Emotional Support Kitten - Help me Please

[LexxieRedrum]

Hello Lovelies,

Obligatory first time poster no idea what I'm doing but I hope your thoughts are peaceful.

For the past ten or so years I have struggled with severe Anxiety and Depression. We are still in the middle of finding a diagnosis for what is wrong. I have tried a lot of things; everything that I could think of and now I would like to ask for some help.

I recently learnt about Emotional Support Animals and I was wondering if anyone here has one; preferably a cat, as I am terrified of dogs, and how that is going. I have reached out to a few local trainers and they stress that due to already having cats this may not be viable. However both my Psychologist and GP seem interested in following this path. Has this worked for anyone? I just can't help but think that having another being, a comfort with me would allow me to do things that I am currently limited from doing, but at the same time I don't want to stress out my two already indoor cats. ESAnimals don't have the same privileges as Guide dogs but there is a legal form/letter and everything.

I would really like to hear anyone's opinions or personal stories regarding an animal helping with Anxiety in the outside world. This is something I desperately want to try but I don't want to ruin one's lives. Whether it be my roommates or my pets.

Thanks for taking the time to read this I look forward to any input.

Lexxie

[LexxieRedrum]

Apologies I wanted to stress that I have been temporarily diagnosed with complex PTSD among other things, forgot to add this part. ❤️

[Guest5643]

Hi LexieRedrum.

Please type in search and read my thread "my service dog story". No one has said they believe me yet which is upsetting but my words are true.

Im so happy to hear your considering getting a mate to help. You mentioned a form/letter for esa, they are a loving caring pet no more no less, there are no forms. America and some other countries yes but australia no. I wish mental health and drs would bother to actualy learn australias different state laws so they dont confuse innocent people. I also have cptsd amongst other things. Yesterday my dog helped when i had mild anxiety attack when i started our walk then after about an hr i had major anxiety attack in public which he helped contain then not long after getting home i collasped and fell down stairs. Do you mind me asking are you scared of all dogs or particular breeds?

Cheers lynne

[Buggywug]

Hello Lexie, I also have PTSD and have suffered 2 major bouts of depression, so I sympathise. I know what a comfort cats are, and as you have cats already, how are they responding to your current state of health? Would they feel jealous and hostile if another cat were introduced into the house? As a cat owner, I know how territorial they can be. If they're the sort who sit on your lap and purr while you stroke them, does it make you feel better? I understand your fear of dogs, and it's taken me years to feel comfortable around them, but perhaps a small, gentle one would help you?