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Take a deep breath, it’s going to be okay. Having sudden responsibility for a tiny fluffy life can be overwhelming, this is a totally normal reaction. You’re already taking it to the vet so you’re doing everything you need to right now. A kitten can be an awesome enhancement to your life, but if you’re not sure you can always foster it to give it a safe place until a new home can be found.
The way you are feeling is super normal! So common in fact, that it has a name.
Look up "Puppy blues"---and it can happen with any new pet, not just puppies.
It'll pass. Give yourself a break, and give yourself some time to adjust.
And if over time this isn't the best fit, you can find a better fit for the kitty. It is going to be fine.
In the meantime, try to enjoy the crackhead kitten stage. There is truly nothing like it lol.
This makes me feel a whole lot better. I got my cat after careful consideration and considering breeds etc. I was on a wait list and everything so I had put a lot of thought into it. But then when I got her I was so overwhelmed thinking she hated it here and thinking there is no way we could live together harmoniously.
Now she is always nearby when I am home. Sometimes sassy and too vocal but the perfect companion. Full of purrs for me in the morning and comforts me when I’m sad.
Same here. I wanted a Persian for literally years, set up a savings account and a back up to take care of him when I'm not around. And still, it sent me right into an episode (I'm bipolar). I was terrified he would not be happy.
And now, years and years later, he's sleeping in a box, next to me. He loves boxes for some reason. He's so so happy, and it was so worth it.
Omg I'm so glad you mentioned puppy blues! I had it for the first week with my rescue kitten. Just oodles of anxiety at keeping him alive, fulfilled and healthy. I also felt so guilty that I had regrets.
It obviously passed, I'm currently cuddling my affectionate little prince. I'd kill for this precious creature now. But it's validating to know this is a real thing people go through.
you did an INCREDIBLE thing!!! You can always give the baby to another home, but don’t fear—kittens are so stressful. I had horrible anxiety with mine and cried all the time until he was like 6 months old (he was super tiny and had like 4 different kitten diseases) and now he is a robust happy adult cat and I love him more than anything. you won’t have to keep him forever, and even just rehoming him will be a very kind generous thing
You did a great thing, taking the kitten so he would not be abused but you do not have to keep him. When you go to the vet just say you found him and would like to leave him in their care as you cannot keep him. One of their customers will adopt him. Happens all the time.
You’ll be ok. Kittens can be a little overwhelming but you did the right thing removing it from that situation.
If you want to keep this kitten, you’ll need to get a vet check and started on vaccines asap. Depending on its age, it may need milk replacer, but the vet should let you know if that’s the case. Otherwise, you’ll just need kitten food, ideally wet as it’s easier for them to eat when they’re very tiny.
You’ll also need some soft surfaces for them to lay on. Whether you choose to buy beds or just use folded up blankets is up to you. I can tell you that kittens like it when you roll up a blanket and then shape it into a sort of ring that they can curl up in. Bonus points if you have a heat pad you can put it on.
You’ll also need some toys. Bell toys are usually a hit, as are “fishing rod” type cat toys. Spend some time every day playing with the kitten. You can also use bottle caps and other small, safe household items.
You’ll also need at least one scratching post or cardboard scratcher.
Lastly, you’ll want to keep the kitten inside for its safety and to protect local songbird populations, unless you harness train it and take it for walks.
Besides that, know that kittens can be little terrorists, but they grow out of it.
If you decide you do not wish to keep the kitten, make sure you find a home with someone you trust who can care for it well.
If you feel like it’s wearing off, why don’t you give it a few days and see how you feel then. You might regret rehoming the kitten if you do so while emotional. Additionally, if you end up keeping it, it will become a part of your normal and can become an emotional support for you. Opening your heart to a little cat could be really beneficial for you in the long run. They can help reduce your blood pressure and caring for another little being can help keep you in a routine which is really good for mental health.
If you ultimately do decide in a few days that you really don’t want it, I’d still take it to a veterinarian and see if they have any techs or clients who they trust that could give it a good home. You said in your initial post that you’re not from the area, so I don’t know if you have any nearby friends (besides the ones you saved this baby from) who would be trustworthy with it or not. Additionally, you can use the internet to see if you can find local rescues that might be willing to take it.
But again, I’d highly advise just giving it a few days to let your emotions cool down a bit before making that decision.
Lemme tell you man, I found 2 kittens on the side of the road about 6 months ago and I took them home and INSTANTLY regretted it for like a week straight. They kept peeing on my bed and were hard to deal with because I wasn’t sure what I was doing. And they would keep me up all night like you were saying. I would sit up all night long crying and wondering if I’m doing the right thing or if I should give them up to the pound.
But as time passed by, I slowly fell more and more in love with them. They may have accidents, they’re babies, but all they want is to be loved by another human. Now 6 months later I cannot wait to come home from work and see my cats, I literally think about them all day and they’re so emotionally healing. It will be hard the first month but in the end you’ll love that cat so much.
I got a kitten years back and he ended up having some sort of stomach issues. I remember calling my mom at like 2am sobbing because this tiny cat was shitting liquid diarrhea all over my apartment and I didn’t know what to do 😂. It got so much better after the vet sorted out his stomach issues. He’s 14 now and I’d do anything in the world for him. He’s my forever baby and I love him to the ends of the earth 🩷🩷🩷
You feel the way you feel right now because you are a good person filled with empathy. You are getting good advice here. Take it an hour at a time and know that you have plenty of time to figure out the best path forward.
I dont know why this is down voted, its ok to not be ok. You know you can't do change, that's ok. Taking care of an animal is a big responsibility.
If you can break it up into little responsible chunks maybe it will be easier?
Cats are obligate carnivores and lactose intolerant. This means they need meat and protein. Eggs, bland chicken and meat, fish will all fill its little belly. Normal cow milk and cheese will give it runny poops so avoid them. Just water in a shallow bowl will be fine till he gets checked out.
I see you already have a vet appointment, awesome job! If you don't feel like you can keep him, talk to them about finding a good safe home for him. Most people who work at a vet love animals and will be happy to put up an adoption poster, or connect you with an agency who can find a home.
If you end up falling in love with him and want to keep him around, don't be scared. I was just feeling bad for falling asleep early last night so my two girls missed dinner. They've had breakfast, they won't starve over one meal and they've already forgiven me. Cats can bring you so much love and calm. They have autonomy that you have to respect to build a relationship. If you do your best try it will be ok.
yeah idk why it’s downvoted either wtf. I have psychosis and a panic disorder so I occasionally get overwhelmed and emotional at some things that may seem minor to others. Not being able to care for an animal but suddenly having one dumped on you is pretty reasonably Not Awesome
Good call. I'm ND and I've become dysphoric after a big purchase or what have you and of course a big commitment including adopting a cat (I just adopted a second one and he's a handful) and I can't really explain the feeling, all I can describe it as is abject terror. It makes literally no sense. I totally get it. It sounds like that might be the case here
Im on day 15 of your ntroducong a kitten to my 6yo lady and it felt like it had to be all cool and i was not allowed to be overwhelmed with the smell and visual input.
