Having more than one has helped. (Spoiler alert: my vet laughed and told me he appreciated my concern but it was just kitty boogers.) Cats love to get away from it all in small places, and you can provide one for your new cat as his own little safe haven. Once I got her home, I noticed over time she would have horrible sneezing fits. It took me about a month to fully stop worrying about that, but I eventually realized that my cat doesn't have a death wish and he is actually fully capable of not getting hurt when I'm not watching him. It's taken a large toll on my mental and physical health. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Also feel the same way and I don’t normally struggle with anxiety so I can’t imagine what it’s like for you. Adopted cats were screened using the Feline Temperament Profile to identify a calm temperament. Just get a small lazer light and play with hi. I have several rescue cats and I constantly worry about them. I’m a grad student who adopted my first cat about five months ago. Cats often have a bad reputation for being cold, standoffish, and generally unloving, but any cat owner can tell you that isnât true. I'm that neurotic. I find mine help with my anxiety. Just don’t get anxious if they don’t appear on camera all day (that happened to me too but they were fine and sleeping!). I play with her 1-2 hours everyday. Basically, I feel like I'm being crazy, and I worry about whether I've made a mistake. Since last night, though, he's been having occasional sneezing fits so I'm considering taking him to the vet again soon. Talk to some other cat owners about the ease of their care. The researchers also examined whether the children would show improvements in social skills and anxiety after the cat adoption. I had been thinking of adopting a kitten for a very long time (almost a year), and have always hesitated because I wouldn't be able to stay home with her. Put a chair by a window so he can look out. My pet anxiety stems from our 1,5 yr old cat having major surgery last year, and ever since it’s been bad. Plus, remember that cats are naturally independent. I'm aware that some of my worries are probably overreactions (my family and friends have told me this as well), but I occasionally find myself so feeling so overwhelmed and guilty that I cry. Mind you I already have a four year old service dog but I didn’t raise him. The chances of your cat getting hurt while you are not there are slim. You feel like you can’t really complain about it to anyone since all you really hear is “oh isn’t it amazing having a pet?”. The families were followed for 18 weeks after adopting a shelter cat. Therapy and medication really help with mine. Is their poop / pees look normal? I was so anxious the first time I left them to go to work but as time went on I moved past it because we got confident in a routine and I knew what they’d need for the day. ... Is Your Chest Pain a Heart Attack or Anxiety⦠As for practical advice...a few things have helped me a bit. Families assigned to the control group were followed for 18 weeks without intervention, then converted to treatment, by adopting a cat and were followed another 18 weeks. Have you considered getting a pet camera? By adopting a cat, you will be saving a catâs life; Itâs cheaper to adopt a cat; Itâs a beautiful way to support your local animal shelter; Conclusion It is not always illness. I got the Furbo one from amazon (it’s meant for dogs but doesn’t really matter). In the study, families that had children with autism aged 6-14 were recruited through the MU Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders and monitored after adopting a cat into their home. You questioned whether your cat would be better off in another home, but I think it would be hard for your cat to find someone else so loving. Adult cats with a history of living alone are better off remaining solitary unless you can provide so much space that the cats essentially live alone in the same home. Try to provide a more stimulating environment at home for your cat. I'm scared that these feelings won't go away. It’s really nice to see them and see that they are absolutely fine while I’m not there! Do they show interest in toys and treats? Haha. Sometimes, knowing more is key to relieving anxiety. In the first month, our cat was hiding under the sofa during the day and only coming out at night to eat and poop. I'm also a new cat parent. I really need to learn how to chill because I don't think having a dog is supposed to give you this level of anxiety. Please continue seeking support from communities and consider your psychiatrist. I considered insurance and that was an agonizing decision but decided to go this route. Oh wow, I’ll definitely be looking into cat insurance! One thing I recommend is getting cat insurance if you can afford 10-30 dollars a month. