For pet owners who need to travel, finding someone to care for their pets can be a challenge. Often, they must rely on friends or family, or consider placing their pets in a "pet hotel" or hiring a pet sitter. However, the transition to an unfamiliar environment can cause significant stress for pets, leading to anxiety for their owners.
A recent discussion among Japanese netizens highlights an interesting emotional response some pet owners experience when their pets quickly bond with their sitters. One user, known as "gyuunyu_0141," shared their experience of leaving their shy cat at a pet hotel. They had informed the sitter that their cat was timid and only needed basic care. To their surprise, the sitter reported that the cat was affectionate and playful, which made the owner feel as though they were watching an "NTR" (netorare) scenario unfold.
Because it was my first time looking for a pet hotel, I told the caretaker in advance: "My cat is very shy, so just give it the most basic care...!" However, when the caretaker regularly updated me, she said: "It keeps meowing and being affectionate with me ❤." This statement, along with a photo of my cat being affectionate, made me feel like I was looking at an NTR record.
This sentiment resonated with many other pet owners who chimed in with similar feelings of jealousy and affection. Comments ranged from amusement to acknowledgment of mixed emotions about seeing their pets getting along with strangers:
- "From the photos and messages, it really does look like NTR; it made me laugh."
- "It’s a mix of happiness and jealousy."
- "Although I'm grateful for the sitter's care, it feels like I’m being NTR'd."
- "I’ve never heard of such a peaceful form of NTR before!"
- "I completely understand this feeling."
- "Really, my cat is very easygoing and will happily accept being hand-fed by others, and it even enjoys playing with them... However, there is one person that it seems to really dislike, so it just ignores that person completely (laughs)."
- "Although my cat is generally very friendly, when I had to move and left it at my grandmother's house, I couldn't help but let out a cry of 'Ahhhhh!'."
- "Now it's time to share this set of photos. On the left is its expression at the pet hotel, and on the right is its expression at home while looking at the uncle."
Many shared stories about their own pets adapting quickly to new caregivers, often leading to feelings of insecurity or jealousy when they see their pets enjoying time with someone else. This phenomenon raises questions about the emotional bonds between pets and their owners versus those formed with caregivers.
Conclusion
The emotional complexity surrounding pet care while traveling is significant. While pet sitters provide essential support and care, the reactions of pet owners reveal deeper feelings of attachment and concern over their pets' affections towards others. This unique blend of joy and jealousy reflects the strong bonds that exist between pets and their owners, as well as the challenges of navigating those relationships when circumstances change.