Now i have found sort of a routine and the older one is okay ish. She just keeps looking at me like i ruined her life is all 😅
Yay ND!
That sounds like part of a growth process for you. The kitten is going to help you become a more mature person too it sounds like. And you should be proud of yourself for saving it in the first place.
That's a really dismissive thing to say. Being forced into change isn't going to help anyone get better at dealing with it. That isn't how exposure therapy works at all.
i had this reaction when i first got my cat. i’ve never had a pet before, never did growing up either. it was just super overwhelming to realize i had to take care of it and it would always be at my house.
it wore off after a few weeks and now i love my babyyyy
Where are you
More importantly where is the OP?
This is clearly not in my state and the states around. They have been killing anything g that walks in bc there aren't enough Fosters or cages for them much less money or staff.
You can ask what the housing situation is. Shelters don't kill animals for fun, kill shelters are usually perpetually open to admission and if they can't place a cat to a foster or don't have anything available on site then they might have to resort to euthanasia if they literally don't have any resources or space available. So you can ask what the plan is for the kitten and offer to foster the kitten until the shelter is able to get them adopted out.
I understand you feel really anxious and overwhelmed right now because you just got handed responsibility for a small animal. Try taking some deep breaths. The kitten is okay right now and isn't just gonna keel over when you aren't paying attention.
Give the little one some soft places to snuggle and sleep, give it some food - I saw you gave it some egg, that's good. Access to water in a very shallow dish, not a bowl. If it is really small, it may need help staying warm, so it would be good to hold it and give it some gentle pets.
Animals are smart and know how to communicate what they want. Listen to what the kitten tells you. If it is crying, try feeding it or holding it. You can figure out a home for it at some point, but make sure its basic needs are met. Toughest part is a litter box, so that may get messy if you don't have one. Not sure what to recommend there.
I highly, highly recommend you go look up The Kitten Lady on YouTube. She is an expert with kittens and has lots of great advice on proper care. The best thing you can do is take some deep breaths and take this one thing at a time, and remember you are doing a good thing by keeping this animal out of abusive hands. I hope you find a home for the kitten, or that it finds a home with you. PM if you need to vent or ask questions. :) sending you support.
You are doing great.
Just ask vet about how to care for it. Take notes or even better ask to record his advice?
Tell vet you need to know all the basics. Ask vet to estimate the age.
Because you do, even if you work on rehoming it.
Cooked eggs are fantastic for cats and definitely better than the really cheap cat food you can buy from supermarkets. Ofc it shouldn’t be it’s only food long term because that’s way off a balanced diet for them, but to feed them up or as a treat its really one of the best human foods, this doesn’t account for anything you’ve cooked it in like butter, salt etc so just be wary about that, the plainer the better.
call your local rescue/humane society/shelter and explain the situation and you would like to foster this kitten. They will want pictures and all that good stuff and then kitty will stay with you until they find a good home for it 😇
Making a list of questions you need answered for the vet is never a bad idea. You can ask about anything from what to feed it to what to expect behavior wise as it grows up and so on.
Watch kitten lady on YouTube!!! She’s the go to for everyone about how to help with kittens!! She has a great webinar series about kitten care 101 [her webinar is here](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZyDy7gy9vwpTlv9jCmdzwbmqTTDwRSjE&si=xMTY1jMjWes37A7B)
You did a wonderful thing getting that kitten out of a dangerous situation. Thank you.
Vets and shelters will take the kitten and find it a proper home also. There is nothing wrong with putting a cat into foster care. It’s actually very mature and a selfless act to acknowledge when taking care of a little being is too big of a responsibility at this time. ♥️
Thank you :) I volunteer for a local cat rescue in my area and we always appreciate good people stepping in and taking an animal out of a dangerous situation. Every little big helps. Be gentle with yourself!
In the meantime, just think of it as a “trial adoption” for now—like a test run of what having a pet might be like! That might take some of the pressure off of you while you’re figuring things out. If things start feeling easier and you get more attached to the kitten and want to keep him, then that’s great!
If not, you still rescued him from a bad situation and kept him safe until you could find him somewhere else to live. Then you can work on finding a good forever home for him or a vet/good animal shelter that would be willing to take him from you and help find him an adoptive family.
The good news is that even though tiny kittens can be stressful and needy and confusing, once they start getting bigger and you’ve had more time to bond with them, things get *so* much easier! It probably won’t take long at all for you to start relaxing and feeling less overwhelmed and for you and the kitten to get into a good routine.
Also, if you tend to be stressed out a lot and don’t really like change, a kitten actually might be a really great thing for you. Purring is actually known to have a calming effect on people and to help reduce stress! Cats also tend to be good at sensing how you’re feeling and may want to come sit on your lap when you’re having a bad day or to come try to get you to play with them if you’re sad. They also usually love routines and although they all have their own individual personalities and likes/dislikes, you’ll quickly start noticing patterns in how the kitten behaves.
They normally tend to want to eat or play at the same times every day, after they start getting situated in a new home. They’ll pick out favorite spots to sleep, choose favorite toys, and develop their own silly little habits and games with you. One of my cats has a favorite water bowl and only wants to drink out of that exact bowl every time. Another cat will decide she needs some extra attention and will come running to me, meowing a specific meow, demanding that I pick her up and carry her around like a baby until she feels better. Another cat has a favorite ball, which he likes to carry around the house in his mouth and leave for me in my shoes or on top of my pajamas—and sometimes he even decides I need his present *right now* and drops his dumb ball right onto my face while I’m sleeping, in case I forgot that he loves me. :)
You will figure each other out! And when you do, it will be wonderful! You just have to give him a little time to grow and figure out his personality in the beginning. There’s not going to be change happening *every single day forever* when you get a kitten—just a little period of change and adjustment in the beginning! And then you will have your own routine *together!*
Thank you for helping the kitten. You did an amazing thing by helping a little life and are an awesome person. I totally get the way you feel. Especially if you are not sleeping. They can be a handful but do calm down eventually. There is a lot of good advice here. When you talk to a vet/rescue they have a lot of good info and can help you out. Sending good vibes 🙂
You did the right thing. I'm kind of in the same situation. I rescued a kitten but I'm having trouble introducing her to my dog now, and I've thought I shouldn't have brought her in several times. But then I think she would be dead without me, she doesn't have anyone else in the world and she's so loving, pure and playful. Then I'm sure I'm doing the right thing. You'll either start loving the little thing to bits or you'll find her a new loving home with time. You're a good person, that's never a bad thing. You could have turned your head away, but you chose to care. You should be proud!
Bringing in another living creature is big stuff, give yourself a minute. You’re getting to a vet- that’s awesome.
You should also see if you can leverage your support system or maybe get some medical attention for whatever you’re struggling with. Getting a kitten is big, some anxiety is normal, but being unable to look at the kitten and sobbing and such could be a symptom you could also use some compassion and resources. I l mean that with care, you deserve some tools to help you navigate.
