New cat blues, is it a thing?

[Goldie83]

Hello. So last week i adopted a one year old rescue cat. He’s literally wonderful, litter trained, loving, calm and good natured. He’s settled in well and is thoroughly spoiled. I got him for my seven year old son as he’d wanted a cat for years. I’d have been quite content not having a pet, I’d never really considered it tbh, even though I love animals. Our neighbour’s cat visited a lot and we used to cat sit for them, so that placated DS for a couple of years but they moved house two months ago. I’ve been a solo mum full time since my son was born. I just wondered if it’s normal to feel a bit down when getting a first pet? I feel kind of like I did when my son was born, like the world has shifted a little. I feel like the extra responsibility and tie have made me feel a bit anxious. I worry about the cat and feel guilty when I have to leave him to go to work. I have a very full-on full time job as well as juggling being a single mum so I feel like I don’t need the extra worry. I’m wondering does this feeling settle? Will it feel normal? My son is absolutely in love with him so I’m having to be extra happy on the surface so as not to put my anxiety onto him. Thanks for reading.

Firstly, thank you for adopting a cat in need. Secondly, in a couple of weeks time you will wonder how you ever got by without a cat and will probably want another one! Certain breeds of cat, like Siamese and Burmese can experience separation issues but even these are rare. If he's just a "moggy" he will be fine on his own all day and will be extra pleased to see you when you get home. Obviously, leave him good access to water and some biscuits when you're out. In the evenings, he will curl up on your lap, purring gently as you absent-mindedly stroke his head and all your stress from the day will be purred away. Your world will change a little, but for the better. Best of luck.

Yes! Our senior cat had to be put down last June and my husband and I hated the silence in our house without a pet, so we rescued two bonded sisters and felt exactly the same for the first few weeks, which I was not expecting given how heartbroken we were to lose our boy.
that feeling went, and I think is normal to a degree while you all get to know each other and bond, now I’m very attached to my two girls as they are to us.
the world has definitely shifted and you’ll all get to know each other in no time :) x

Thank you so much for the replies! I was hoping it was just a normal adjustment period to having another presence in the house after it just being my son and I for the last seven years. He’s a gorgeous ragdoll / Persian mix breed, an indoor cat but I’m hoping to get a catio so he can roam outside a little. ☺️