this post was submitted on 11 May 2024
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Hi. I’ve been afraid of all non-human life since before I could remember. I got past it, mostly, but I’ve never gotten over the fact that animals can’t speak what they mean.

I know that sounds stupid, but fear is irrational and I accept my own.

Anyways, my girlfriends sister has 5 cats that she’s looking to adopt away. I’ve thought recently how nice it would be to have a cat, but I’m scared. I lost my job recently. I’m scared to adopt a cat we can’t take care of. My girlfriends scared I won’t be able to make money to survive. Hell, I’m scared about that too. I’ve been going to therapy for half a year now, and I’ve had a LOT of self discovery along the way.

I think I’m different from the afraid-of-cats-and-all-animals-including-fish-and-hamsters?!?! That I am.

Can you please teach me how cats think? I really want to get a cat, but I didn’t before I got drunk, and I am fishing for support in getting over my fear. I will most likely not end up getting a cat. Can you please teach me facts about how cats work anyways? They don’t have to be general, even just your owns. I’ve seen many cat videos, I get the gist. Kinda. They land so quick and I’m fine getting scratched, but I guess… just not dominated by an animal I can’t understand?!

I don’t know.

Cat facts please? No pressure. Thank you for writing and/or reading, I love you for either.

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[–] emergencyfood 1 points 6 months ago

In your current situation, it would probably not be a great idea to have a cat dependent on you. As someone else said, you can try volunteering at a shelter (if there is one) or feed street cats (if there isn't one).

As for how they think, cats love food, and most like being petted. However, they are very shy animals, so unless you want to get scratched, it is better to let the cat come to you. Feeding them, sitting still, not speaking loudly, and slowly blinking at them can calm them down.

The majority of cats like to be gently stroked on the sides of the face and the neck, and do not like being touched on their bellies, feet or tails (unless they've known you for a while).

If you are the only person feeding the cat, make sure to include some meat or fish. Adult cats should not be given milk, chocolates, spices or too much salt.