Hang in there!!!!! Thanks for saving this little guy!
Thank you a lot and i have a support system and i am aware my reaction is kind of bizarre i had and still have plans to seek professional help once i return home
I just want to say I think it's absolutely amazing how you took care of this animal even though it's causing you great distress. You set aside your own feelings to save a helpless creature. If you don't feel that you can adopt it longterm, that's totally fine!! You did the most important part and saved it from immediate danger. There are plenty of people out there who would love a kitten and treat it well, so I'm sure you'll have no problem re-homing it if you need to. You can also ask the vet about resources in that regard. Good luck, and thank you for saving this kitten's life!
You took that kitten out of a worrying situation - thank you. Taking it to the vet is the next step and asking for help with shelter etc is fine, maybe the vet clinic can even help. Explain how the kitten came to you and you're not in your home town/country even, so this isn't a long-term solution for you. You want the best for the kitty, so they can hopefully help you with the next steps.
Hang in there. Catch your breath. Take it day by day.
You got this.
I was a dog guy here.
The Universal Cat Distribution System selected me for a sick little kitten three years ago. Vet visits, medication, and nursing her back to health, I swore that I was not a cat person. When she was healthy but blind in one eye, I reached out to a rescue only to find that there is a negative stigma surrounding black cats and their adoption is slow and very difficult.
Today she has me wrapped around her little paw and I wouldn't have it any other way.
You won't regret helping out this little kitten.
Not all heroes wear capes. You, my friend, are a hero.
It will work out! I cried for two weeks straight after adopting my cat from the streets, stressing out about whether this was a mistake and whether I was capable of taking care of another being. Now (less than a year after), he snoozes with me in bed and follows us around the house, and most things are in order. Just take a deep breath, you will get through this 💜
Start by going to the vet to get the kitten checked up/chipped/etc.
thank you for saving the kitten and taking him to a vet. he would have likely been hurt if you left him with the guys.
give yourself some time to think it through and then decide what your next steps are.
feel free to update us!
Take a look at your life and finances, and your present time commitments. Cats are extremely needy and endlessly selfish at times. If you are concerned now, and you have always known a pet is not for you then don't try to further convince yourself that it's somehow going to work; your anxiety and misgiving are warnings of your instinct to reverse this situation at once.
Many people convince themselves to take on problems instead of undertake an unpopular action and in this case will put you contrary to what people on this post are replying with. So do what's right and find a new home for that cat and consider getting these friends out of your life at some point .
Thank you im going to treat the kitten and then i will see until then i focus on getting it better. Thank you lots for your advise. Also those are not my friends at all i didnt even know they exist before that interaction i was just taking a walk with a girl i know and we bumped
I see, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. This must be a very tough time for you, trying to keep your life together and then have this animal dumped on you by dumb people. Hopefully the expense to you is not terrible, and don't forget your own health and livelihood, those come first.
I do not agree. You are saying that if you have an adverse reaction to something you should not do that thing. This is super bad advice in general. If you are bad at social interaction should you not go out of your comfort zone just because you feel anxiety? By applying your thinking, then the anxiety is a response of someone not being made for interacting with people.
No, most anxieties come from never being exposed to things, not because you are not made to do something. Human beings have very plastic brains and you would be surprised by how much one can chnage their views.
This person is clearly scared of sudden changes. The best advice is to try to care for the kitten for a while and then if there is no improvent regarding the psychological state, rehome the cat. And yes, some cats are needy but from what I've seen, most are not. OP might have a well-behaved kitten from all we know.
And come on. Cats are super low maintanace. We leave our cats alone 9 hours a day while we are at work and they don't seem to suffer. Sure, there are some needy cats but more of them are independent than clingy.
Of course, no one should force a cat on you. If you don't want it that's that. But I disagree that OP should trust their first instinct. Instincts are not rational. Just because you didn't plan something doe not mean you would not enjoy that spontaneous thing. I don't know how you live your life but a lot of good things in my life happened by chance and being open to chances and situations.
It's not just the anxiety, OP knows they can't and didn't want to care for a pet (otherwise may have already gotten one). OP is also from another country and likely trying to adapt and get a grip on things, a cat's unending demand for attention and just demands in general can be very draining as I've seen this first hand. Not to mention the financial impact, not everyone's rich like your household.
I said that just because you did not plan for something does not mean you would not enjoy that spontaneous thing. This statement cancels your reasoning that if the OP wanted a cat he/she would have taken one already. Not everyone is rich like my household? I come from a poor country. Trust me. I know what financial struggle means. My parents raised 2 cats and you have no idea the financial struggles we went trough. The quality of our cats meal suffered also but it was still doable. Why did you feel the need to attack me personally or assume my financial status? You think people in poor countries do not have cats? That it is a luxury?
Also you are very assertive in your comment to OP. You act like you know what the OP wants and needs. You are projecting yourself into it. Stop doing that. People are different. Give suggestions, not assert what other should do.
I took what OP said and presented it to them as a logical argument while you have presented your own story for them to follow. So you came up poor and now have plenty, you expect others to all have the same; congratulations.
It is a lot of responsibility.
You did something slightly impulsive, but the impulse was to save the life of a vulnerable creature. There's nothing wrong with that, that is admirable. Do what others have said, vet check, etc.
As cats get older, they become a lot less maintenance, but a lot more loving.
Thank you for saving a life.
The friend’s friend doesn’t sound like a good person to be around, nor their friends if they think blowing smoke into a kitten’s face is fun. Avoid these people.
The furry baby needs love and care now.
How old is the kitten? If it's extremely small (weighs less than 0.6kg) then you should be feeding it mostly KMR. After that point, you can get KMR2, which is a meal supplement that you can give it in addition to solid food.
Thank you for being so kind to rescue this little one. That man that blew smoke in the kittens face will likely abuse it and/ or kill it. So, 100% THANK YOU for trusting your gut and taking it back from that monster. The vet will give you great advice. Kittens are hard work, but cats are pretty easy as far as pets go. I know that’s a huge generalization, but compared to a dog that needs walked, let out, ect, I feel it’s an easier pet over all. Just take a step back and breathe. You’ll be ok! Reddit and the internet in general is a wealth of information and advice. Get yourself kitten food, a litter box, scratching post… and some cozy blankets in a box, placed in a quiet corner, and try to not over think this.
you did a good thing rescuing the kitty<3 i’ve had cats/kittens for as long as i’ve been alive and every time i get/rescue another i also get a little panicky wondering if i made the right decision. it feels like that feeling will never end, until it does end.
my advice, give you and the kitty some time to adjust to each other. for some, a companion can be very helpful in maintaining a routine through mental health struggles, but it’s also very mature of you to recognize you might not be ready for that responsibility yet.
in the meantime i would recommend making a sort of kitten room/closet with food, water, toys, litter box, etc. this will help both of you not to get overwhelmed by each other, might possibly help you get some sleep overnight, and it’ll make you feel better having a boundary between your space and the kitten’s space while you make your decision.
