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Anxiety looking after new pet

NAS67528

Hi,

My anxiety has got worse in the last few weeks largely due to the current situation and the 1 year anniversary of my fathers death which approaches next month.  Additionally I applied to adopt a cat a few months ago and was given one three weeks ago.  Previously I`ve only had hamsters so this was a big change.  He is lovely, very affectionate, however wants to be with me 24/7 (understandable as he looks for reassurance).  However I`m finding the constant demands for my attention and lack of time to myself, changes in routine I`ve had to make, constant worries about his anxiety and wellbeing and the stress of the responsibility for another being is making my anxiety worse so much so that I dread each day.

This is not his fault.  But I`m worried about my ability to cope and the impact it will have on my health and wonder if he might be better with someone who can handle his needs better.  I`m thinking of returning him before he gets too settled so he can be rehomed but I feel bad about this.

I`m wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience and can offer any advice on whether things got better or what you found helpful to cope?  Or alternatively whether you had to make the hard decision to rehome the pet?

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

Becky

  • in reply to SaidShe

    Thank you for the suggestion, I`ll look this course up

  • in reply to Just some guy

    Thanks for your suggestions and advice, I`ll give this a go and see how things go with a bit more time

  • I signed up for a cheap-ass pet-sitting and dog walking course on Groupon. I'm yet to finish it but I generally find animals quite soothing and I prefer to work with them over humans. I can share my log in details to the course if you like as it could make you a proffesional regarding animal care. I really hope you form an attachment and don't give up on the little beings. Personally I don't like too much noise or violence from animals but apart from that they are my buddies.

  • Live your normal life, and he'll learn your routine. That will include the times and situations that you're sat quietly and are receptive to cuddles and will stroke him - e.g. while you watch TV.

    The only changes you should need to make are to feed him and if you want to play with him. Even then you can teach him that you play when you want to, not when he wants to. Cats do get bored and if he can't leave the house then you will need to play with him, but it doesn't have to be every time he wants it.

    If he constantly demands attention then it means you're being really nice to him, so take it as a compliment. Just give yourself time too, and you'll find that you both reach a balance.

    (This response typed awkwardly by reaching over the purring furriness between me and the keyboard)