Is it normal to feel anxious after getting a cat?

It's normal — especially for first-timers — to feel a bit overwhelmed. If you're questioning your decision or wondering how to cope with feelings of anxiety, regret, or guilt, please understand that these feelings are quite common and they almost always pass with a bit of time.
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Is it normal to be stressed after getting a kitten?

Being very clingy and 'demanding' is a most natural thing at the start. Remember, it's as new for them as it is for you. As kittens grow older, are they more self-sufficient? Oh yeah, they sure are!
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Is it normal to have anxiety about a new pet?

Two of the most common symptoms, though, are sadness and anxiety. Often, new puppy owners expect to feel sheer joy about their new pet. Instead, you might feel really down about the situation. You might find yourself crying often, eating less, sleeping less, and having trouble focusing.
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How long does it take to adjust to a cat?

You may be tempted to let your cat outside the house sooner rather than later, but it is generally a good idea to allow at least two-three weeks and up to four-six weeks before introducing them to even more new territory outside.
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Can my cat tell when I'm anxious?

Research has shown that dogs will comfort their humans when we are sad, and cats can pick up on our emotional gestures. According to new research from Nottingham Trent University, cats also notice when we're stressed out or anxious, and can be less healthy as a result.
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What does Separation Anxiety look like in your cat and how can you help?



Do cats care if you cry?

Cats comfort you when you cry because you're behaving differently than normal. Cats recognize people by sound and facial expressions, which are altered when crying. Because your cat is intrigued and confused, it'll seek to understand this behavior by getting your attention and showing affection.
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Can cats feel your depression?

Do cats get sad? Cats have a broad range of emotions and can feel many of the same emotions that people do. But since cats can't talk, we don't really know how their feelings compare to human emotions and if they experience them in the same way. But cats can definitely get depressed.
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How long does it take a cat to get used to a new owner?

It usually takes 1 to 6 months for a cat to adjust to a new owner. Making the rehoming process as comfortable as possible for the cat shortens the amount of time needed. Older cats have a much harder time adjusting to change.
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How long should you keep a new cat in one room?

Your new cat will need to be in their safe room for at least three days, but some may need longer. Once you feel your cat is comfortable and confident in their room, it's time to open the door and let them explore the rest of the home. We suggest doing this one room at a time.
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How long does a cat get used to a new home?

In general, for a happy and healthy cat, it should take no longer than a week or a week and a half to get used to a new home. We will need to encourage the cat when adjusting to a new owner or home, but they should feel comfortable easily enough. Some cats, especially those with trauma, make take longer.
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Why you should not get a cat?

Cats can trigger asthma, and some people are allergic to cat hair or dander (dead skin). If you have young children, a cat might not be the best idea. Cats may be unpredictable around children when unsupervised, so teaching your children how to behave around cats is vital.
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Is owning a cat hard?

Properly caring for a cat requires a ton of time, energy, space, and money. It's a big responsibility that no one should take lightly. Some people opt for cats over dogs thinking that it's going to be less work only to find out out that: Surprise!
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How can I stop worrying about my cat?

Offer your cat treats and toys to soften their fear. Encourage interaction with toys cats can't resist but give it space. A long feather wand is perfect because the cat can play with you while keeping what it perceives as a safe distance. If your cat is very timid, place treats near your cat and step away.
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Are kitten Blues a thing?

And before you know it, that little furball that loved pouncing and rolling all over your living room floor has grown into a sofa lion. Though you love your grown-up cat, you may feel a little sad she grew up so fast. Post-kitten blues are real. “There's just nothing cuter than a tiny kitten,” says Dr.
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How do I cope with a new kitten?

7 Things to Do When Raising a Kitten
  1. Wait to Bring Him Home. Never take a kitten away from his mother and siblings before he is 8 weeks old. ...
  2. Provide Proper Nutrition. ...
  3. Socialize Your Kitten. ...
  4. Use Cat Toys, Not Hands. ...
  5. Handle Your Kitten Regularly. ...
  6. Avoid Overprotection. ...
  7. Restrict Your Kitten's Space.
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Should you bathe an adopted cat?

If you've adopted your cat from a shelter, it may be prudent to give them a bath to remove any germs they may have picked up from living in close quarters with so many other cats. If your cat was recently spayed or neutered as part of the adoption process, DO NOT bathe your kitty.
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What should I do with my cat on the first night?

Set Up A Safe Room For Your New Cat's Arrival

Equip this room with a bed, litter tray, food, water, scratching post and a few toys. When you bring your cat home put their carry case down and open the door. Don't reach in to pull her out, but let her come out and explore the room in her own time.
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Should I let my new cat roam the house at night?

Ideally, the right time to let your kitten roam the house at night is when it's already been litter trained and fully accustomed to its surroundings. There is no guaranteed time frame as getting your kitten settled in is a gradual process.
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What is the first thing to do when you bring a cat home?

You can do a few things to help your new cat adjust to their new home:
  1. Give them space. Provide a safe and comfortable area for them to hide out in when they need space. ...
  2. Keep their environment consistent. ...
  3. Stay on a regular routine. ...
  4. Keep their environment calm. ...
  5. Provide lots of mental enrichment activities.
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How do you get a cat attached to you?

How to Get a Cat to Like You: 6 Easy Tips
  1. Watch Your Body Language. If a cat feels fear, she's more likely to hide or avoid you. ...
  2. Let the Cat Approach You. Cats can be irresistibly adorable. ...
  3. Observe the Cat's Likes and Dislikes. ...
  4. Keep Calm and Stay Positive. ...
  5. Use Treats Strategically. ...
  6. Play with the Cat—But Know When to Stop.
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How do I get my new cat to trust me?

Steps to Gaining Your Scared Cat's Trust
  1. Stick to a routine with your cat. ...
  2. Minimize noise and other stressors. ...
  3. Use a soft, reassuring tone of voice. ...
  4. Give your cat their own space. ...
  5. If your cat reacts by running away, that's okay. ...
  6. Play with them often. ...
  7. Learn more about feline body language.
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What is the best cat for first time owner?

These are some of the best choices for someone looking to get their first cat.
  • Maine Coon. One of the largest of all the cat breeds, the Maine Coon is affectionate but not overly dependent. ...
  • Ragdoll. ...
  • Siamese. ...
  • Exotic Shorthair. ...
  • Scottish Fold. ...
  • Sphynx. ...
  • American Shorthair. ...
  • Adult rescue cat.
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Can cats smell fear?

Some people think dogs and cats can smell fear. While this isn't necessarily true, some animals do have the ability to interpret body language and smell pheromones, which can alert them to when a human is afraid, according to Animal Planet.
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Is it cruel to keep a cat indoors?

But is denying cats 'the outside' also cruel? The bottom line is most cats can be totally happy living indoors – but owners need to put in the effort to provide for their environmental and behavioural needs.
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Why do cats sleep beside you?

Sleeping with you provides them with security and an extra defense if a predator should launch a nighttime attack. They sleep with you because they trust you, they know you're not a danger and you can also provide an extra layer of defense if needed.
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