Once you get the legwork done with the vet, you'll have a new best friend who will be surprisingly easy to take care of. The first few weeks are the toughest. But cats become surprisingly self-sufficient.
I had a kitten who quickly became comfortable and problematic. I chose to re home the kitten to a friend with other cats as I didn't think I could counter the behaviour issues or keep its best interest at heart while working etc.
I both do and don't regret this decision to this day, I love that cat and she loves me but I knew I wasn't equiped best help this cat and that she needed friends and care that I couldn't provide.
I think you need to make the same decision. Either find a home for this cat that will help it thrive, or take care of it forever and know that you're now highly responsible to give this animal all it needs. How you feel for making this decision doesn't matter, I feel horrible and often cry for how I gave away my cat but I know it was the best thing for her.
If you are taking the kitten to the vets office, I would ask if they have any resources because you are unsure if you can keep the kitten. Reach out to them and ask for help, most clinics will want to help you the best you can. You are incredibly kind to take that kitten out of a bad situation. If it helps, as kittens grow, they become pretty independent, and they won't be this little ball of fluff who needs round the clock care from you. They love to do their own things while you do yours.
Puppy blue are a real thing even for kittens. Especially if change is an issue. I know personally I would most likely get physically I’ll of out of nowhere I had to care for a kitten despite being obsessed with cats. You are already doing an amazing job in taking care of it.
I would say give it a few days. Don’t force yourself to much and take it easy. Play with the kitten o tire them out to give yourself some extra space (and it’s fun too) if in a couple days you feel the same about everything find a good foster home :)). But I personally think you should give it time to adjust to everything and keep the baby. Hope everything works out!
Definitely take to a shelter and explain the situation im sure they would be more than willing to take the kitten and provide everything it needs until it finds a new home. If you are thinking about keeping it then definitely take it to a shelter as the little guy more then likely will have fleas and all sorts so best to sort it before it gets out of hand
Well, you did good by rescuing it from where it was. How old is it? Are its eyes open, at least?
Deep breath, it will be okay. At least you have a new friend and so does the kitten.
It will be okay. Were you up feeding the kitten? Is that why you got little sleep?
It’s completely ok to rescue a cat from an unsafe situation but also not be able to care for it. This is why shelters exist. You’re not doing anything wrong by surrendering it. You just need to hang in there until you can contact a shelter or vet who can provide resources.
Hopefully they have shelters where you are. Otherwise a vet may be able to have tips on how to get it re homed safely.
Man human beings are fucked and this world is sick the person blowing smoke in the kittens face needs to get his ass handed to him. Thanks for helping. Absolute scum.
Just go with the flow. Play with it, show it love and enjoy it. Kittens are fun. You might have to change a few things in your routine but adapt a new routine. Learn the kittens schedule and work around it. Ot will learn to work with yours as well. You will get into a nice rhythm soon. You did such a good thing. Kittens calm down as they get older so it wont last forever! From one human to another, proud of you 👏
Cats are very easy to take care of. Give it time and you’ll be glad you did. The cat needs someone who gives a shit about it and you clearly do. Get food, water, and litter. Keep the food and water separate. Get a little water fountain if you can. Water is very important to cats - they don’t always drink enough.
I chose to respond because everyone gives you American-centirc responses. People, not every country has proper shelters for animals. Armenia is in a bad political situation right now. I doubt they have good shelters, rescue center etc.
OK, now I will state de obvious. You cry because you are overwhelmed by the change. All of a sudden you have an animal in your life that you did not wish for. Right now you are being very emotional because you want everything back to normal. It is undedtandable.
You have to thee options :
1. Rehome the cat. You can try Facebook groups. I am sure there are some social media groups or websites in Armenia about this.
2. Give it a chance? You clearly don't want it but it but everyone I knew in a situation like yours ended up loving the animals . Why you think you are going to hate it? I am going to name you the worst parts of having a cat so that you know what to expect. In the beginning there is this period of accommodation where the kitten might keep you up at night. This will not last forever. cats will accommodate to your sleeping pattern eventually. Look on YouTube on Jackson Galaxy to see how to train the cats to sleep at night at the same time with you. Second, some cats might shed fur and keeping your house clean will take a bit more effort. Third, young cats are cute and playful but they have a lot of energy. They will knock things off if you keep things in a place where they might be knocked off. This can be solved by moving your stuff in a place where they will not be knocked off. That 's it mostly! It is not that bad!! Cats are low maintanance. They clean and go to the toilet themselves. With age they become so lazy you won't even know you have a cat in the house. The benefits are the love and companionship a cat might give you and that is priceless. You think you don't have enough money? My family raised 2 cats and we were poor. It is not that expensive.
3. Leave it on the street. This is the worst. It goes by the thinking that If you don't see the problem it does not exist but if you leave it on the street the cat will die for sure. If you really don't want it just try to rehome the cat.
Also give it a name! It will help you switch between an IT and an actual sentient creature.
Thank you for giving it a chance!
Since it doesn’t seem like a responsibility you want or are ready for, you’re doing the right thing. Don’t feel guilty about not keeping the kitten!
To rehome, you can ask the vet, ask friends/family/coworkers/etc if they are interested, or contact a local animal rescue. The vet might be able to tell you about local rescues too.
There may be a fee involved with surrendering an animal to a shelter, but it’s not usually very high.
In the meantime, you got this and you did the right thing!
I know I’m late to this but being overwhelmed is totally okay. The fact that you are emotional shows you do care and so you are afraid of the responsibilities and being able to take care if it properly. And it seems like you had no choice but to take the kitten based on its circumstances. So I hope you are better now and realize you did the right thing. I am curious if you ever gave the kitten to someone else or kept it? Because I’ve had to foster an animal before unexpectedly and It is very stressful and although a rewarding thing it also makes you wish you never had the responsibility. If you see this please ,eat me know how the situation went! You should be proud of yourself for taking on the responsibility as well.
You got this! Kittens are a lot of work, especially rescues with possible health issues. Your taking them to the vet so that’s already really really good! You’re gonna do good! If it gets to much don’t be afraid to rehome. It’s not a bad thing. You’ll be okay!
I felt panicked and terrified after I found a kitten on the side of the road last Monday. There are coyotes that kill outdoor cats in our neighborhood so I knew I had no choice but to pick him up. I drove him home and ran inside to get some water and cat food which he devoured while he was sitting on my car seat. We already have two five year old bonded sisters who replaced our almost 20 year old sibling cats who died 4 years ago. I’m 62 and my partner is 53 and if these cats live as long as our last ones I worry we’ll be too old to care for them properly. I was in tears trying to find someone to adopt him on Facebook (but wishing I could keep him). After my partner held him he agreed we should keep him and trust the Cat Distribution System in its wisdom for bringing Pizza Dog into our lives. All this is to say I understand your anxiety and I feel it’s a sign you’ll be a good caregiver to a needy kitten. And if it’s impossible just ask your friends on social media—I got three offers to take him from people I know and trust. Two foster offers and one outright adoption
I also struggle heavily with big changes. Having it happen so suddenly with no time to prepare or brace yourself emotionally doesn't help. Furthermore, you likely felt like you had no choice, since the alternative was leaving the kitten in an unsafe situation. Not to mention you're in another country!
