pets and mental health

[Albus Dumbledore]

Hi,
I've read that having a pet can help with mental illness and I remember that when I was living with parents we had cats and one of them in particular would come and sit on my lap when I was feeling low and stroking her was quite comforting. I'm really considering getting a rescue cat as I think having something to care for might help me.
I just wanted to hear other people's experiences of having pets and if they helped with mental illnesses, particularly anxiety and depression and if they did, how they helped.
Thanks,
Ella

[Cacoethes]

I think pets are brilliant for mental health.
The dogs when I lived with my family would comfort me when I wasn't feeling great, and we had a cat at one of the hospitals I was in who could pick up on who wasn't well and go and be with them.
I'm not allowed pets here, which is a shame because I'd really love to get a pet, but next doors cat comes to say hello sometimes!

The only thing to be aware of I think is putting a plan in place for if you get too ill to be able to look after the cat or go into hospital to make sure it is looked after properly.

[Ranger Fairy]

I have a cat and cuddling and stroking him when I am feeling down is definitely comforting and therapeutic. When am I anxious giving him attention can help me calm down. Pets can be great for mental health.

Having something that depends on you can really helpful and motivating. But as Beckie said you need to realistic when it comes to being able to take care of them if you needed to go into hospital and a plan is always a good idea.

I find having a cat is good for when I have to go into hospital is good as I only need someone to come in to feed him. However I know some people find a dog a really helpful responsibility, as you need to walk, feed, let them out for the toilet and give them lots of attention. Which means you have something you have to get up for and get out for.

Smaller animals can be helpful and could be helpful if you aren't so confident in being able to give a pet lots and lots of time.

[Serendipity.]

I think having pets can definitely be helpful. I had a cat for a while, who is now living back with my parents because he's decided to get along with his brothers now (he didn't used to play nice but some time apart seems to have helped! :P) and I miss him terribly. As soon as I know for sure that I'm staying where I am, I'll be getting another cat. The company is nice, and it's good to have a reason to get up in the morning!

BUT, I would say that you really really have to consider whether you're able to give a pet what it needs. I kind of think it's only fair to get one if you're already able to manage looking after yourself and are generally stable enough. I just keep seeing people get pets thinking, 'oh it will be good for my mental health, it'll be a reason to live' and it obviously doesn't actually change anything, just means that there are extra tasks and chores and costs and worry, and then the person will continue struggling and continue being in and out of hospital and so on. And I just think it is so horribly unfair on the poor animal. I am obviously not saying any of that applies to you, and I know that is a bit of a ramble, but it's something I feel really strongly about. You need to be sure that taking in an animal will be good for THEM, not just think about what it will do for you.

[lozza]

I have a cat who I adopted 14 months ago and she has helped me so much. Before her I had guinea pigs who were great too but I always struggled to go to them when I wasnt coping but with my cat zoe its good because she can come to me and seems to know when I need her more and shes just there which is nice. I also foster other cats and have recently adopted one of my fosters so now own 2 cats on top of fostering. its really rewarding and I am lucky in that if I do have to go into hosp then one of the other carers I'm good friends with is always willing to look after both my girls and my fosters well they just go to other carers..

money is definately szomewthing you have to think about though as having a pet can be expensive and especially if they become unwell and need vet treatment.

[teal]

I have a cat, and she's super sweet and playful. When i'm more anxious i play with her and it's fun, everyone (me and my parents) plays with her as well and it's a "party" inside our apartment. She's really spoiled, believe me...
But sometimes when I was more depressed, she'd sit on my lap and "beg" for me to touch her so it was like she knew. It's also a company. I was a very lonely child and when I came off inpatient my parents didn't want me to feel alone again, so they got me her :) it was nice having a cat after years of begging to have one.

[Arienette]

When I am low, often the affection I receive from my cat, and his little quirks are the only good thing that brings me a little bit of joy. He has helped incredibly, by comforting cuddles, and playing and just making me smile when I'm really down. I also find it really soothing when he comes and sits with me, or sleeps on my tummy in bed.

And our relationship is really strong.

I really think he has been invaluable throughout my MH experiences and difficulties.

[Albus Dumbledore]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm pretty sure I would be able to care for it as I'm generally much better at looking after other people/animals than looking after myself and better at looking after myself if I have a reason to do so. I'm looking to get a cat in January if I remain stable between now and then. It's nice to know that other people have found pets so helpful.

[LittleCloud]

I think you have a good plan for January Ella. I've found that my cats and dogs are really good at sensing my mood and often come to comfort me when I'm down. They also really help with keeping a routine as well as making me laugh at the crazy things they do. Make sure when you get a rescue cat you get one which suits where you are- sometimes if you get an animal which needs a lot that you can't provide (our dog was like this at times) it can be quite frustrating- however, persevering can also be extremely rewarding and forms a strong bond when you come through this stuff together

[Tig]

I think getting a cat is a great idea Ella, especially as you are feeling that things are getting quite stable and it gives you an added focus.

I have a cat and a dog but got my cat first and I found that helpful because I was able to care for her but it also helped me learn the responsibility for animals before taking on a bigger responsibility with the dog. Jasmine (the cat) is quite easy to care for because she just likes to be fed twice a day, have a clean litter tray and cuddles on her terms etc but with Jasper (dog) it's very full on and something that wouldn't have been possible until I was a lot more stable.

They are so therapeutic though and it has given me more of a focus because you want what is best for them which makes you get up and do what is best for them.

x

[not_so_insig]

I have three cats and I have found them very helpful. I get super lonely in my flat and they provide company. When I am really bad (so much so that I am bedridden) one becomes clingy and wont leave my side. However one is really naughty (and she isnt a tortie) so she does stress me out sometimes.

I have housecats because I would get paranoid and upset that someone would hurt them and/or they have get run over. If you are that kinda person then perhaps it is best that you get one that has never been out or has to be indoors for a medical reason. It's not fair to have an previously outdoor going cat and keep them indoors because your own mh wont allow it.

Also please get your cat (or dog) neutered. Most charities do it as part of the adoption fee if old enough. If you're on benefits and live in the UK the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and the Cats Protection have schemes where they offer a voucher (exact amount varies per charity and also whether you have a male or female) which covers roughly half the cost of neutering.

Also please dont get a cat or dog off facebook (or other internet sources) instead go to a charity. The charity would have vet checked it, wormed, defleaed, microchipped it and neutered if old enough. Certainly the major charities (Battersea, Cats Protection) offer 4 weeks free insurance too. You dont get that with ones off facebook so you could potentially be buying a sick animal or at the very least, one that has been imported illegally and is far too young to be away from it's parents.

[Shadow time]

Pets are wonderful. I too would be super lonely without them. And they are a reason to keep going - and you would be amazed how you feel about them if you've not had a pet before.

[Snow White.]

Good plan.

My dog is the best thing that ever happened to me. She's a companion and is there all the time. She lights up my life! Posts don't judge you if you're sad, they're just always buy your side.

[Steel Maiden]

I am considering to get an Autism Service Dog sometime in the future. Some animals can be very intelligent and intuitive. I used to have a cat when I was a teenager and he would sleep next to my legs at night, and he was really soothing.