A VetMed forum guest writes:
I have 2 cats, 2 ragdolls who are the loves of my life. Both 11 years old and one with kidney failure and heart problems. He is allergic to everything and has ongoing to reactions to things here and there. I have since looked into seeing a therapist for counseling since I am such a mess when he is sick. I feel like I won't get through another day without my cat if he passes away.
I do have anxiety and stress but not a huge amount and don't feel like this about anyone or anything else. I can not function at all through the stress of my cat being ill or the thought of him dying. My husband has been supportive but lately he just cannot handle how emotional I am when it comes to the cats. I know another person who is like me but it is very hard to find people that relate. I have already told my husband that I can not have pets again. I already feel like I won't get through another day if my cat dies.
Do you feel like this? How do you get past it and deal with the stress and anxiety...?"
Related Reading
- Dealing with guilt - did I do everything I could?
- Resources about euthanasia, how to know when it is "time" and pet loss and grief
From Other About.com Guides
- Depression
- Panic Disorder (also covers anxiety)
- Stress
Photo: Sadness by VolaVale on Flickr
Comments
As an animal communicator. I have dealt with this issue so many times before, and indeed our bodies are the mirrors of our pets. When we feel sad, our pets are just as unhappy!
So cheer up and look ahead, there are so many animal friends waiting for people like you who will shower them with your unconditional love!
My condolences! It’s okay to feel the way you do. Our kitties are our loves. We have had many cats, and we have grieved every time one died. We were without any cats when Andy came into our lives. We adopted him, because we never met a friendlier cat. (He stuck his paw out of the cage and motioned me to go see him. It was love at first site.) Unfortunately, he had cardiomyopathy (hardening of the heart walls)and died 22 months after adoption. He was my very favorite kitty (except for my childhood cat). His death just devestated me. I cried most of the time for several days and could not sleep. Six months later, I am still healing. It’s a slow process. I still miss him and expect I always shall. No-one could ever replace him. But, we’ve healed to the point that we feel like adopting another cat, in the near future, from the shelter. So, I offer you some thoughts which hopefully will help you. Val’s comment about cats picking up on our sadness (in fact, on all our emotions) is on target. I know it’s hard to put on a happy face when you are not happy; I had to do that when Andy was failing. It’s hard to do but is very beneficial to the cat. I also recommend that you try to focus your thinking on all the joy he has brought you and how much you love every minute with him. Be very verbal to him about your love. Lavish attention on him; hold him; play with him, etc. If you think about making the kitty happy, things will be easier on kitty and might also be easier on you too. And, you might just have more time with him than you anticipate. Hope this helps. Enjoy every second with the cat!