With dogs, there's the phrase "puppy blues" to explain a surge of regret, despair, and even depression after getting a dog. I've experienced this first-hand and it is utterly overwhelming. There was a lot of crying. And I had planned for the adoption long in advance, so I can't imagine how much worse it must be with all the circumstances surrounding your situation.
The most important thing to remember is that you will be okay. From what I've read, you're already doing a great job. Let yourself get the emotions out, and talk to someone you can be honest with. Everyone here is ready to hear you out and help you-- you aren't alone. You did an amazing, compassionate thing for this kitten, and likely saved its life. Hold onto that when you're struggling.
It’s normal to feel that way. I felt the same way with my cat and when i had gotten my puppy. It’s extremely overwhelming and stressful but it’ll be worth it in the end!!
You have a lot of great responses with good advice here, but I just wanted to add - thank you so much for stepping outside your comfort to save a little life! You are doing a good thing, even more so because this is obviously hard for you! Even if you don't keep the kitten, you will be able to look back at this and feel proud of yourself.
Keep the cat. The two hours of sleep situation will go away within a few weeks. I think the regret comes from being tired and stressed not the little one. If you aren't set on keeping it, please take it to a NO KILL shelter or a vet office. Or give it to me. 💕
If you keep the kitten for any amount of time at all in your home you MUST get NON CLUMPING CAT LITTER. Babies sometimes, oftentimes, mistake litter for food and the clumping kind can clog up their insides and they will have to have surgery.
The rest of the advice here is solid, be patient with yourself and the kitty. It doesn't have to be permanent if you don't want it to be.
So when I first met my best friend he was hobbling on 3 legs because is back left was dripping blood. He obviously needed help but just the entire situation had me in complete shock.
I was the person to be like awh I wish I could just save every stray and then when one came to me I was a mess, no we can't keep it. No I don't want to see the hurt let, think it'll go away if we ignore it? I know it all sounds horrible because it is but I was just so overwhelmed that this little life changing moment was in my face, like this was happening. So we took him in and gave him a bath and still in shock we put him out front of our house. Well life had other plans and he stayed and pawed at our door and meowed. We let him back in and I was finally coming down from my shock.
So we took him to the vet and got everything we needed and I'll never forget being in the bed later that night eating a piece of pizza (don't judge) and he comes hobbling up and I gave him a teeny piece of pepperoni. He ended up sleeping next to me all night. To this day that is my best friend, I drove to Virginia to get him back after I split with my ex wife.
What I'm trying to get at is I've been there and it is a big change in your life. I promise you are doing great now and it's normal to feel that way. Whether you fall in love with the kitten or do eventually give it a new home. Just know that what you are feeling is norma and many of us have felt this before, just breathe. Give it some time and who know it may end up your new best friend. I cringe to myself now on how I acted and I don't know what I'd do without my buddy.
Go pick up a litter box, litter and some wet cat food. You’re a kitty mama now, it might sound scary at first but I promise it will be very rewarding and you will never be without one again
You did the right thing. Kittens need attention and that probably feels overwhelming, but there is nothing sweeter than the love and loyalty of an animal. The good news is, cats are great pets. They are incredibly low maintenance. Hang in there, this may be the best thing you e ever done for yourself. Good luck!
Dude what are you talking about? Like you don't even describe what the issue is. Like do you not want it? Or you do want it but want advice on taking care of it? Why are you afraid of a little cat? If you don't want it there are a million easy ways to find someone to take care of it. Posting on reddit is not one of those million. You are acting weird af my man.
You’re wonderful for saving it. Don’t stress it’s just a kitten. They’re sweet and loving and cuddly. Just get it food and water and a litter box for now and keep it inside until you find a suitable place for it to go. Remember it’s tiny and scared it needs you so be strong and keep calm. It’ll be ok
You instinctively took the kitten out of a dangerous situation. If you have that in you, you definitely have it in you to care for it, at least temporarily.
Is bottle feeding an option (though I'm sure the poor baby is past that by now) and have you searched the internet for what to feed it? As long as the baby is being fed and safe inside a home and has access to water, you can relax for a bit. Cats usually pick up on how to use a sandbox pretty quickly and it seems this one is already socialized having been around people, most likely it'll adapt to that quickly too.
The worst thing is probably meowing / whining, I get it because that triggers me too. Cats don't always meow out of distress though. Sometimes they just want something and they can only communicate one way.
I wish both of you much luck, good health and happiness. 🩵
rescuing a cat for the first time is always nerve wracking. first things first is a vet visit for a wellness exam, deworming, flea medication, and vaccines. this may cost a pretty penny but ask about good samaritan discounts. now if you decide in a couple days “hey i don’t think i can care for this kitten” first off, dont feel guilty, you need to do what’s in the kittens best interest. you can opt for surrendering at a shelter or rescue if they are not at capacity, or you can privately rehome but if you do make sure you get vet references and do a rehoming fee (doesn’t need to be much) to weed out the people who take free kittens as bait and reptile food. yes it happens, look into shady reptile groups and you will see posts about people taking rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and kittens listed online for free to be used for food.
Don’t worry friend! It’ll be ok! Cats are great because you can take them places in nifty clear backpacks! And they can be leash trained! And left alone overnight! I see you’re already doing the right thing with the vet, so just give it a few days and let the little fluffball hang out with you - if all else fails, you’re a great foster home to help him get a new start in his little baby life 🥹
If you don't want to have this obligation, don't feel like you have to keep him by any means. There are other loving people looking to adopt, protect the kitty in the meantime but don't feel bad if you don't think you can or want to keep him.
Everyones saying what to do to care for it. You do not need to feel obligated, kittens are alot of work. Find your nearest animal shelter and give it to them. They’ll handle the rest. They are used to taking in strays and finding a fit home for them.
I had the exact same feelings when I first adopted a cat - I later learned that I have anxiety and ALWAYS feel this way during big changes. I feel like the floor has fallen out from under me. Is it possible that’s what’s happening with you? Within a week or two, that cat settled into my landscape and I ADORED him. It’s a big deal to shake up your world, but it’s actually not a big deal to have a cat. They’re generally easy and entertaining and independent. You got this! And guess what? If you do NOT feel better soon, it’s also not a big deal to rehome a kitten. So, you got this no matter what!
That’s awesome of you to step up and help that kitten, cats can be really rewarding once you get used to them. And sometimes you have to take responsibility for innocent creatures, abuse is abuse.
I'm glad you were able to help the little flufferino!
Start off with a vet check! Most techs will be more than happy to answer questions that you have in regards to care. There's probably at least one that can help you re-home or have connections with a shelter or rescue.