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Then, when I gave was trying to give her eye drops for the second time, I had a complete breakdown (something that had only happened to me once before). They found kids from the group that adopted cats right away were calmer, more focused, and better behaved than kids from the group that had to wait 18 weeks before adopting their cat. When people feel depressed or anxious, they often also feel alone. Not only are they adorable, but they can adapt to the individual family and home in which they arrive. You seem to love him and he will become your best friend. Believe me cats do well on their own. The first few weeks are definitely tough! That doesn’t mean you’re a bad pet owner or made a mistake. The cats were screened for temperament to ensure they ⦠Former Vet Tech here. If he came home in a cat carrier, that might be a good choice. Well, I've rambled enough...I just wanted to tell you that you're not alone. Adopted cats were screened using the Feline Temperament Profile to identify a calm temperament. But one night in late 2013, everything changed. I have a history of mild-moderate anxiety from high school experiences. Some cats poop and pee only every 12 hours, check their boxes regularly when you’re anxious. And then you’ll know for sure that he’s very happy with you and loves his kitty life. About a week ago, I adopted a 5 year old cat. Three, setting aside a fund for medical emergencies (I already had an emergency fund, but working on increasing it now that I have them in my life). I just adopted a kitten (11 weeks old) about 4 days ago. While I had dogs growing, she was my first pup, under my sole responsibly. It makes me feel so much better, to be able to actually see them safe. The new study included 11 families that had children with autism between the ages of 6 and 14. I was worried about her food and water intake so I keep track of her calories. My cat is way easier because all she does is sleep all day and poo in her box. He will really appreciate you when you are there. What if that's limiting his quality of life somehow? Trust your gut. And the worrying if he's going to hurt himself while you're gone will go away. Like sometimes I worry that my cat is anxious if I'm cleaning or making a lot of noise, but when I see him strutting around with his tail in the air, I can rest easier knowing he's feeling confident and secure. I keep an note on my phone of all these things when I’m anxious. Hi! I never play with her with my body parts, and I've taken all of the advice online on how to stop this (whenever she does this, I immediately stop playing, either giving her one of her chew toys and/or leaving the room for a bit). I know how you feel. So, it can be a very lonely experience dealing with the difficulties of adjustment on your own. When my kittens first went to the vet, one had a heart murmur and I drove myself crazy watching him for any symptoms or sign anything could be wrong! I really appreciate it ❤️, Looks like you're using new Reddit on an old browser. He is very sweet and laid back and has been slowly adjusting to the apartment. Has anyone else gone through anything similar? There are of course a number of problems that you could encounter after adopting an adult cat. ... And if their name is something new they earned at the shelter, they likely associate it with the confusion and anxiety that comes with being in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people. They calm you, bring you back to earth, and force you outside when you'd rather live in bed. I also agree about the camera... it’s great to peek at them and see they’re okay. If the answers are all good and normal, monitor regularly but they should be okay. I’m sure they are happy to of found their fur-ever home. When you feel like you know what you're doing, you'll feel more in control. My apartment is positioned so that it doesn't get much natural light. up. They have each other when I’m not home. Are their habits changing? I am on medication at the moment, but it’s been a while since I’ve talked to my therapist. Cats are pretty easy to care for. Cats offer all the great emotional benefitsthat dogs do â including relief from stress, anxiety, and depression â while still maintaining an independent personality that doesnât require nearly as much hands-on care. Also just think they’re better off at your house safe and warm all day than in a shelter or on the street or with someone who doesn’t care. There were so many more anxieties that I didn’t have with my childhood pets. You did a good thing adopting. Especially as they get older. Keep doing your best by your kitty!!! My boyfriend and I rescued a puppy a few days ago and on the first night of having her, after some excitement had calmed down, I had a full blown panic attack because she is so tiny and what if I’m not a good mom. This really hits home, but with my first dog! I second this, I have two kitties (brothers) and I used to worry about them loads while I was out etc. Brian Consiglio: Adopting a pet from a local animal shelter has helped improve the social skills of some children or helped decrease feelings of stress and anxiety.While there has been plenty of research on the benefits of dogs for children with autism, very little is known about the benefits of cats. Although it is possible to to go down the path of adopting a stray cat, and many people do, there can be some major problems in the process. It’s an endless cycle. I'm super careful about every little thing - down to keeping a drain blocker over the garbage disposal in the sink when I'm out of the house or asleep, because they are curious kittens and I'm afraid they'll stick their paws in and get cut by the (non-moving) blades. Are they eating? Take a deep breath and enjoy your newly adopted cat. For more cat feeding and nutrition tips, visit our Pet Nutrition section. I felt the same way when I got my first pet as an adult. How Adopting A Cat Can Help With Depression Or Anxiety. In fact, most cats enjoy sleeping in the bed with their owners at night, laying on the couch with their owners, and just bein⦠I gave them the gift of being able to stay together and live in a loving and