

Understanding Husband ❤️

Sister-in-Law’s Disapproval

Influencing the Kids ♂️

Facing the Fear

Dinner at Sister-in-Law’s ️

Fear Takes Over

The Prank Unfolds

Panic Attack Ensues

Sister-in-Law’s Idea

Confrontation and Tears

Sister-in-Law’s Defense ️

No More Family Time?

The Aftermath ️

Therapy Attempts

A Family Divided: Is There a Way Out?
Caught in a whirlwind of emotions, this woman’s fear of cats has led to a family rift. After a prank gone wrong, she’s banned her sister-in-law from seeing her kids, causing even more tension. With her mother-in-law urging her to reconsider, can this family find a way to mend their relationships? Or will the fear of felines continue to drive them apart? Let’s see what the internet thinks of this situation…
NTA stands up to manipulative SIL who downplays her phobia

Phobias should be respected. Therapy may help overcome debilitating fear.

SIL begs for cat, disrespects fear, and pranks nephew. NTA.

Legitimate phobia doesn’t make someone bad. SIL is the AH

SIL crossed the line, traumatized OP and child. NTA.

Don’t let anyone make a fool out of your fears. #NTA

NTA. SIL’s behavior was deeply disrespectful and entitled

Validating phobias and the importance of sincere apologies

NTA for not finding it funny, but seek help for phobia

SIL crosses the line, commenter defends NTA with empathy

Using someone’s phobia in a prank is a triple a****e move

SIL owes written apology to OP, husband, and child. NTA

SIL disregarded fear of cats, NTA for keeping kids safe.

Overcoming phobias is not easy, NTA for setting boundaries.

SIL’s cruel prank at the expense of a phobia. NTA.

Overcoming fear of cats through ERP therapy is life-changing.

Setting boundaries with family: NTA stands up for her kids

Prank gone wrong: NTA demands sincere apology and respect boundaries ♀️

Dog > Inconsiderate SIL. Kudos to OP for facing fear. NTA.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/5014215c-1765-417b-8b07-61b4919893cf.png)
NTA. Cutting off family over cat obsession is revolting. But fear of cats needs addressing.

Respect is key! SIL is a major AH for not understanding.

SIL gets what she deserves for playing stupid games

SIL crosses the line, NTA for cutting her out.

Respect boundaries: Woman’s fear of dogs and SIL’s prank.

Using someone’s phobia as a prank is unacceptable. NTA.

Overcoming phobias is tough, SiL’s prank was cruel and traumatizing

SIL’s manipulation is the real issue here. NTA

Sister-in-law drama over fear of cats, who’s the real a**hole?
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/05d5bd32-0b40-4fef-b057-3918245908c4.png)
Using kids as pawns is NEVER okay . NTA.

Woman’s fear of cats causes family drama and consequences. NTA.

NTA’s fear of cats is valid, SIL should have been understanding
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/3ddd3151-f805-4b6a-97a8-b95f97ee2e44.png)
SIL convinces son to prank mom, causing damage. NTA, poor kid

Commenter suggests therapy for fear of cats.

Cat phobia causes family drama. Can’t handle the claws?

NTA. SIL is a disrespectful, manipulative and cruel person.

Cat lover lacks empathy, NTA should go no contact

Controlling SIL forces cats on phobic family member. NTA stands up.

Commenter makes light of woman’s irrational fear of cats.

Therapy recommended for fear of cats. NTA for now.

Commenter questions OP’s extreme fear of cats, but defends her from SIL’s actions.

Overcoming irrational fears is important for personal growth.

NTA’s SIL suggests improper exposure therapy for fear of cats

YTA for forcing fear of cats on others.

Overcoming phobias is tough, but seeking professional help is crucial

SIL pranks OP on cat phobia, crosses the line. NTA.

NTA for setting boundaries with SIL, but get therapy for phobia

Supportive husband defends wife’s phobia, condemns exposing phobia.

Future family drama predicted as kids bring home cats despite phobia

Overcoming phobias and teaching kids to conquer fears
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/95806e65-dd2f-418c-9046-8114ee43eabf.png)
SIL is a j**k for prank, but OP needs to work through cat phobia. ESH.

Commenter raises valid concern about trust and consequences with NTA.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/63bb1a83-d0e8-45d1-97e4-d71c974f68dc.png)
Therapy recommended for fear of cats, NTA for behavior.

Respect those with fears, sister-in-law was a bully

Compassionate cat lover respects fear, calls out cruel behavior. NTA

Compassion for a misunderstood woman

NTA but be careful not to weaponize children against family.

Ignoring warnings and facing consequences: a recipe for disaster

Overcoming cat phobia with support, not force.

Cat lover sympathizes with OP’s phobia and supports her decision.

SIL pushes cat agenda, gets upset when OP snaps. NTA

Overcoming fear of cats: NTA for avoiding exposure therapy, but try psychiatry

Betrayal and family drama over fear of cats. NTA wins.

NTA with a severe cat phobia, sister used kids as pawns

Setting boundaries with family member who disrespects you.

NTA commenter empathizes with fear of cats and suggests therapy.

Standing up for family and calling out unacceptable behavior.

Disrespectful SIL torments phobia, puts cat at risk, dismisses genuine fear. NTA.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/08a56709-6c7f-40fb-9cfd-588e7443b4fd.png)
OP receives support from commenters, sends link to family.

Setting boundaries against disrespectful SIL. Good for you!

Last Updated on June 11, 2023 by Diply Social Team