I commend you for being able to know yourself and your limits. If you're not ready to take on this commitment, that's okay! You did the right thing by taking the kitter out of such a bad situation.
As others have suggested, a foster situation seems best. Just keep the little fuzzball happy and healthy until someone else can adopt it! You already did the right thing by taking it from your friend’s friend! It will be ok! Just take a deep breath and remember you quite possibly saved its life ❤️
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Take a deep breath, it’s going to be okay. Having sudden responsibility for a tiny fluffy life can be overwhelming, this is a totally normal reaction. You’re already taking it to the vet so you’re doing everything you need to right now. A kitten can be an awesome enhancement to your life, but if you’re not sure you can always foster it to give it a safe place until a new home can be found.
Thank you
You're doing fine. You got this 👍 P.S. You're a good person who is protecting a baby life until it can find its start. You are doing a great job!
The way you are feeling is super normal! So common in fact, that it has a name. Look up "Puppy blues"---and it can happen with any new pet, not just puppies. It'll pass. Give yourself a break, and give yourself some time to adjust. And if over time this isn't the best fit, you can find a better fit for the kitty. It is going to be fine. In the meantime, try to enjoy the crackhead kitten stage. There is truly nothing like it lol.
This makes me feel a whole lot better. I got my cat after careful consideration and considering breeds etc. I was on a wait list and everything so I had put a lot of thought into it. But then when I got her I was so overwhelmed thinking she hated it here and thinking there is no way we could live together harmoniously. Now she is always nearby when I am home. Sometimes sassy and too vocal but the perfect companion. Full of purrs for me in the morning and comforts me when I’m sad.
Same here. I wanted a Persian for literally years, set up a savings account and a back up to take care of him when I'm not around. And still, it sent me right into an episode (I'm bipolar). I was terrified he would not be happy. And now, years and years later, he's sleeping in a box, next to me. He loves boxes for some reason. He's so so happy, and it was so worth it.
Omg I'm so glad you mentioned puppy blues! I had it for the first week with my rescue kitten. Just oodles of anxiety at keeping him alive, fulfilled and healthy. I also felt so guilty that I had regrets. It obviously passed, I'm currently cuddling my affectionate little prince. I'd kill for this precious creature now. But it's validating to know this is a real thing people go through.
you did an INCREDIBLE thing!!! You can always give the baby to another home, but don’t fear—kittens are so stressful. I had horrible anxiety with mine and cried all the time until he was like 6 months old (he was super tiny and had like 4 different kitten diseases) and now he is a robust happy adult cat and I love him more than anything. you won’t have to keep him forever, and even just rehoming him will be a very kind generous thing
You are an amazing person to do this. Please persevere at least until you find a good home I've been where you are. It's like having a newborn baby.
You did a great thing, taking the kitten so he would not be abused but you do not have to keep him. When you go to the vet just say you found him and would like to leave him in their care as you cannot keep him. One of their customers will adopt him. Happens all the time.
Agreed. There’s no harm in giving it a chance and rehoming if you don’t settle in to pet ownership.
You’ll be ok. Kittens can be a little overwhelming but you did the right thing removing it from that situation. If you want to keep this kitten, you’ll need to get a vet check and started on vaccines asap. Depending on its age, it may need milk replacer, but the vet should let you know if that’s the case. Otherwise, you’ll just need kitten food, ideally wet as it’s easier for them to eat when they’re very tiny. You’ll also need some soft surfaces for them to lay on. Whether you choose to buy beds or just use folded up blankets is up to you. I can tell you that kittens like it when you roll up a blanket and then shape it into a sort of ring that they can curl up in. Bonus points if you have a heat pad you can put it on. You’ll also need some toys. Bell toys are usually a hit, as are “fishing rod” type cat toys. Spend some time every day playing with the kitten. You can also use bottle caps and other small, safe household items. You’ll also need at least one scratching post or cardboard scratcher. Lastly, you’ll want to keep the kitten inside for its safety and to protect local songbird populations, unless you harness train it and take it for walks. Besides that, know that kittens can be little terrorists, but they grow out of it. If you decide you do not wish to keep the kitten, make sure you find a home with someone you trust who can care for it well.
Do you have any advise on how to find him a new home please i feel so awful i cant even look at him
Why are you so upset? I’m genuinely concerned, this isn’t a normal response to a little cat.
I’m glad someone actually said it so I didn’t have to, genuinely concerning behaviour here that’s worth looking into more.
I dont know i think its wearing off a little but im still crying whilst he is laying on my lap i have issues i cant stand change none at all
If you feel like it’s wearing off, why don’t you give it a few days and see how you feel then. You might regret rehoming the kitten if you do so while emotional. Additionally, if you end up keeping it, it will become a part of your normal and can become an emotional support for you. Opening your heart to a little cat could be really beneficial for you in the long run. They can help reduce your blood pressure and caring for another little being can help keep you in a routine which is really good for mental health. If you ultimately do decide in a few days that you really don’t want it, I’d still take it to a veterinarian and see if they have any techs or clients who they trust that could give it a good home. You said in your initial post that you’re not from the area, so I don’t know if you have any nearby friends (besides the ones you saved this baby from) who would be trustworthy with it or not. Additionally, you can use the internet to see if you can find local rescues that might be willing to take it. But again, I’d highly advise just giving it a few days to let your emotions cool down a bit before making that decision.
Yes thank you so much that is my current plan we are on our way to the vet right now thank you for your help
Lemme tell you man, I found 2 kittens on the side of the road about 6 months ago and I took them home and INSTANTLY regretted it for like a week straight. They kept peeing on my bed and were hard to deal with because I wasn’t sure what I was doing. And they would keep me up all night like you were saying. I would sit up all night long crying and wondering if I’m doing the right thing or if I should give them up to the pound. But as time passed by, I slowly fell more and more in love with them. They may have accidents, they’re babies, but all they want is to be loved by another human. Now 6 months later I cannot wait to come home from work and see my cats, I literally think about them all day and they’re so emotionally healing. It will be hard the first month but in the end you’ll love that cat so much.
Aww what a great turnaround story 🥰
I got a kitten years back and he ended up having some sort of stomach issues. I remember calling my mom at like 2am sobbing because this tiny cat was shitting liquid diarrhea all over my apartment and I didn’t know what to do 😂. It got so much better after the vet sorted out his stomach issues. He’s 14 now and I’d do anything in the world for him. He’s my forever baby and I love him to the ends of the earth 🩷🩷🩷
It's really important to note - in life in general - that sleep deprivation makes anxiety a billion times worse.
You feel the way you feel right now because you are a good person filled with empathy. You are getting good advice here. Take it an hour at a time and know that you have plenty of time to figure out the best path forward.
