Man's Battle with Wife's 'Angel' Cat Highlights Domestic Frustrations

A UK man's ongoing conflict with his wife's cat, affectionately (or perhaps ironically) named Satan, offers a comedic yet relatable portrayal of domestic strife. The author, Rob Crossan, describes a persistent battle of wills with the feline, which he claims despises him, to the point of physical injury and household disruption.

Crossan recounts his first encounters with Satan, a cat his wife Emma acquired as a kitten. Despite his own fondness for cats, Crossan found himself the target of Satan's aggression, enduring scratches, hisses, and even deliberate acts of sabotage. He describes the cat as having "devilish habits," including spitting exclusively at him and using his mail as a litter box.

Despite Crossan's efforts to win over the cat with gifts of salmon and ribbons, Satan remained resolutely hostile. The cat's animosity, Crossan suggests, has driven a wedge between him and his wife, though Emma remains largely oblivious or unconcerned by Satan's behavior towards her husband. She reportedly views Satan as a comforting presence, particularly after long shifts as an NHS intensive care nurse.

Satan's disruptive actions have extended to sabotaging planned outings, such as a canceled lunch reservation when the cat bolted from the house. The feline's destructive tendencies have also impacted the household, including damaging a vacuum cleaner hose to the point where a broom is now used.

Crossan acknowledges that his wife is unwilling to part with her cat, a sentiment he respects despite the ongoing domestic conflict. He humorously concludes that the cat's unreasonable behavior provides a convenient foil, ensuring that his own actions are never the most unreasonable in the household.

Cats, historically, domesticated themselves by moving into human settlements for easier access to food, a dynamic that has persisted through millennia, though Crossan's experience suggests this cohabitation is not always harmonious. His story highlights the unique challenges and absurdities that can arise when a beloved pet develops a strong, one-sided dislike for a significant other.