safe home. How My Rescue Cat Rescues Me From Depression and Anxiety For years, I have struggled with anxiety and depression, and I never tackled it full-on like I have done this year. The vet gave her a nasal flush, but also proceeded to tell me she had a prolapsed rectum. Having a cat reduces stress and anxiety; Petting your cat will make you happy (and your cat will love it too). I worry about how she’s feeling, etc. The cats were screened for temperament to ensure they ⦠I definitely feel like there’s an expectation among people that the moment you get a pet the perfect companionship should be instant. I feel like I may be a person with somatic or ocd tendencies because of this, and I just focus those ‘feelings’ on to her or Inanimate objects ( I also do the same with my car, freaking out and thinking something is constantly wrong with it). Sometimes you just want to scream NO ITS NOT. I grew up with pets too and when I got my first two I felt the same- the being responsible for their day to day well being hits harder! Every time you come home, youâll know that your cat is waiting there for you with a loving presenceâeven if all theyâre really after is dinner. Signs of Cat Anxiety. by Amber King July 27, 2020. I wake up every morning in a panic that she needs to pee and if she's staring at me constantly worry she is not getting enough exercise. Leaving a cat at home alone can cause a lot of anxiety in a cat. If they are breathing 20-30 breaths a minute when relaxing and it seems to be a good deep breath, they’re okay. 2. The cats were screened for temperament to ensure they ⦠Older seems more tired, younger kitty eats to fast and throws up the food he ate, cat cries in her sleep. . You’re observant and taking them to the vet when deemed necessary to make sure they are all good. I was 100% in your shoes when I adopted my first cat: along with all the anxieties of bringing home a new companion, he also had some health issues that were very vague and scary, and had several vet visits within his first couple months of being home, which only added to his stress. I'm going to talk to my therapist about all my thoughts. One, I have a camera, so when I'm at work I can peek in on them. I wish you the best of luck and many happy years together. You will do fine. What’s their respiratory rate in a minute? Dealing with feelings of anxiety/depression after adopting a cat. This triggered another bout of anxiety. You’re already doing great. Adopting an adult cat means the cat will need to adapt to your home, a process which can be difficult. However, with a little bit of love and patience they can easily be overcome! Anyway I was the same and worried all the time (because I just love them so much!) Potential cons of adopting an older cat. Living with a cat can offer a sense of constant companionship. Huge thanks to everyone responding. You being gone lets them catch up on naps! The healing power of felines has helped my daughter through bouts of worry and intense sadness. A million times over, yes. While you are at work he'll spend most of his time sleeping anyway. What if he gets hurt while I'm away? How much food to leave, where they’d sleep, when to leave light on, etc. She wasn't cooperating (she hates the eye drops), and I had an anxiety attack. She's been absolutely perfect, she loves to cuddle. Locate it away from the litter box. I don't want to take her back to the shelter, but if this continues, I may have to? I've grown up with pets and never felt this way, so I suppose it's my reaction to being fully responsible for the health and happiness of a pet. I now can look I’m on the pet camera and it lets me throw them treats! Hey! I was there just a little while ago. That being said, the best advice I got was that your pet is probably more adaptable than you think. I have dozens of recurring thought spirals around all the bad things that could happen to them. He's very well behaved and laid back, but I still find myself worrying whether he's ok while I'm away at work. I'm a college student currently living alone and attending school from my apartment due to the pandemic. If your cat has anxiety, you may notice pacing or restlessness, hiding, decreased appetite, vocalization, hypervigilance, trembling, salivation, and excessive grooming. We are lucky enough to live in an apartment connected to my girlfriends parents home, and we frequently get her 11/14 year old sisters to babysit and watch them when we need to go out. Article after article explained the benefits of animals in terms of how they reduce anxiety. of course then covid hit and I’ve been home 24/7 with them for nine months after only nine weeks of leaving them to go to work so it’ll be a whole new anxious transition when I go back to work again! Looking lethargic? Should I Change My Catâs Name After Adopting Them? However, now I've been giving it a lot of thought, and found an amazing shelter near me. If you’re concerned about when you leave the house you should buy a security camera. It’s just a big adjustment. The positive impact of having multiple cats can be negated by âcohabitation anxietyâ if the cats do not get along. At the end of the day, as a pet owner, you can only do your best: you aren't a vet, and your vet doesn't expect you to be one. In the study, families that had children with autism aged 6-14 were recruited through the MU Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders and monitored after adopting a cat into their home. It takes time, and it’s alright to take all the time you need. It