The "Two Minkas" Nightmare

I have this ridiculous recurring nightmare about my cat, Minka (I'm closer to her than the other 2).

I dream that she escapes. Going into a panic, I run outside and start looking for her. Eventually, I find her and am greatly relieved. I pick her up and carry her inside. But when I get to the house, there she is, sitting at the front door! Then I go into another panic because they are perfectly identical and I can't tell which one is the real Minka!

How stupid is this dream?! I know it doesn't sound that scary, but I am completely filled with anxiety and torment when I'm having this dream. I hate it.

I've had the same fear (though not in dream form!)

Especially when I lost Hennessy (I thought outside, he was in the house, the rat) I sat there and wondered if I could identify MY cat if presented with a similar looking cat.... Scary.

I admit I am guilty of confusing my cats with other similar looking ones. My cats are outdoor but do not leave the property. I am sure of it. But twice I found myself shouting at cats out in the street infront of my house telling them to get back home, thinking they were mine. I need an eye test.

I think it's probably a common worry - especially with solid-color cats. On the other hand, lots of other things make up a cat, like weight and shape, feel of the coat to touch - and more importantly, body language and voice.

In reality, you would be able to tell your cat from a similar looking kitty.

Anxiety dreams are always upsetting - maybe if you reassure yourself (in your waking mind) that you would recognise Minka - or the others - in real life - focussing on all of various the things that make her HER - that will help you overcome this particular nightmare. That's what I would try anyway.

Originally Posted by yayi

I admit I am guilty of confusing my cats with other similar looking ones. My cats are outdoor but do not leave the property. I am sure of it. But twice I found myself shouting at cats out in the street infront of my house telling them to get back home, thinking they were mine. I need an eye test.

Click to expand...

My BF once went calling Slayer (the black one in the middle of my sig) in from the back yard. "Slayer" took one look at him and took off. He was very puzzled and concerned until I called out the window that Slayer was, in fact, asleep on our bed.

Scary dream! I had an almost dream-like experience the other day actually, I freaked out just this past weekend walking home from a bar with friends. (No, I was not drunk, it was a pretty tame evening so I can't blame this on alcohol. Some other nights, maybe... ) Now we live on the 10th floor of a pretty secure apartment building, so I know it was stupid to even think i saw Genever, but I really thought I saw Genever walking home! An all grey cat, even with a tiny tiny white 'dot' on its shoulder like my cat, pretty friendly and was almost following us until my boyfriend assured me it could not possibly be our kitty. I thought yeah, this one's a bit skinnier, and the dot is a bit bigger (on G it's really like 4 or so hairs only. weird), but.... aahhhh!

Anyway, once home my G-cat was in the hall waiting for us, and I felt dumb, and also so happy to see my cat.