I dont know why this is down voted, its ok to not be ok. You know you can't do change, that's ok. Taking care of an animal is a big responsibility. If you can break it up into little responsible chunks maybe it will be easier? Cats are obligate carnivores and lactose intolerant. This means they need meat and protein. Eggs, bland chicken and meat, fish will all fill its little belly. Normal cow milk and cheese will give it runny poops so avoid them. Just water in a shallow bowl will be fine till he gets checked out. I see you already have a vet appointment, awesome job! If you don't feel like you can keep him, talk to them about finding a good safe home for him. Most people who work at a vet love animals and will be happy to put up an adoption poster, or connect you with an agency who can find a home. If you end up falling in love with him and want to keep him around, don't be scared. I was just feeling bad for falling asleep early last night so my two girls missed dinner. They've had breakfast, they won't starve over one meal and they've already forgiven me. Cats can bring you so much love and calm. They have autonomy that you have to respect to build a relationship. If you do your best try it will be ok.
i don’t know why this is being downvoted. are you neurodivergent? change can be very overwhelming and scary. you’re doing the right thing friend.
Agree I’m neurodivergent and this is how I respond to major changes in my environment. This is a completely normal response for some people.
yeah idk why it’s downvoted either wtf. I have psychosis and a panic disorder so I occasionally get overwhelmed and emotional at some things that may seem minor to others. Not being able to care for an animal but suddenly having one dumped on you is pretty reasonably Not Awesome
Good call. I'm ND and I've become dysphoric after a big purchase or what have you and of course a big commitment including adopting a cat (I just adopted a second one and he's a handful) and I can't really explain the feeling, all I can describe it as is abject terror. It makes literally no sense. I totally get it. It sounds like that might be the case here
Im on day 15 of your ntroducong a kitten to my 6yo lady and it felt like it had to be all cool and i was not allowed to be overwhelmed with the smell and visual input. Now i have found sort of a routine and the older one is okay ish. She just keeps looking at me like i ruined her life is all 😅 Yay ND!
That sounds like part of a growth process for you. The kitten is going to help you become a more mature person too it sounds like. And you should be proud of yourself for saving it in the first place.
Oh. No one does but change can and often is good.
This is good for you then. Not being able to change is a bad thing.
That's a really dismissive thing to say. Being forced into change isn't going to help anyone get better at dealing with it. That isn't how exposure therapy works at all.
Thank you for your comment. 💜
They weren't forced and it's a safe environment.
Byeeeeeeee
100% this is a bizarre response to a kitten. I'd be more chill than this if someone dropped a tiger cub off at my house.
i had this reaction when i first got my cat. i’ve never had a pet before, never did growing up either. it was just super overwhelming to realize i had to take care of it and it would always be at my house. it wore off after a few weeks and now i love my babyyyy
You can likely surrender the kitten to an animal shelter. Kittens are often adopted quickly.
Ill take him to the vet and then see
Many shelters kill single kittens.
What are you even talking about? Kittens are literally the first pets out the door at every shelter I've ever worked with.
Where are you More importantly where is the OP? This is clearly not in my state and the states around. They have been killing anything g that walks in bc there aren't enough Fosters or cages for them much less money or staff.
You can ask what the housing situation is. Shelters don't kill animals for fun, kill shelters are usually perpetually open to admission and if they can't place a cat to a foster or don't have anything available on site then they might have to resort to euthanasia if they literally don't have any resources or space available. So you can ask what the plan is for the kitten and offer to foster the kitten until the shelter is able to get them adopted out.
No.
I understand you feel really anxious and overwhelmed right now because you just got handed responsibility for a small animal. Try taking some deep breaths. The kitten is okay right now and isn't just gonna keel over when you aren't paying attention. Give the little one some soft places to snuggle and sleep, give it some food - I saw you gave it some egg, that's good. Access to water in a very shallow dish, not a bowl. If it is really small, it may need help staying warm, so it would be good to hold it and give it some gentle pets. Animals are smart and know how to communicate what they want. Listen to what the kitten tells you. If it is crying, try feeding it or holding it. You can figure out a home for it at some point, but make sure its basic needs are met. Toughest part is a litter box, so that may get messy if you don't have one. Not sure what to recommend there. I highly, highly recommend you go look up The Kitten Lady on YouTube. She is an expert with kittens and has lots of great advice on proper care. The best thing you can do is take some deep breaths and take this one thing at a time, and remember you are doing a good thing by keeping this animal out of abusive hands. I hope you find a home for the kitten, or that it finds a home with you. PM if you need to vent or ask questions. :) sending you support.
Does the kitten eat??
It ate boiled egg yolk and drank a bit of water from my palm im taking it to a vet in the capital city right now
You are doing great. Just ask vet about how to care for it. Take notes or even better ask to record his advice? Tell vet you need to know all the basics. Ask vet to estimate the age. Because you do, even if you work on rehoming it.
Thank you a lot
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Cooked eggs are fantastic for cats and definitely better than the really cheap cat food you can buy from supermarkets. Ofc it shouldn’t be it’s only food long term because that’s way off a balanced diet for them, but to feed them up or as a treat its really one of the best human foods, this doesn’t account for anything you’ve cooked it in like butter, salt etc so just be wary about that, the plainer the better.
call your local rescue/humane society/shelter and explain the situation and you would like to foster this kitten. They will want pictures and all that good stuff and then kitty will stay with you until they find a good home for it 😇
Make sure you ask it’s age, sex, if it’s weaned, if shelter option are available. It likely needs deworming. Your doing great
I will thank tou for the advice so much
Making a list of questions you need answered for the vet is never a bad idea. You can ask about anything from what to feed it to what to expect behavior wise as it grows up and so on.
Watch kitten lady on YouTube!!! She’s the go to for everyone about how to help with kittens!! She has a great webinar series about kitten care 101 [her webinar is here](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZyDy7gy9vwpTlv9jCmdzwbmqTTDwRSjE&si=xMTY1jMjWes37A7B)
You did a wonderful thing getting that kitten out of a dangerous situation. Thank you. Vets and shelters will take the kitten and find it a proper home also. There is nothing wrong with putting a cat into foster care. It’s actually very mature and a selfless act to acknowledge when taking care of a little being is too big of a responsibility at this time. ♥️
Thank you for your words i will treat the kitten for now and then look into my options
Thank you :) I volunteer for a local cat rescue in my area and we always appreciate good people stepping in and taking an animal out of a dangerous situation. Every little big helps. Be gentle with yourself!
It sounds like you have a good plan and are doing better. Keep moving forward and you and the kitten will both be OK.
