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- Mar 14, 2021
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I thought I'd ask here for thoughts as I'm so confused and not sure what to do.
I'm a single mum to a 9 year old who adores animals. He is desperate for some company at home and would dearly love a pet. I know lots of children ask for a pet and never get one, but his desire is very strong. He found lockdown incredibly hard and has suffered a great deal emotionally and I know in my heart that a cat would be wonderful for him. I take him to animal therapy (counselling) and he adores handling the dogs and animals. But he's desperate for his own.
I have never lived with pets as an adult although grew up surrounded by them. But a few years ago I bought us a puppy thinking it would be good for us (it can get lonely in a house of two), but I just couldn't cope with it and had to rehome it with my sister. I took the puppy in at the wrong time of my life when I had a very stressful job, and I wasn't prepared for how much work it would be and how needy this little thing would be. I couldn't go anywhere without it getting really distressed and subsequently pooping everywhere, and I mean everywhere! This resulted in me having panic attacks, depressed and crying constantly. I just did not cope much of the time and felt terrible, and just wanted my old life back. But when I was relaxing and snuggling with the puppy, I adored her, and she was such a a sweetie. A big part of me regrets not pushing through that time as I did break my son's heart rehoming here, and he's never forgotten it. And then we'd probably all be happy and used to each other.
So a couple of months ago I started to think about a cat, as everyone has told me they are much less work / more independent etc. I fell in love with the British shorthair breed and have been researching them. I have found two year old cat that I can have if I want, and I feel this would be better not to go. through the destructive kitty stage. I feel I could perhaps cope better with that. But I'm so worried that I'll have a similar reaction and the panic attacks will return. My close friend I've discussed this with says a cat will be different. But I'm also such a total clean freak with an immaculate house, I'm worried about having a litter tray for the next 15 years and having a smelly house and pooping scoop. That just isn't me! But I couldn't bear the worry of having an outdoor cat.
I think the love a cat would bring to our house would be amazing, hence why I decided to consider it in the first place. I feel I've found the perfect cat for us but when the reality hits me of getting this little creative, I am hit with this big wall of anxiety and worry. I wonder if I should just not risk it, but that also breaks my heart for my son, who is aching for one.
Please if you can offer any insight to help me unravel this, I'd appreciate it .x
I'm a single mum to a 9 year old who adores animals. He is desperate for some company at home and would dearly love a pet. I know lots of children ask for a pet and never get one, but his desire is very strong. He found lockdown incredibly hard and has suffered a great deal emotionally and I know in my heart that a cat would be wonderful for him. I take him to animal therapy (counselling) and he adores handling the dogs and animals. But he's desperate for his own.
I have never lived with pets as an adult although grew up surrounded by them. But a few years ago I bought us a puppy thinking it would be good for us (it can get lonely in a house of two), but I just couldn't cope with it and had to rehome it with my sister. I took the puppy in at the wrong time of my life when I had a very stressful job, and I wasn't prepared for how much work it would be and how needy this little thing would be. I couldn't go anywhere without it getting really distressed and subsequently pooping everywhere, and I mean everywhere! This resulted in me having panic attacks, depressed and crying constantly. I just did not cope much of the time and felt terrible, and just wanted my old life back. But when I was relaxing and snuggling with the puppy, I adored her, and she was such a a sweetie. A big part of me regrets not pushing through that time as I did break my son's heart rehoming here, and he's never forgotten it. And then we'd probably all be happy and used to each other.
So a couple of months ago I started to think about a cat, as everyone has told me they are much less work / more independent etc. I fell in love with the British shorthair breed and have been researching them. I have found two year old cat that I can have if I want, and I feel this would be better not to go. through the destructive kitty stage. I feel I could perhaps cope better with that. But I'm so worried that I'll have a similar reaction and the panic attacks will return. My close friend I've discussed this with says a cat will be different. But I'm also such a total clean freak with an immaculate house, I'm worried about having a litter tray for the next 15 years and having a smelly house and pooping scoop. That just isn't me! But I couldn't bear the worry of having an outdoor cat.
I think the love a cat would bring to our house would be amazing, hence why I decided to consider it in the first place. I feel I've found the perfect cat for us but when the reality hits me of getting this little creative, I am hit with this big wall of anxiety and worry. I wonder if I should just not risk it, but that also breaks my heart for my son, who is aching for one.
Please if you can offer any insight to help me unravel this, I'd appreciate it .x