I Worry Too Much About My Cat

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I have a real problem. Just about every anxiety attack I've had over the past month or two has been regarding my cat.

I had a beloved cat once who lost an eye. Now, this cat has had a huge scab on his hindquarters that is just now peeling off, after about a month. I have no idea how he got it, but I think he may have broken out in something like cat eczema from the stress of moving and bit himself to stop the itching. The vet thought that might be it.

I feel guilty for not protecting my cats better. I adore my cat. He's like my baby. I get closer to animals than people. Right now, my cat has been outside in the cold and freezing rain and he has not come home tonight. The last time this happened, he developed diarrhea and rolled in it and I had to take him to the emergency vet.

I don't like to let my cat outside at all. I didn't for the first 7 months of his life, but my BF said that was cruel. So, I've been letting him go out. I just freak out every time he does not come home.

Last night, I had a horrible nightmare that he died.

I'm beginning to think I invest so much energy into the love of my cat that I can barely stand to witness the slightest bit of suffering. I'm so glad I never had children, because I'd be far worse of a nervous wreck than I am about my cat.

It's nothing to be sad about. You love your cat. It's nothing complex.

I can relate. I'm constantly worried about my oldest cat. Her sister died at 8 years old so I've been paranoid about losing her since then and she's now 13. I've had quite a few nightmares where she died. She's also started coughing every night like she's choking on something and it's freaking me out a lot. I can't afford to take her to the vet right now though, I might have to beg my parents because it breaks my heart that I can't help her.

My male cat had crystals in his urine when he was a kitten and he had 2 surgeries for it before he was even 1 year old so he's caused me lots of worry as well because there's always a chance of it coming back. He and his sister also have acne on their chins which won't go away no matter how hard I try.

I could never let my cats outside on their own because I'd be worried about them constantly (well also because my mom declawed them but even if they weren't I'd only take them out on their leashes). If you have enough space inside and a window sill for him to sit in, there's no reason you can't keep him inside where it's safe. Though if he's used to being outside then he might be opposed to the idea, but you could try to leash train him or something.

Anyway, I wrote way more than I intended. I just wanted to say that you're not alone in caring so much about your pet that it causes you stress.

Thanks everybody, esp. SamwiseGamgee.

My cat has still not returned home and this is the longest time he's ever been gone. I'm worried SICK!

cats may take little exploration trips that may take days.

i dunno what temperatures you got in oregon, my cat doesnt like going out for more than an hour or two during winter, but norway's up at the polar circle.

in summer she can be gone for upto three days, and i DO worry a lot. but then she hops in the window, as if nothing had happened, and licks her paws

You're right to let the cat go out. What would hurt the cat more than those physical issues you describe is the psychological problem of not being allowed to go outside. I would worry more about that than about the cats' physical problems. But since you're letting them outside and that's not an issue, so you just have the physical issues to worry about.

I installed this cat door that you can adjust to in only. That means if he comes in he can’t get back out again.

I know what you mean about being very emotionally involved with your pets. I once cried looking at an old vet bill for my dog (he had gotten into a fight and had to have his leg stitched) not becasue of the cost but becasue I felt guilty that he had gotten injured (he jumped into the next door neighbour's yard- theri dog didn't appreciate it). I don't think it's neccesarily a bad thing.

I have to say I respectfully disagree with your boyfriend's opinion. There are so many dangers (dogs, vehicles, people who simply hate cats) that I think it's safer to have your cat indoors. They can still be mentally stimulated and if they need to go outside you can use a tether or build an enclosure. I know some cats that even enjoy walking on a leash. I realize there are people who feel differently but that's just my preferance.


I wish your kitty a safe return home. I'm sure he'll be okay.

Sorry to say this but your BF was right, leaving your cat inside is cruel. I just can't imagine 7 months its too much... Anyway i hope you feel better soon because you seem to like them too much. I really like my cat too, cats are just too relaxed and cute. Also, it might be possible that your cat just isn't smart enough to survive outside sinds she spend her life inside a house. Whe once had a cat that once went away and never came back (even though cats are pretty smart on getting back, there are still dangerous things too cats thanks to humans like cars and dogs) you should be prepared for the worst. But one day isn't that bad you know, only if she has a daily routine you should be a little worried.

Actually a number of animal experts say its irresponsible to let your cat roam outside. There are lots of dangers to cats from being run over by car or attacked by dog or mean kids in the city or in the country being attacked by birds of prey or wild animals.

I can tell you as a former parent to a Ragamuffin cat that all Ragamuffin and Ragdoll breeders will not allow you to adopt them if you are going to let them outside. Certain breeds such as those are bred to be so gullible and trusting that they have no instinct to run from danger because they think everyone is their friend.

Its actually cruel to let animals roam because as human adults we're suppose to be looking after them. If you let them out they can ingest things like antifreeze that will destroy their liver or be shot by mean people in the neighborhood. My childhood kitty got shot by a neighbor and we had to take her to a vet because she had a hole clear through her tailbone. It sounds like that scab thing on your cat may be an absessed wound. The kitten I had 11 years ago would never had died at 5 months old if I had not listened to my ignorant ex girlfriend who insisted cats should be give freedom to roam outdoors. The kitten got injured in leg in some manner and died from the infection from the absess after having vanished an entire day.

You shouldn't be surprised your boy cat has not returned. They are known for disappearing whenever their hormones come into play and hey its Spring time so their male instinct is to prowl for females to mate with. Boy cats are known to vanish and never come back or reappear sometimes months later when cold weather sets in. If you want to keep your cat alive and healthy don't turn them outside. I won't even get into the disease they introduce into the home if you let them out.

whitetiger wrote:

Is your cat back home? Got me worried too now.