adopting a pet ?

[blacktrain98]

I've found myself in a pretty lucky streak, and I think I'm ready to hold on to it and maybe make the best of it. Over the years I have really wanted to adopt a cat, so I was thinking- what about right now?

Is it reckless to look after an animal when you're contemplating suicide? I'm kind of just banking on the idea that I won't commit suicide as long as there's an animal depending on me, but now that I'm thinking about it I'm not sure. I grew up with a cat, and he always laid with me and purred really loudly whenever I was going through an episode. I really miss that feeling of having a friend waiting for me when I get home, or following me around the home. All of the people who know me know that I want to adopt a cat at this point... It's been a decision I've been thinking about for a few months. I'm not sure if it's just my anxiety holding me back, or my better judgement.

I'm pretty young, so there is also the stress of not knowing where I'll be living in the following years. I just want to give the best life to the cat that I adopt, but I'm not sure if I can provide it?

Have you guys felt a responsibility to stay alive due to a pet? Has owning a pet made life easier or harder? Or a more ethical question, should a compromised person even take responsibility for another creature like that?

 

[greebo6]

If I had a pet I loved that relied on me I would definitely find it harder to actually end it all.

 

[BPD Barbie]

Pets can be a great motivator to stay alive, they provide so much love and kindness and understanding. I'm fortunate enough to have 2 dogs and a cat, I wouldn't be without them. They just lay with me when I'm sad, they don't expect anything in return for doing so, it's just pure love. I think it's a great idea to adopt an animal and give it a forever home. I'm sure you can provide a brilliant and loving home for one.

 

[grungeCat]

I had 2 wonderful cats, very lovely and affectionate animals. Losing them was the strongest circumstance which pushed me into my suicide decision. I was depressed and sucidal earlier but I knew I had to live for them. Now I have no friend.

 

[Worthless_nobody]

Adopting a cat would be a wonderful thing to help you in your journey for recovery. As long as you feel up to taking care of a pet then its a great thing i think you should pursue. Cats especially are much more self sufficient and lower maintenance than dogs so I think a cat would be a grat fit!

When my beloved dog was alive she gave me something to stay alive for, she gave me hope and put a smile on m face when i was at my lowest. I promised her I would stick around for her before she passed sadly its been a year now and Im still in grief. she was the light of my life. I had adopted another dog before my sweet girl passed but honestly?...I regret it. He is very hyper and requires too much of me attention...im so non functional I basically gave him to my parents. I wish I wasn't allergic to cats I want one myself..just a quiet companion to love.

There are so many cats that need loving homes and I think adopting one would be a wonderful idea. You will save the cat and give it a loving home and in turn you have a buddy to help you recover. Sending my best wishes to you!

 

[Ghost2211]

A rescue pet might be a wonderful thing for recovery. You both recover together. Having a dependent will make it much harder to end your life and might be very hard on the animal if you did die, so I would make sure you're willing to commit to the animals lifespan before adopting.

 

[Sinkinshyp]

I basically have a mini petting zoo. My animals are my friends & companions. If you have the financial affordability for litter, food, some treats and some toys and the heart to love this kitty I say go for it. A companion can make you stay alive for them. The unconditional love they provide is so wonderful.

 

[Life_and_Death]

i have 2 "therapy" cats. they arent really but they act like it. they always check on me when im upset. it can help you especially if you put some work into it and find one that you really emotionally connect with. however theres some stuff ive personally found that might not hurt for you to keep in mind. bad days. some days i just cant or i honestly forget to feed them or something. thankfully my husband notices this and takes cares of them on the days i cant. there is sadly also the inevitable......how is that going to make you feel? i know the day i lose my girls it is going to kill me inside.

 

[141592653]

I adopted a rabbit to recover. He died. But he definitely brought me more joy than his death made me sad (even though his death made me really sad). I'm glad I found him. RIP Léonidas, I still miss you.

 

[deadgirlahsatan]

I adopted a rabbit to recover. He died. But he definitely brought me more joy than his death made me sad (even though his death made me really sad). I'm glad I found him. RIP Léonidas, I still miss you.

So sorry about ur rabbit Losing an animal friend hurts so much. Can be difficult to handle.


I think having animals is a wonderful thing. Having an animal friend can help give a reason to live. Makes me feel less depressed and lonely. Animals are amazing. They will be there for u no matter what. Love u unconditionally . Most people don't do that.

 

[riglad]

Getting a pet will definitely help. My cat basically keeps me alive

 

[MichaelNomad123]

Pets are for life and they are very hard work, even cats. Most cats live 16+ years. That's a very, very, very long time. It is a big commitment and not one that should be made lightly. If you are young, then I would advise against it until you are in a better position. It's not a good mentality to base an adoption on to simply live for the animal and nothing else. Remember that this is a living creature. You're giving it a home for life.

Here are some hard truths about pet ownership:

• There may come a time when you are so unhappy that you start to resent the animal because it's your only connection to the world.
• Pet death is personally the hardest thing I have ever experienced in my whole life. In theory, you shouldn't have to deal with that for a long time, but things happen. Cats for example are prone to injury or death when they are outdoor cats. If you are adopting, things like parvo can be devastating (I know this from personal experience).
• If you are adopting puppies or kittens, they are basically a full time job until they are old enough to be left alone. They poop, they piss, they get places where you don't want them, they eat things you don't want them to.
• Pets need discipline, yes even cats. Disciplining can be challenging if you are not used to it. Training can be difficult if you are not prepared.
• Cats might chew on wires. Cats eat plants. Cats knock shit off everything. Cats go bonkers crazy at 4-5am every single night (people don't talk about this for some reason -- it can be fucking annoying). Dogs need daily walks. Daily. No matter how depressed you are.
• Cats need their litter changed regularly. They get very unhappy if they don't. They need their frontclaws trimmed or they start getting stuck to everything. Diet is important. Cats need a lot of water because they have renal issues in their senior years from dry-food diets.
• Cats need played with regularly. Dogs need played with regularly.
• Transporting cats can be stressful if they are not used to cat carriers.
• Animals are expensive. Surprisingly expensive.
• Medical issues with animals can be very difficult to deal with because they don't know what's going on and you have to parent them through it. Giving medication can be difficult. Dealing with medication can be emotionally draining. My elderly cat had seizures and it was the most distressing thing I have ever experienced, to the point that I will probably never own another pet again. My wife and I slept on the floor for a few days during the worst of them because our little buddy was having such a hard time and couldn't move.
• Pets can be very demanding on your attention and time. During my first pet, I often had moments of frustration or impatience because I was used to my whole time being my own. An animal doesn't know any better, so you can't be mad at them.

An animal is a huge deal. A huge deal. I'm very surprised that a lot of the advice here is singing the praises of the pet as a potential lifeline for you. That's such a god awful approach to animal adoption. I don't just implore you to ignore their input, but beg you to consider mine. They're not wrong, but it's not why you get an animal. It isn't a foundation to build on. Only adopt if you can look after it and help it live its best life. These creatures will give you pure and unconditional love, but life is about balance. You have to earn that, and earning it means caring for something through the best of times and the worst of times, no matter what.

I think if you're feeling anxious about it, it's a good sign. I would be worried if you were not anxious. Do some research. Try to think of yourself in 10 years and think of your animal with you. Only you know what you're capable of. Be honest with yourself and make the best judgement, but remember that a pet is a huge responsibility. The payoff is that you have a best friend for life.