My cat helped me through depression

[stugtank]

I went through a period of depression when my eldest child was a baby. It was truly one of the hardest times in my life. But I'm convinced my lovely female tortie helped me through.

She was just always there. A quiet but comforting presence. She was consistent and constant. She never judged me but let me weep on her and say the darkest things in my heart.

When I collapsed on my bed with exhaustion, when my baby napped or at night - She dutifully curled up beside me and soothed me with her low,soft purring. She would even reach out her front leg and gently place a paw on my arm. As if she knew I was sad.

She never demanded anything of me, but to be fed and stroked. Or chase away the big, ginger cat that would sometimes come into our garden and frighten her.

I'm better now and she's still here. Still purring and keeping me company. I just hope I can be there for her when she needs me most.

This all sounds sappy I know but I had to share it and my Dh would not understand!

[timeforabrewnow]

Awww - that's nicely said too.

for your tortie cat.

I have a little black girl cat who I'm equally soppy about. Cats can do that.

[StillYummy]

I understand :)

[cozietoesie]

It doesn't sound sappy at all.

[Wolfiefan]

Not sappy in the slightest. One helped me through a miscarriage, one through depression and two through the loss of the first two.
It's that complete love, adoration and attention.
I love my cats. Xx

[Papergirl1968]

This has brought tears to my eyes, I have depression too and my fur baby makes me laugh every day as well as being a huge comfort and a reason to get up in the morning.

[hiddenhome2]

Research has demonstrated that keeping a cat or dog is great for mental health.

Fat Cat looks after me if I ever have a virus and am laid up in bed and Pearl sleeps with me when I come home after my nightshifts. They also know when I'm depressed.

Cats are so therapeutic

[GingerNutRiskIt]

My ginger boy helps me too. I've had a nervous breakdown and he's constantly with me, and like yours he cuddles with me and puts his paw on mine. I'm convinced they know when we're unwell. He's a house cat so he's just like a baby, and so loving.

A few weeks ago my DSs 11 and 7 went to the shop just down the road (3 minute walk tops) and after about 5 minutes, the cat jumped up in the window and started meowing frantically. A few minutes after that, both DSs knocked the door, oldest crying because a car almost knocked him over and he jumped out of the way and hit himself against another car, and again, I'm convinced that the cat knew something was wrong because he has never done that before. I'm wondering if maybe he heard them from that distance?

I was never a cat person until we got him and he's one of my best friends now (if that's even possible?).

[nowayjose1]

I went through a really rough time with anxiety and panic attacks last year and I found my cat so comforting and familiar. He sat with me when I must couldn't face getting out of bed. I honestly think our bond is even stronger now since that difficult tim. I rescued him nd then it was his turn to rescue me.❤

[FlowersAndShit]

I'm so glad to see this thread. I've had compeltely out of the blue depression and anxiety the last few months and since having my cat I'm 80% better. It may also be the vitamins that i'm taking, but I love having something to get up for- I love feeding him and hearing him meow.

[SevenOfNineTrue]

After my Mum died my cat, who has now passed, was the only reason I got up in the morning. I had to look after her so I had to get up and fed her, clean her tray etc and, once up, I then managed a cup of tea and to get washed and dressed.

[AwkwardSquad]

I sometimes describe mine as my assistance cat. I have an anxiety disorder and her weight on the bed at night is immensely comforting. For some reason known only to herself, last night she chose to sleep on my pillow and groom my hair. Was odd but soothing.

[GingerNutRiskIt]

I'm having an "I can't get out of bed day" today, and here's my boy, right beside me.

[cozietoesie]

He looks as if he's having that sort of day as well!

[hiddenhome2]

Cats never make you feel bad for just taking it easy and lounging around. As long as they have a bit of food and a clean litter tray, they're happy they place so few demands on you really, which is what people need when they're feeling low or have mental distress.

[GingerNutRiskIt]

Yeah he's quite happy doing nothing all day whilst I do the same today. DH is taking care of everything downstairs with the DCs and housework and I really need to stay out of everyone's way today, my anxiety is through the roof :(

[cozietoesie]

He actually looks from the photo as if he has a polka dot bow tie. Very dapper.

[iloveeverykindofcat]

Not sappy at all! My 2 girls moved across the country with me - I wouldn't have brave enough to do it without them.

[Leigh1980]

My cat watching Madagascar with us 😹

[lljkk]

Teenage DS talks about "cat therapy" when anyone is feeling down. :)

[GingerNutRiskIt]

Cozietoesie
It is a polka dot tie that he had for Xmas, we're calling him Lord Business Cat at the moment

[cozietoesie]