Should I get a cat again?

[Thunderstorm]

I feel like it would be scummy, since there's a chance I might CTB

On the other hand, it would likely make me feel a lot better and increase my chances of not CTB

My cat died over 2 years ago and have felt very lonely since

 

[Quietist]

Unless you plan on CTB for sure within the next month or two, I say go for it: get the cat.

 

[spero_meliora]

as long as you have no imminent plans to ctb, I think this is a good idea... my pets have saved me time and time again from terrible days. they know when you're not okay, and it sounds like your recovery would go easier if you had a pet to share your life with.

 

[Pluto]

 

[trying ungracefully]

Think about it for at least a month deeply and if you did CTB years later how would you feel about needing to give that cat up to a shelter where their fate is unknown.

 

[25dRvS9Ka]

If you want to have a cat, make sure you give it company, my personal recommendation is to adopt two kittens from the same pregnancy and have them neutered at the necessary time.

I don't know if it's necessary to praise this, but you shouldn't CTB.

 

[Thunderstorm]

Think about it for at least a month deeply and if you did CTB years later how would you feel about needing to give that cat up to a shelter where their fate is unknown.

I would feel like crap about that

 

[25dRvS9Ka]

I would feel like crap about that

Thank you for becoming aware of this!

 

[Thunderstorm]

Thank you for becoming aware of this!

Oh I knew already when I posted this
Me wanting a cat is 100 % selfish

 

[25dRvS9Ka]

Oh I knew already when I posted this
Me wanting a cat is 100 % selfish

Wanting to have a cat is not selfish, being willing to do it without having to make a definitive decision to recover from the psychological condition is definitively selfish.

 

[Thunderstorm]

I made this thread the other day. Just thought it might provide some background.

Loneliness

I used to be happy with being alone. In fact, I isolated myself on purpose from everyone. Yes because I can't handle being in social settings well. But I was sort of fine with it. I would smoke weed and play MMORPGs It got me my dose of social interaction It was fine I got a cat Then the weed...

sanctioned-suicide.net

Anyway .. I dont know ....

 

[iji]

get a stray cat or a cat from the shelter

 

[SchizoPolyGymnast]

I feel like it would be scummy, since there's a chance I might CTB

On the other hand, it would likely make me feel a lot better and increase my chances of not CTB

My cat died over 2 years ago and have felt very lonely since

Is this even a question? Get a kitty!

 

[maplefig]

If you believe it would aid your health, I don't see why not.

I too miss my cat. But I can't in good conscience get another cat due to my mental instability right now.

 

[Mauri]

I personally have 3 cats myself, my eldest one aged 5 i got during covid due to feeling lonely during the lockdowns as a stray, and my other 2 as kittens from a friend.

Whenever I get super dark, or begin to feel low, I think my cats pick up on that can come and sit on my lap reminding me what it feels like to just, be okay, its weird to explain, cats being the affectionate creatures they are with head bumps and laying with you and such, it often helps me feel in a better place, ill sometimes cuddle one of my cats and cry just cos I appreciate her so much.

As others have pointed out though it's ofc a reasonability to own a cat and if you do plan to CTB within a month or, id say 3, id think about it first before you felt you were in the correct head space, however if owning a cat would improve your mood tenfold, as i find looking after something or someone else helps how I feel within myself, id go for it, strays/adoption if you can, if you can give yourself another chance and keep going and not CTB, give something else that similarly fresh start =)

Im sorry you lost your first cat two years ago, i dread to think of saying good bye to any of mine, and I think of them dearly almost like people, when I feel unstable, stay safe, nd I hope whatever decision you make brings you the peace you deserve

 

[PI3.14]

It depends. I have a cat but I live with my parents and siblings. I have severe depression, there are days when I'm not able to put food for my cat. My family help me take care of her, I'm very thankful for them.

Cats are great pets, they love snuggles, and are silly sometimes. Just make sure you're able to take care of them. At least the minimum like providing food and clean water as well as cleaning their litter box.

 

[usernamesarehard]

Yeah! If you're focusing on recovery and don't plan to ctb anytime soon, sure get a cat. If you're worried about relapsing and choosing to ctb later, then get an old cat. Most older animals have a very hard time being adopted and if you do want to ctb, but worry about your cat going back to a shelter, then you could try to hang on for them. It wouldn't be that long, and hey, maybe in that time you'll feel better.

Another option, if you live in a city where there's a cat problem, just pick one up off the street. I did that for both of my cats. That way if they end up in the shelter, as long as it's a no kill shelter, they would be in a better position in life than getting adopted and then getting put back into the shelter.