Anxiety looking after new pet

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

Parents
  • 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.

Reply
  • 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.

Children