through me into a mini panic, because I wasn’t sure what that meant. My depression hit an all time low during the pandemic and being a pet parent causes me anxiety all the time even after 12 years. Awww I know, I felt super stressed for the first 2-3 weeks of getting my first cat! I adopted her back in August and wasn’t really told she had health issues. I am not the same person. Here are some other signs of cat anxiety and fear, from mild to severe: Mild Signs of Cat Anxiety. Has anyone else here felt this way? Wasn’t sure if I was doing the right things, wasn’t sure what he wanted when he meowed or moved, wasn’t sure if he looked okay, wasn’t sure if he was okay when I left the apartment, and on and on. First of all, this is common while you are getting used to him being there. It’ll get better ❤️. I throw peanuts out by the window and my cat watches as the squirrels come and eat them. However, my mental health as never been this bad :(, and I'm veering into depression potentially. Long story short, you seem to be pretty on top of it. I even went so far as to get a magnetic cover for the switch to make sure they never accidentally turn it on. They just want love, a comfy place to lay, and of course food. And my anxiety is lower now except in regards to them as a whole. I’ll tell you what my boyfriend told me to help me calm down, “your concern for her health and saftey alone makes you a good mom, you’ve just gotta do the best you can about the things that concern you.” I was worried about her teething so I bought her puppy bones. Thankfully, it's not serious. M ore than 90% of pet owners think of their dog or cat as a member of their family, according to a 2015 Harris Poll.While that close bond makes pets ⦠As long as you've taken care of the basics (right amount of food, fresh water, toys and playtime, and plenty of love and affection), your cat is going to be happy. The site may not work properly if you don't, If you do not update your browser, we suggest you visit, Press J to jump to the feed. With a little training, and a whole lot of love, your cat will be a welcome addition to your family. Since coming home with her, my anxiety has flared up again, and I've been having lots of stress. Happy new year! It's nice to hear that things do get better! To set your cat up for success, itâs important to have some essential supplies ready before bringing your new kitty home.. One commonly overlooked item is a carrier to safely transport your cat home. You’re a new pet parent! I was the same when I first adopted my pup Stella last year. And when they look up at me with love in their eyes, when they stand leaning against my legs with their tails wrapped around me, when they are so happy that they throw themselves on the floor and roll with their legs in the air, when they curl up on my lap purring or bury themselves next to me in bed...that is what keeps me going through all the thought spirals and difficult decisions and self doubt and worry. Avoiding eye contact. Surveys measured children's social skills and anxiety and parent/child cat bonding. Cats sleep up to 22 hours a day. It’s a bit expensive but it’s alleviated so much stress it’s 100percent worth it! I adopted two shy sweet kitten brothers from the shelter. What if he's bored? I struggled with it hard core. So we got a pet camera (wyze cam) from Amazon and we'd check out what she did during the night every morning. Just the fact that you are asking these questions shows that you care a great deal. Cats can sneeze from dust or allergies. I worry about my kitties constantly. Here’s what I’ve learned from the vets and other pet owners with anxiety on how to manage it. In the study, families that had children with autism, ages 6-14, were recruited through the MU Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders and monitored after adopting a cat into their home. (I should probably do that soon lol), Thank you for the recommendations! As of now, end of Dec. they are best friends. I remember adopting her and being SO excited but also terrified because it’s a totally new experience. Soon you’ll just KNOW or be able to TELL how he is if he so much as flicks his tail. I've always loved cats, and I've been wanting to adopt for a while now. 5 Ways Cats Are Great Therapy for Anxiety or Depression in Kids. They are very closely bonded to each other and quickly became very closely bonded to me. Asking questions is the best thing you can do. As for the health stuff, there's really no good answer for that, other than that it is never a bad idea to ask your vet about things that concern you. Shifting body or head away Feeling like their depressed, anxiety. Advice appreciated! Are they sleeping a lot more? Years of being on Valium, I was taken off of it. Does it get better? I've always loved cats, and I've been wanting to adopt for a while now. I had the same feelings wondering if things would ever get better. Read some books and threads about cats. The adjustment is hard, and it’s definitely easy to get caught up worrying. They love to watch birds and squirrels. I have horrible anxiety!!! I feel you about the garbage disposal!!! I had been thinking of adopting a kitten for a very long time (almost a year), and have always hesitated because I wouldn't be able to stay home with her. In the study, families that had children with autism aged 6-14 were recruited through the MU Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders and monitored after adopting a cat ⦠I just adopted a kitten (11 weeks old) about 4 days ago. I