I cry over my cat too much!

[Inappropriatefemale]

Just like most decent people then I cannot read or watch anything about cruelty to animals and especially cats, I’ve only been a cat owner for just under 18 months and anytime I read or watch something about a cat being treated horribly then I always imagine my cat being the cat that these awful things happen too, it’s much like when your a parent and you put your own child there in your head when you read about a child that is abused.

The issue is that I’m now so anxious something will happen to her, she is an indoor cat but what’s wrong with me if I’m sitting worrying about the ‘what ifs’ all the time, this isn’t normal to keep thinking negatively and I have only experienced death in my family with my grandparents and they were old so as sad as it is then it’s to be expected, and so I am unsure why I feel this way, I cry at least once a week about ‘what if’, am I depressed?

It doesn’t sound normal, I used to get upset thinking about mine dying but not weekly.

Oh, thats really sad. I used to have moments like that, but it doesn't happen so much these days. I've had cats in my life for 30 years, so have experienced a few losses. My only hope is that they won't suffer throughout their lives and will live 'til they're old and grey.

I don't think any normal person doesn't feel upset reading about abuse but I always think I know my cat is safe as she's indoors with me or I know my children are safe - I never think of them in that situation. I would suspect you may have depression, might be worth talking to a counsellor. You can self refer now via NHS website or see GP.

I can understand this, I love cats and animals in general and hate to hear of them being hurt or in distress. I can't watch any programmes about animal cruelty because it upsets me too much for days afterwards. I donate to animal charities instead (and human ones too).
I think though that maybe you are a bit depressed as you have mentioned. Are there any other areas in your life which are getting you down?
Maybe some counselling would be beneficial. Do you have supportive family and friends you can talk to also?
Take care of yourself x

Thanks for your replies ladies.

Yeah I think I may be depressed, not massively as in I can still get up, shower and go about my day, I’ve had depression in the past and it was a hassle to go to the toilet so I know that it’s not that bad.

My GP can be very dismissive though so I may make an appointment with a different doctor.

As a person who has lived with anxiety, depression and OCD for as long as I can remember, I would say what you describe is more in line with anxiety than depression. I’ve found that anxious spells lead to depressive spells. I’m also a cat person who has a cat and tend to worry about him more than is necessary so I absolutely get it.

Please do feel free to PM me if you’d like to talk further with more privacy. I have often found that it really helps to just talk about the things that are concerning me.

Good luck to yourself and your cat. You can get through this OP :-)

You can self-refer without seeing GP in England here:

www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-psychological-therapies-service/

It does sound like anxiety.

I’m in Scotland not England.

I’ll just make an appointment with another GP and yes I think it is anxiety and it doesn’t help that I’m a natural worrier.

I saw there was this in Scotland if you don't get anywhere with GP.

breathingspace.scot/