AITA for Letting My Cat Use My Old MacBook Instead of Giving It to My Sister?
So here’s the situation: You’ve got an old MacBook, it’s water-damaged, glitchy, and barely hanging on. Instead of tossing it or selling it for peanuts, you repurpose it as a cat TV—literally a screen playing calming YouTube videos for your feline friend to watch while you work.
But then your sister finds out. And she’s not thrilled.
She’s in school and needs a laptop. And while your old MacBook is kind of on its last leg, she feels like it should’ve gone to her instead of your pet. Now she’s throwing shade, calling you selfish, and the family chat’s starting to feel a little icy.
So, are you the jerk for choosing your cat’s entertainment over your sister’s student needs? Or is this a classic case of expectations vs. reality?
Keeping cats entertained can be tricky, especially when they get bored easily and need constant stimulation
A man shared how his sister got upset when he used his old Mac to entertain his cat instead of giving it to her
When Family Expectations Clash With Practical Choices
Let’s break this down in a way that makes sense—because there’s more going on here than just a cat watching bird videos.
🧯 The MacBook Is Barely Functional – That’s the Core of It
First off, this MacBook isn’t some gently-used device sitting on a shelf collecting dust. It’s described as:
- Water-damaged
- Broken speakers
- Flickering screen unless plugged in
- Overall slow and sluggish
Repairing a MacBook with these issues? That’s expensive. Even basic screen repairs can cost upwards of $300. Throw in battery issues and speaker replacement, and you’re staring down the price of a brand-new mid-range Windows laptop.
In other words—it’s not a usable, reliable machine. Not for school, not for Zoom lectures, not for essays or research.
And most importantly—not a gift. Because giving someone a “gift” that’s more of a headache than help? That’s not generosity, that’s passing the problem on.
🎓 But She’s Your Sister… and She Needs It for School?
Okay, totally fair. Your sister needs a laptop. That’s stressful, especially for students. MacBooks aren’t cheap, and tech issues can derail a semester fast.
But here’s the key thing: needing something doesn’t entitle you to someone else’s stuff—especially if that “stuff” barely works and isn’t fit for the job.
She assumed that since you “weren’t using it,” it must be fair game. But using it for your cat is still using it. And you found a way to give the device one final job before it dies.
If she’d asked before you set it up as a cat TV, maybe this would’ve gone differently. But asking after, and then getting mad when you say no? That’s entitlement, not a favor request.
🐾 Why the Cat TV Actually Makes Sense
Let’s not downplay this part: cats need stimulation too, especially indoor cats in small apartments. Behavioral vets and animal welfare experts say mental stimulation is just as important as food and water. And “Cat TV”—YouTube channels with birds, fish, squirrels—have been proven to help cats:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Avoid boredom-related behavior (like scratching or meowing excessively)
- Provide enrichment, especially when their owner is working
And since your cat almost knocked over your main TV trying to play with the screen, using the old MacBook for this purpose is actually smart. It’s safe, contained, and gives your pet something to focus on.
It’s not ridiculous. It’s responsible pet ownership.
🤷 Is This Really About the MacBook?
Let’s be honest—this might not just be about a broken laptop.
Your sister may be stressed, overwhelmed with school, or just feeling like she’s being left behind. Sometimes people lash out over things that seem small because it’s about something bigger—like feeling unsupported or overlooked.
But that doesn’t make her behavior okay.
Calling you an “inconsiderate asshole” because you didn’t give her something that:
- You paid for
- Is too broken for school use
- Still has value to you (even if just for cat entertainment)
…is not cool. It’s emotional manipulation.
🧾 What Could You Have Done Differently?
Maybe, just maybe, if you’d thought she might want it, you could have offered her the laptop with disclaimers:
“Hey, it barely works, but if you want it and think you can fix it, it’s yours.”
That would’ve been kind—but not required. And since she only asked after she saw the cat using it, it’s not like she was counting on it before.
So no, you’re not obligated to do that. But if you’re feeling generous, maybe suggest some affordable student laptops. Or even help her look for second-hand deals.
Many people online felt his sister was being overly entitled in her reaction
👀 So… AITAH?
No. You’re not the asshole.
You made a practical, harmless choice with something that was yours. You didn’t throw it away. You didn’t deny anyone something life-changing. You repurposed a semi-broken laptop to help enrich your pet’s life. That’s not selfish. That’s smart.
Your sister saw the photo, got jealous, and then made it about her. That’s on her, not you.
So keep the Cat TV running. And maybe add a tiny desk lamp beside it, for extra work-from-home vibes. 🐱💻