felt so disconnected and anxious, constantly crying. But I stuck it out and he’s been my baby for 4 years! Ask these questions. Is sneezing by itself cause for concern, or are there other things you should look out for. Should I take my cat to the vet because he has a small black scab-looking thing under his nose? It gets easier, I promise you. There is one thing I don't question myself on: I know I love them, I know they love me, and I know I made the right decision by adopting them. Senior cats have lower energy levels. I love being able to see them napping peacefully. Sure they love it when you're around, but they can manage just fine on their own. I deal with depression and an anxiety disorder that I've been managing well, but I was not anticipating the wave of anxiety I'd feel once I brought him home. You can do anything you need to do to keep yourself at ease. but this morning I woke up to both drawers in my bathroom vanity pulled open so you never know! Donât Put Off Shopping for Supplies. And now that she spends most of her time around us, we still keep the camera on so we can check on her when we are not home. Every little thing that happens with them causes me anxious. Lol. You’re a new parent! Hi! Anxiety Attacks after adopting kitten. It confirmed many things I was already doing while also giving me new ideas. At first I thought it was because she was always playing with the wires in my room, so I immediately taped them down. I proceeded to have 3-4 more within the last 3 days. Does it get better? I experience the same thing with my fur baby. These are all probably normal-ish problems for the first week of having a kitten! Transcript. Oh my yes! I can relate, I’m in a similar situation. What if he'd be happier in another home? They can do without it. For example, if your cat suffers from separation anxiety, provided distractions to your pet such as cat toys and snacks. Some issues of not burying her poop after going in the litter box (not a huge deal), she loves my keyboard (have to put her down off of my desk whenever I'm working, but she somehow manages to keep coming up), has a small eye infection and I've had to give her eye drops. And remember adopting a cat can help ease two lives filled with anxiety: your own and a cat looking for a ⦠I was pretty worried about what she was doing, if she was exploring on her own etc. Families assigned to the control group were followed for 18 weeks without intervention, then converted to treatment, by adopting a cat and were followed another 18 weeks. Signs a cat is experiencing separation anxiety include excessive vocalization (lots of meowing), overgrooming to the point of licking off fur into bald ⦠Normal schedule? I've already scheduled an appointment with my therapist for next week, and also an appointment with her vet for next week. I'm a college student currently living alone and attending school from my apartment due to the pandemic. Like you mentioned this is your first pet, solo. I don't know if it's because of the kitten or something else? Just breath. You said you manage it well, but I didn't know if that meant medication, or if you are good at talking yourself through things. and the pet camera has helped SO much!!!! Having grown up surrounded by animals and as someone with anxiety and depression, I briefly thought about getting a therapy cat before moving away to ⦠I also have read many blogs and listened to podcasts (9 lives with vet Dr. Kat is a good one). Next time you go to the vet, ask them what signs should bring you back. I really encourage you to seek help for jt. But don’t worry - It’s normal! Try adopting another kitten to help keep him company for times when you are gone. Have you considered a visit to a psychiatrist so that you don't have to live with this level of anxiety? I'd do anything for my kitties including going into debt if needed but it's nice to know I've got funds set aside. I have severe pet anxiety and really struggled with depression when we adopted our second cat in November. I don't know...I've only been at this for 6 months. A small sample of 15 children with ASD and their families were randomly assigned to either adopt a shelter cat (treatment group) or to be waitlisted to adopt a cat 18 weeks later (control group). I had a friend who met up with me during this period and was like “this is supposed to be a happy thing, maybe you should take the cat back if it’s making you so unhappy”. I've been monitoring his stool and giving him his medicine. If you're considering adopting a cat to help ease your anxiety, that's great! Two, I read this great book by Jackson Galaxy (Total Cat Mojo) that made me feel a lot more confident and competent in my cat parenting skills. And take care of you so you can be the best cat parent! I think it gets easier with time so hang in there. If you arenât a dog person, cats make great companions too! For natural reasons senior cats are not as energetic as kittens and young cats. The main characteristics you need to consider when adopting a new cat are: Age: it is fair to say people generally prefer adopting a kitten. But I have bouts of worrying about her as well. Edit: Thanks everyone for the kind remarks! You got this! They are calming and take my mind off things I have no control over. So many decisions...am I feeding them the right type of food and the right amount? Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this, am new to Reddit, and a friend suggested I post on her to get advice.
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