- Joined
- Jul 29, 2013
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- 44
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I adopted another cat yesterday and I think he might be struggling with anxiety as he's been crying all night long. It's currently three am and I'm pretty wrecked. Hubby's up, too. I think I understand why he's this way, so I don't blame him. I can sympathize, after losing my cat Gimli (my best friend) three months ago I've had really bad anxiety myself. It's part of the reason we decided to adopt. I was having increased ocd behaviors, I started picking at my skin and scratching my fingers up pretty bad. Having this guy for a few hours has already lessened my anxiety because he's occupying my time and helping me keep active (I'm disabled with chronic pain and do nothing all day otherwise).
His anxiety obviously has to do with transitioning into a new home. He's also had a bumpy journey getting here. According to his paperwork he was once a stray, he was then adopted out to a family who had him for about a month but their resident cat was majorly aggressive towards him, so with great reluctance and a lot of tears they surrendered him back to the shelter. I imagine he's confused and maybe even a little hurt over losing his first family. I would love tips for getting him settled in and reducing his anxiety.
Hubs is in with him sleeping on a fold out floor mattress. This cat is currently in the office. Our other cats are weary about him, and I don't normally let new cats have free range of the house until after they've had two or three weeks separation for adjustment. Some articles I'm reading suggest letting him sleep in our room but it's not possible as there's currently a very expensive loveseat in an already too small master bedroom (it's there because of basement renovations and Ashley Home Furniture apparently didn't want to wait *eye roll*). I'm just not sure what I can do other than wait it out... And wear ear plugs.
His anxiety obviously has to do with transitioning into a new home. He's also had a bumpy journey getting here. According to his paperwork he was once a stray, he was then adopted out to a family who had him for about a month but their resident cat was majorly aggressive towards him, so with great reluctance and a lot of tears they surrendered him back to the shelter. I imagine he's confused and maybe even a little hurt over losing his first family. I would love tips for getting him settled in and reducing his anxiety.
Hubs is in with him sleeping on a fold out floor mattress. This cat is currently in the office. Our other cats are weary about him, and I don't normally let new cats have free range of the house until after they've had two or three weeks separation for adjustment. Some articles I'm reading suggest letting him sleep in our room but it's not possible as there's currently a very expensive loveseat in an already too small master bedroom (it's there because of basement renovations and Ashley Home Furniture apparently didn't want to wait *eye roll*). I'm just not sure what I can do other than wait it out... And wear ear plugs.