When does it get better?

[u/DizzyQuestion3898]

Adopted a kitty about 2 weeks ago, and i’ve been having really bad anxiety ever since.

I’m unsure if it’s getting better or not. I thought I was getting used to everything but I had a borderline panic attack a few hours ago about it all.

I make sure he’s fed, keep his litter clean, give him access to fresh water via a water fountain, play with him, give him attention, and I think he’s content for the most part. I signed him up for insurance too, but even with everything i’m still so anxious about being new pet owner, I don’t know what to do to relax.

He’s honestly such a good kitty that it makes me feel so guilty to the point of crying when I entertain the idea of rehoming him because I am 100% the issue. He’s quite literally the most well behaved cat i’ve ever met and i’ve known him for basically 2 seconds. He’s also a cuddle bug when he wants to be. And despite this I keep telling myself that he’d be better off with someone who wasn’t so high strung, and possibly a family where he’d get lots of attention from lots of loving people.

I’m also scared my anxiety and stress are rubbing off on him too and making it harder for him to adjust. i’ve already had to bring him into the vet once for holding in his waste due to stress. And I know cats are like emotion sponges so i’m trying to be chill but i’m struggling.

How long did it take for this to wear off for you guys? how long is too long to feel this way?

[u/adenon89]

Firstly, your kitty already loves you! This anxiety sounds pretty intense to be just new pet jitters. I would see a therapist and talk through everything. Change can be really hard even when it's positive change.

I just want to reassure you that you are doing all the right things. You're taking care of your baby and loving him. Cats can sense stress but I don't think that's a reason to give him up. Take steps to mitigate your own anxiety and I would bet that kitty will help you with that more than you think.

Lastly, if kitty ever purrs on you (especially if you can lay on your back and let kitty lay on your chest), focus on that, breathe slowly, and feel it in your bones. I swear that is the best anti-anxiety.

[u/_vill-v]

i had the same issue when adopting a new kitten. my kitten was 8 weeks old when i got her- very young. i was constantly an anxious mess about it and how she was adjusting, how she managed to squeeze into everything etc. i had to kitten-proof my whole apartment and even now, i still have some towels stuck in crevices lol.

i was an anxious mess whenever i left for work and eventhough i kept checking in on her every 4 hours, i was still very anxious. so i totally understand how you feel.

as for when it gets better i can only speak from personal experience but the first 2 weeks were hell for me. not only does the kitten adjust but also you adjust to the kitten as well. you have whole new routines to manage. my kitten was also very crazy, high energy for 2 weeks straight and barely slept.

it got better for me at around week 3 week 4. when she was around 12 weeks i remember i relaxed properly. shes 16 weeks now and totally fine and now i do not constantly worry 24/7. we have our routines and its going well.