[Maitri]

Hi,

I've been wanting a kitten for a long time - since my previous cat disappeared. A few weeks ago, I found out I'd be getting one and I was so excited. Yesterday, it arrived to our home. I love him, he is so sweet and adorable. But my anxiety has plummeted through the roof.

Last night, the kitten was home and everything was fine. I played with him and kept an eye on him. But then when I had to put him away, and get something to eat, I had a full blown panic attack: nausea, skin burning, feeling like I could collapse, and I had to lie down.

I had to go to bed, skip dinner. It took it all out of me. Then, I found it hard to sleep. Today I'm finding the anxiety is still blooming - and I find it hard to play with him or let him out and about without getting uptight - and have had another panic attack.

I was just wondering how I can cope with these? I've only had panic attacks a handful of times in my life, even though I have more regular anxiety, and now the attacks seem to be constant and I feel like I can't function.

I want to keep this kitten and I'm sure things will improve with time... but what should I do to cope for now? It's hard to eat because anxiety causes me to feel ill and gag, it's also hard to do other tasks, or even give the kitten the proper attention that it needs.

[Maven]

Do you have a T and/or are you on any medications? I'm not saying you should be taking meds, just asking to get an idea of your situation. Maybe it's because it's a new situation for you, not having had a pet in a while. At least not a cat. You might do well to talk to a T.

Obviously, the kitten needs care, and if you can't give it, then maybe you have someone who could take it until you're able? It's not fair to you or the kitten if you can't take care of it, including the attention it needs.

[Maitri]

I have a T and am on lexapro for depression. I'll be talking to my T this Friday.

As for the kitten, he is still getting some attention from me and I have other family members that can give him attention, so he isn't being neglected. I just feel he needs a bit more than he is getting, which is currently looking difficult for me to do - then again, it is near Christmas, so once my family are over that maybe he'll get more.

As for other care, I'm still handling that. Though the smell of the soft food didn't exactly do wonders for my nausea today, haha.

And it has only been one day thus far, which is why I'm trying to tackle with this issue as soon as possible.

Probably the worst part of my anxiety is that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. I start off being paniced/anxious about a situation, and then it tends to echo out. I will talk to my T about this though, but they're going on holiday for a month, so I'll only have one session for the short-term.

i just want to say... congratulations on the new kitten!

i've actually always wanted a cat myself

[ECHOES]

It will get better. Kittens are curious and energetic And you are getting used to one another.

What happened when you stopped playing with the kitten and before the panic attack? What was it about getting something for yourself to eat, directing your attention from outside of you (the kitten) and play, to attending to your needs (food) and work (preparing), do you think?

[jt25324]

Hey there...I would suggest getting help from friends watching the kitten and you peek in and help out periodically when you feel up to par so the kitten doesnt get like separation anxiety or something and your satisfied as well...Meds take awhile to kick in and they can be stressful with the side effects and all ..could make matters worst...but might help if the med works right off the bat..I had a puppy and tried to take care of him while on meds and all and I was petrified that he would pick things off the ground and eat em anything and everything and made me a nervous wreck..So i feel for you...Its stressful...Good luck it will get better over time..