Who is More Important: the Cat or the Human?
December 17th 2008 21:00
Viewers of Desperate Housewives would know a couple of months ago there was an episode where a family is sheltering in their neighbour’s basement as a tornado is coming. Also there is Ida, their neighbour’s friend, and her cat Toby. So far so good. So what’s the problem?
The problem is the father of the family, Tom, is allergic to cats. So his wife Lynette asks the neighbour, Karen, if she would move the cat elsewhere. Karen won’t budge as Ida was there first. Ida is also her friend while Lynette and Tom are simply her neighbours. Lynette later tries to smuggle the cat out of the basement but is caught out by Karen. The two engage in a cat-versus-human debate. The front door then flies open and Toby runs out and hides under a car. Karen tries to retrieve the cat only to see how close the tornado is. Only then does she let Lynette persuade her to go back inside. The two end up sheltering under a mattress in Lynette’s bath tub.
Given my misanthropic tendencies, I’m with Karen on this one. Tom can always go shelter in another neighbour’s basement but poor Toby would probably be terrified from being separated from his owner. Toby is probably terrified enough anyway, being put into his cage and being moved to unfamiliar surroundings. I also thought it was admirable how she tried to retrieve Toby from the car. I think I would have done the same thing myself.
For those who missed it, the crucial bits are 0.45min and 8.38min into the below clip:
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Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
I have a severe allergic reaction to cattle. Their fur causes painful red and white hives on my skin and a really severe hayfever reaction. I cant even eat beef as it gives me food poisoning. Still, I would not deny a terrified cow a spot in my bomb shelter, Id work out a way to keep all animals happy!
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
I'm sorry but fuck the cat. The cat and my flatmate can both go to hell. Anyone who thinks cat allergies are mild should try living my life for the past three months.
Comment by Queenie
Quirky Folk
Quirky Queenie
I'm obviously not allergic to cats so I'll have to take both your words for this.
Ruby, it's terrible your flatmate treats you like this. Good on you for moving out. You shouldn't have to put up with being sick every day.
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
Well it's true that I do hate the cat now. But I didn't until it made me sick. It's also incredibly insulting and frustrating to be accuse of lying when you have been suffering for three months.
Oh and it is actually the cat that people are allergic to. Or more specifically cat dander which is found in cat sweat and saliva. The cat licks itself, the dander spreads to the fur, the cat sheds its hair, the hair attaches itself to the floor, the walls, the furniture etc and wala, you have some very sick humans on your hands.
Hey I can understand that some people love their pets more than anything. But considering that the lease for this house is in my name and I have lived here for four years while the cat has only been here for three months, not to mention the fact that I pay rent and the cat doesn't, well then I think the human should come first at least in this instance.
Hey, I feel better now after getting it off my chest. Thanks for the post!
Comment by Queenie
Quirky Folk
Quirky Queenie
Thanks for sharing your story with me. Although I will probably always put an animal first, I also respect your awful situation and it's terrible you should have to move when it's your lease anyway. Your flatmate sounds really inconsiderate.
At least you will have a quality life in your new place.
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
I know how bad it feels not being able to equalize your ears and suffering constant acute sinus pain. Im not denying it sucks. The real question is, if you've been in the flat so long, why cant you kick the room mate and her cat out? Whether you understand it or not, some people do put their animals above the comfort of humans.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
Anyway, I didn't kick her out because I am planning on moving back to Sydney in Feb anyway and i couldn't be bothered doing the whole advertising for a flatmate thing again so I just decided i would go stay with a friend for a few weeks until I leave Melbourne. I'm pretty bummed. I love this house and I love the area I live in and would have liked to stay until the end. But oh well, c'est la vie.
Plus it's kinda hard to tell someone to to leave when they have barely finished packing. In hindsight i should have told her right away even though it would have upset her. But I've learned my lesson. Never again.
Comment by Queenie
Quirky Folk
Quirky Queenie
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Is all I ask for from people who dont 'get' the animal thing. I cant take it when the animals are blamed for their behaviour because its always the humans fault. I admit completely Im not the most responsable sometimes, but Im on my own property! In that situation I would happily allow the cat to be in my bedroom for most of the day I wouldnt let the whole household suffer for the litter. When I only had one cat her box was in my room. I dont get the window thing - we have windows open and our cats dont get out. I do go mental over someone letting them outside though, Ive lost too many over the years. And a cat can easily be taught kitchen benches are a no go - its up to the owner to set the boundaries though.
Im glad youve got a plan at least, and now you know to be tough - some people cant be told. Sorry you had to deal with a person with no sensitivity.
Comment by Canadiangurl420