Dear Abby: House-Bound Wife Wants a Cat for Company. Husband Won’t Allow It.
The wife says loneliness is affecting her health, and Dear Abby advises asking a doctor to explain why companionship matters.
- A medically retired wife, homebound due to disability, seeks a cat for companionship, but her husband refuses to allow the pet in their home; the couple previously owned a cat named Miss Kitty 12 years ago.
- She explained that she suffers from loneliness while home alone and promised to handle all pet care using modern technology like self-cleaning litter boxes, yet her husband remains resistant to the proposal.
- Labeling the husband's refusal as "selfish," advice columnist Abigail Van Buren warned that the wife's isolation risks worsening her health and suggested her physician explain the benefits of pet therapy to him.
- Seeking professional support, the columnist advised the wife to discuss her situation directly with her physician to help the husband understand that companionship is vital for managing her depression and physical condition.
- Pet therapy serves as a legitimate health intervention, and the wife's request reflects a desire to regain the comfort she experienced during her previous cat ownership as she coordinates with medical professionals to address the impasse.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Dear Abby: A cat would do wonders for my mood, but my husband refuses to allow one
DEAR ABBY: I have been medically retired for three years. My husband, who has always been a stay-at-home dad, is now on Social Security and is home with me. He has a variety of interests and is healthy and able to get around more than I am. Earlier in our marriage, I had a cat, “Miss Kitty,” who was my companion and whom I adored. She would greet me at the door and lay with me when I was sick. I had her for 22 years. At the time, my husband help…
Dear Abby: House-bound wife wants a cat for company. Husband won’t allow it.
DEAR ABBY: I have been medically retired for three years. My husband, who has always been a stay-at-home dad, is now on Social Security and is home with me. He has a variety of interests and is healthy and able to get around more than I am.
The Detroit News
Dear Abby: Woman's home feels more like a prison
Your husband isn't so much stubborn as he is selfish.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources lean Left, 42% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
