[gina_re]

I have a cat. I've had her for ten years. I love her and like to pet her. Pets should help with depression, but when I get like this, I stay in my room with the door closed. She of course gets annoyed (or concerned idk) and starts scratching at my door. I just don't want to leave my cocoon of a room. Is this just me?
I will admit that recently I have left my door open and she will jump on the bed and nap with me, but it's whatever..

[Raindropvampire]

it's not just you. Depending on how down I am having pets in the house makes me cry. I feel horrible because I can't stand to be touched and they are all over me. I know they are trying to help and don't understand it's making me worse. AND I feel horrible because I should take comfort in having them there and all I do is resent them and what I have to do for them and that I can't get any peace. It's a great cycle.

I have the same problem. Sometimes when I'm depressed, I prefer to have them snuggled next to me. I will cry as I pet them and feel so grateful to have them because I feel I don't deserve how much they love me. During more extreme depressions, I feel nothing but guilt surrounding them. I have 3 dogs and they are right next to me, 24/7. I usually enjoy this but during dark depressions I don't want them near me. All they represent is another failure When I'm in this dark place. They need things from me I cannot provide during this time. They are used to an over abundance of affection and definitely take note when I'm like this. At these times I feel so guilty and think they deserve so much better than me.

You are definitely not alone.

Originally Posted by gina_re

I have a cat. I've had her for ten years. I love her and like to pet her. Pets should help with depression, but when I get like this, I stay in my room with the door closed. She of course gets annoyed (or concerned idk) and starts scratching at my door. I just don't want to leave my cocoon of a room. Is this just me?
I will admit that recently I have left my door open and she will jump on the bed and nap with me, but it's whatever..

i'd love a kitty
no pets here at the moment unfortunately.

waiting until i'm in a better place mentally to actually have 1 and look after it

[pirilin]

I have a cat. Wanna another cat?.
Happy Easter.

Originally Posted by pirilin

I have a cat. Wanna another cat?.
Happy Easter.

oh meow

that is all..

[Standup2me]

My pets are my sanity. 7 cats and a dog. No matter how bad I am, I know that they need their daily lovies and cuddles. I think that knowing they need me keeps me going

[kimimila35]

I have a cat and a dog. Sometimes when im in my darkest mood I put them in another room so that I do not take it out on them. They r loving and giving and compassionat compassionate and I dont deserve them. They r my angels.

[gina_re]

It's just that the responsibility of taking care of her becomes of overwhelming. Especially since I can barely take care of myself

[lilypup]

Gina,
That all sounds really understandable to me. But if your cat is the only pet, she needs your company. Maybe you can let her in your room and pet her a bit...then sort of push her off the bed. Does she have a good place off your bed to lay?

Those of you with pets and they irritate you when depressed...just don't worry. I don't think pets remember a whole lot day to day. You can love them more when you feel better.

[gina_re]

Some people say cats are finicky and aren't as caring as dogs, but my cat knows when I'm upset. I'll never forget when I was grieving for my grandmother and I just started bawling after washing my hands and she came up to me as if to say, it's ok. I've had her for about ten years, so she knows I'm moody, and she's the same. So I did start leaving my door open for her to jump in and nap with me. But of course she doesn't sleep through the entire night, so I risk her waking get me up at three a.m. for no reason.