I am hoping to get a rescue cat in the hope it will help my anxiety. Any comments welcome.

[Maudebrill]

Has anyone got a pet for this reason? Did it work?

[Carl87]

Cats are awesome animals, regardless of Anxiety being present or not, get one!

[Jeff1943]

Maudebrill, Just don't get a cat with anxiety disorder. Only joking. Get a cat by all means, it may help a little by distracting you from your anxiety.

But don't expect a cat to heal you of anxiety. That's your job. A cat cannot offer you the understanding of anxiety that is essential to recovery. A cat is unable to give you reassurance by explaining the limitations of anxiety: how it isn't life threatening, can't permanently disable you and won't make you lose your mind.

Most of all, your feline friend can't explain how anxiety is caused by over sensitisation of your nervous system and how to bring about recovery by returning your nerves to their normal state.

Cats are not psychiatrists or therapists or doctors and can't even point you in the direction of a good book about self help for your nerves.

But still get one anyway, it may preoccupy you with normal thoughts but one that can cure anxiety disorder I have yet to meet.

[CatsHelpMe]

Cats are my passion... they make me laugh and calm me and keep me company without judging... and they also make me get out of my inner world and relate to people. So I would definitely suggest getting a cat, especially a rescued one (you'd be saving their life and they will be saving yours) as long as you think you can take proper care of the feline friend

[barkingmaddogrescuer]

Do it! I have dogs and they help me in so many ways. Stroking a cat or dog has been shown to lower blood pressure, so that’s a positive for both of you. I find caring for my dogs helps to ground me when i’m having a rough time too. They need me & that keeps me from disengaging from everything.

[Jeff1943 in reply to barkingmaddogrescuer]

A stroke can save you from a stroke.

[captained49]

A Dog is especially good - it’s why the use them for PTSD ( which is a form of Anxiety) - A cat I guess would be good ! They take you out of yourself ( Anxiety keeps you focused on YOU ) Just let Anxiety be their - it’s not even Real - No one even knows you have it except You !

[dillydally1]

hi,

I think that's a great idea, let us know how you go on. they say pets are very stress relieving, also they are very good company x

[Finglas-Boy]

Wonderful idea Maudebrill. We've always had dachshunds & our current doggie does wonders for me but our son has a cat & watching dog + cat cavorting round the house together is crazy & cheers me up - as does waking each morning with doggie on my legs & cat wrapped around my head! Also getting a rescue animal = all credit to you.

FB. 🇮🇪

[Bttallen]

J have 5 cats.i did not get them for anxiety...i just love cats. They are wonderful companions and give unconditional love. i have bad anxiety and panic attacks and they definitely help me calm down. i dont know what i would do without them

[designguy]

For those of us with anxiety disorder, loving and caring for ourselves is something we weren't taught, learned or experienced. My favorite saying is "the pathway to GOD is through DOG" or in your case CAT. Getting my dog Walter (a Weimaraner) was the best thing for me. Through loving and caring for him, I started learning how to love myself and experience unconditional love, which is what I think we are all seeking and deserve. Ultimately, overcoming anxiety disorder is about self-acceptance so it was extremely beneficial.

[Hidden]

By all means, yes! Chinchilla, my avatar is my rescue cat. I’m his rescue human. 😻😽

[flaxxy703]

u r doing things to feel better not waiting to feel better to do things. very endorseable.. i love cats as well.

[DeeM3]

As long as you love cats! Lol. I’m a little obsessed so mine make me happy.