A heartbroken woman has filed for divorce after her husband rehomed her beloved cat behind her back. The 47-year-old believes her cat, named Benji, is the reincarnation of her late father - and has a strong bond with the animal as a result.
However, her husband refuses to 'play into her fantasy', instead calling her connection with the cat "strange and unhealthy". Taking to Reddit, the woman said: "After my dad passed, I was feeling very down, like I had a hole that I couldn't fill.
"I was finding it hard to keep myself busy around the house during the day so I decided to adopt my cat Benji. I rescued him when he was so small he fit in the palm of my hand and have had him for two years.
"This may sound crazy to some, but I really believe Benji is the reincarnation of my dad.
"When I look into his eyes, I feel something more than a cat. Like a cat born with a human soul.
"All the timing adds up, it all makes sense to me at least. Even if I am crazy the thought brings me comfort and I don't see anything wrong with it."
She went on to explain how Benji "saved her", and helped her through the grieving process.
"My husband thinks this is strange and unhealthy," she added.
"He says my bond with the cat freaks him out, and makes him uncomfortable that I truly believe he has my dad's soul.
"It's been two years since he died, Benji really saved me. He's the best companion I could've asked for.
"There’s nothing better than being able to cuddle up with an animal that loves you at the end of a long day - though, hubby would disagree."
While she was holidaying with her mum and sister, her husband took it upon himself to rehome her beloved cat.
He claimed he thought it would help ground her back in reality.
She said: "I had no idea what was going on while I was out.
"When I came home and couldn't find the cat my first thought was that he must have somehow made his way outside.
"This already worried me because we never let him out, God knows what could happen to him out there!
"After my frantic search inside and on my way outside to keep searching, hubby informs me that Benji is 'staying with a friend'.
"I demanded that he called to take him back ASAP! He wouldn't, but thankfully he had told me who he gave my cat to, so I had to make some calls of my own."
Her husband claimed to have rehomed Benji with one of his coworkers - but when she called to ask for him back, she finally learnt the truth.
"I reached out to the coworker's wife and explained what was going on, and promptly asked them to return Benji," she added.
"She then informed me that she had no idea what I was talking about.
"At this point I was furious with rage. I asked my husband what was going on!
"I told him I have police involved and he needs to give up the cat ASAP!
"It turns out Benji was at a local shelter. Never was with the coworker at all."
She set to work tracking down the rescue centre and managed to reclaim her cat later that day.
She said: "I took him straight to my sister's house, where I will also be staying for the time being.
"I am heartbroken, but also incredibly thankful that my poor boy is now home safe!
"He was clearly stressed and confused but he is settling in quite well at my sister's.
"My brother will be picking up any necessities from my house for me, I haven't been home or seen my husband since I left for the shelter."
No longer able to trust her husband, the woman has logged a police report against him and has filed for divorce.
"My family has supported me in my decisions and they are all willing to do whatever it takes to help me when I may need them," she added.
Commenting on her post, one user said: "It's always surprising to me that people will do sh*t like this and never once think 'hHmm, this might end my relationship'."
Another user added: "Glad she's rehoming the worthless husband and keeping her cat."
A third user said: "That husband and his mate is an absolute piece of s***. Who does that to someone you're apparently meant to love, not to mention getting jealous of an innocent cat?"
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