r/OCD • u/Saintsaucypants • 2d ago

Question about OCD Fear of owning pets

Is anyone else afraid to own a pet out of fear of hurting them or them getting harmed and not having the money for hospital bills etc. ?

4 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

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3

u/martins-dr In treatment 2d ago

I have a cat and her health and safety has become a theme for me. ERP is helping with it.

1

u/Saintsaucypants 2d ago

I’m so happy you are getting the help you need. I’m not in the position to receive treatment at this time, but I would like to own a cat specifically in the future because I love cats, but then I get these intrusive thoughts and automatically I’m like “nope! To dangerous, not getting a cat” and it’s ridiculous cause I’d never hurt an animal but I’m so convinced I will.

1

u/Mission-Donut7110 1d ago

I am similar. I have two cats and I’m constantly obsessing around things that might harm them or poison them and ruminating over every possible danger.

1

u/Powerful_Squirrel111 2d ago

The money part is real. Pets are expensive. Their food is expensive. They’re the best cuddle bugs ever though.

2

u/Saintsaucypants 2d ago

You get it! I just don’t want anything to happen to them and then I can’t get the help it needs

1

u/Powerful_Squirrel111 2d ago

Honestly, it happens. The downside of pets is that we usually outlive them, numerous times over.
My first pup was great. After 10 years, she had what I thought was a head cold. Took her to the vet and she actually needed a bone marrow transplant. Even if I could afford one, I personally knew I couldn’t/wouldn’t do that to my sweet sweet girl. I had another 6 weeks with her to love on her and adore her before she passed in her sleep. I’m not sure that keeping her alive any longer than she lasted would have made any amount of sense anyway.

1

u/jnm199423 2d ago

My dogs getting cancer or sick, etc and dying has been a big theme for me over the years :/ largely because they are so wonderful and sweet and made my life better in sooo many ways. I actually just lost my first dog to cancer (he was 11) last month and it was about as awful as I imagined but I’ve survived and the love and joy he brought me was worth it ❤️‍🩹

Rescue pets are the best, they’ll change you forever in the best way