Dr. Phil Show Season 16 Episode 60 My Cat-Hoarding Obsession Is Ruining My Marriage
- December 5, 2018
In episode 60 of season 16 of the Dr. Phil Show, titled "My Cat-Hoarding Obsession Is Ruining My Marriage," viewers are introduced to a woman named Kelly who is struggling to cope with her cat-hoarding addiction. Kelly is married to a man named Bill who is at his wits' end with her hoarding behavior. He has tried everything he can think of to convince Kelly to stop bringing cats into their home, but she is unable to resist the urge.
Kelly's obsession with cats began years ago when she rescued her first stray. Since then, she has been unable to turn away any feline in need. At the time of filming, Kelly had over 30 cats living in her home, and the number continued to rise each month. She has turned several rooms in their house into makeshift cat shelters, and Bill is constantly stepping over litter boxes and navigating his way around meowing cats just to get to the kitchen.
Bill has tried to intervene several times, but Kelly always reacts with anger and defensiveness. She tells him that he is heartless and doesn't understand her love for animals. This has caused a rift in their marriage, and Bill is at the point where he is considering divorce.
In this episode, Dr. Phil brings in an expert on hoarding to help Kelly understand the gravity of her situation. They discuss the health hazards that come with owning so many cats, including the spread of disease and the risk of injury from scratches and bites. Dr. Phil also speaks with Bill about the toll that Kelly's hoarding has taken on their relationship.
Throughout the episode, the Dr. Phil team works with Kelly to help her realize that her behavior is not only dangerous but also detrimental to her mental health. They provide her with resources and strategies to help her overcome her addiction and to find ways to better manage her love for animals.
The show ends with a heartwarming follow-up where viewers learn that Kelly has made significant progress in lowering the number of cats in their home. She has worked hard to overcome her hoarding tendencies and has found new ways to express her love for animals without jeopardizing her health or her marriage.
Overall, "My Cat-Hoarding Obsession Is Ruining My Marriage" is a powerful episode that highlights the destructive impact hoarding can have on both the affected individual and their loved ones. Dr. Phil and his team offer hope and support to those struggling with addiction and provide practical tips to help them move forward and build a healthier, happier life.