When I learned that my daughter had adopted a cat…

I was completely caught off guard by my own reaction when I learned that my daughter had adopted a cat!

For years, I resisted the idea of having a pet in the house—worried about the smell, the germs, and the endless chores. My husband, Alan, was even more adamant. As the one who manages everything from paying the bills to cooking dinner, from yard work to keeping our houseplants alive, he had no interest in adding another responsibility to his plate.

Because of this, our kids, Kat and Matt, grew up without a furry companion, despite their constant pleas. Our rule was simple: they could have as many pets as they wanted—after they moved out.

As soon as Kat went to college, she became determined to get a cat. She even wrote a ten-page research paper on cat care at my request, hoping to prove she was ready.

After completing her freshman year, she moved into an off-campus apartment and started visiting local cat rescue centers that summer. When she finally adopted Bethany, a two-year-old American Shorthair, she hesitated to tell us—afraid of our reaction. The secret didn’t last long, though; Matt let it slip, and that’s how we found out.

The moment I heard the news, I was in disbelief—but to my surprise, I was also overjoyed. I couldn’t contain my excitement and blurted out, “I’m a grandma now!”

I was stunned by my own reaction. After years of resisting, here I was, celebrating as if my daughter had just had a baby.

The rest is history. Alan and I drove two hours to visit our first “granddaughter,” bringing bags full of treats and toys. Bethany quickly became part of the family, just like any of us.

Now, I’d love to hear from you—what happened when your parents found out you got a pet, or when you discovered your child had one? Were they shocked, ecstatic, or completely horrified? Share your story with us!

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