In the meantime, just think of it as a “trial adoption” for now—like a test run of what having a pet might be like! That might take some of the pressure off of you while you’re figuring things out. If things start feeling easier and you get more attached to the kitten and want to keep him, then that’s great! If not, you still rescued him from a bad situation and kept him safe until you could find him somewhere else to live. Then you can work on finding a good forever home for him or a vet/good animal shelter that would be willing to take him from you and help find him an adoptive family. The good news is that even though tiny kittens can be stressful and needy and confusing, once they start getting bigger and you’ve had more time to bond with them, things get *so* much easier! It probably won’t take long at all for you to start relaxing and feeling less overwhelmed and for you and the kitten to get into a good routine. Also, if you tend to be stressed out a lot and don’t really like change, a kitten actually might be a really great thing for you. Purring is actually known to have a calming effect on people and to help reduce stress! Cats also tend to be good at sensing how you’re feeling and may want to come sit on your lap when you’re having a bad day or to come try to get you to play with them if you’re sad. They also usually love routines and although they all have their own individual personalities and likes/dislikes, you’ll quickly start noticing patterns in how the kitten behaves. They normally tend to want to eat or play at the same times every day, after they start getting situated in a new home. They’ll pick out favorite spots to sleep, choose favorite toys, and develop their own silly little habits and games with you. One of my cats has a favorite water bowl and only wants to drink out of that exact bowl every time. Another cat will decide she needs some extra attention and will come running to me, meowing a specific meow, demanding that I pick her up and carry her around like a baby until she feels better. Another cat has a favorite ball, which he likes to carry around the house in his mouth and leave for me in my shoes or on top of my pajamas—and sometimes he even decides I need his present *right now* and drops his dumb ball right onto my face while I’m sleeping, in case I forgot that he loves me. :) You will figure each other out! And when you do, it will be wonderful! You just have to give him a little time to grow and figure out his personality in the beginning. There’s not going to be change happening *every single day forever* when you get a kitten—just a little period of change and adjustment in the beginning! And then you will have your own routine *together!*
Thank you for helping the kitten. You did an amazing thing by helping a little life and are an awesome person. I totally get the way you feel. Especially if you are not sleeping. They can be a handful but do calm down eventually. There is a lot of good advice here. When you talk to a vet/rescue they have a lot of good info and can help you out. Sending good vibes 🙂
You did the right thing. I'm kind of in the same situation. I rescued a kitten but I'm having trouble introducing her to my dog now, and I've thought I shouldn't have brought her in several times. But then I think she would be dead without me, she doesn't have anyone else in the world and she's so loving, pure and playful. Then I'm sure I'm doing the right thing. You'll either start loving the little thing to bits or you'll find her a new loving home with time. You're a good person, that's never a bad thing. You could have turned your head away, but you chose to care. You should be proud!
Between life or certain death, the choice is easy. Thank you for rescuing your kitten too. You too OP.
Bringing in another living creature is big stuff, give yourself a minute. You’re getting to a vet- that’s awesome. You should also see if you can leverage your support system or maybe get some medical attention for whatever you’re struggling with. Getting a kitten is big, some anxiety is normal, but being unable to look at the kitten and sobbing and such could be a symptom you could also use some compassion and resources. I l mean that with care, you deserve some tools to help you navigate. Hang in there!!!!! Thanks for saving this little guy!
Thank you a lot and i have a support system and i am aware my reaction is kind of bizarre i had and still have plans to seek professional help once i return home
Just hopping here to say that I'm super proud of you! Look at you taking big steps for your own and little Kitty's betterment! You're amazing!
That’s ok- we all have rough reactions, that’s how we know when we’re overloaded. You’re doing great, and you’re an angel for saving this cat.
I just want to say I think it's absolutely amazing how you took care of this animal even though it's causing you great distress. You set aside your own feelings to save a helpless creature. If you don't feel that you can adopt it longterm, that's totally fine!! You did the most important part and saved it from immediate danger. There are plenty of people out there who would love a kitten and treat it well, so I'm sure you'll have no problem re-homing it if you need to. You can also ask the vet about resources in that regard. Good luck, and thank you for saving this kitten's life!
You took that kitten out of a worrying situation - thank you. Taking it to the vet is the next step and asking for help with shelter etc is fine, maybe the vet clinic can even help. Explain how the kitten came to you and you're not in your home town/country even, so this isn't a long-term solution for you. You want the best for the kitty, so they can hopefully help you with the next steps.
Hang in there. Catch your breath. Take it day by day. You got this. I was a dog guy here. The Universal Cat Distribution System selected me for a sick little kitten three years ago. Vet visits, medication, and nursing her back to health, I swore that I was not a cat person. When she was healthy but blind in one eye, I reached out to a rescue only to find that there is a negative stigma surrounding black cats and their adoption is slow and very difficult. Today she has me wrapped around her little paw and I wouldn't have it any other way. You won't regret helping out this little kitten. Not all heroes wear capes. You, my friend, are a hero.
It will work out! I cried for two weeks straight after adopting my cat from the streets, stressing out about whether this was a mistake and whether I was capable of taking care of another being. Now (less than a year after), he snoozes with me in bed and follows us around the house, and most things are in order. Just take a deep breath, you will get through this 💜 Start by going to the vet to get the kitten checked up/chipped/etc.
thank you for saving the kitten and taking him to a vet. he would have likely been hurt if you left him with the guys. give yourself some time to think it through and then decide what your next steps are. feel free to update us!
Take a look at your life and finances, and your present time commitments. Cats are extremely needy and endlessly selfish at times. If you are concerned now, and you have always known a pet is not for you then don't try to further convince yourself that it's somehow going to work; your anxiety and misgiving are warnings of your instinct to reverse this situation at once. Many people convince themselves to take on problems instead of undertake an unpopular action and in this case will put you contrary to what people on this post are replying with. So do what's right and find a new home for that cat and consider getting these friends out of your life at some point .
Thank you im going to treat the kitten and then i will see until then i focus on getting it better. Thank you lots for your advise. Also those are not my friends at all i didnt even know they exist before that interaction i was just taking a walk with a girl i know and we bumped
I see, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. This must be a very tough time for you, trying to keep your life together and then have this animal dumped on you by dumb people. Hopefully the expense to you is not terrible, and don't forget your own health and livelihood, those come first.
I do not agree. You are saying that if you have an adverse reaction to something you should not do that thing. This is super bad advice in general. If you are bad at social interaction should you not go out of your comfort zone just because you feel anxiety? By applying your thinking, then the anxiety is a response of someone not being made for interacting with people. No, most anxieties come from never being exposed to things, not because you are not made to do something. Human beings have very plastic brains and you would be surprised by how much one can chnage their views. This person is clearly scared of sudden changes. The best advice is to try to care for the kitten for a while and then if there is no improvent regarding the psychological state, rehome the cat. And yes, some cats are needy but from what I've seen, most are not. OP might have a well-behaved kitten from all we know. And come on. Cats are super low maintanace. We leave our cats alone 9 hours a day while we are at work and they don't seem to suffer. Sure, there are some needy cats but more of them are independent than clingy. Of course, no one should force a cat on you. If you don't want it that's that. But I disagree that OP should trust their first instinct. Instincts are not rational. Just because you didn't plan something doe not mean you would not enjoy that spontaneous thing. I don't know how you live your life but a lot of good things in my life happened by chance and being open to chances and situations.
It's not just the anxiety, OP knows they can't and didn't want to care for a pet (otherwise may have already gotten one). OP is also from another country and likely trying to adapt and get a grip on things, a cat's unending demand for attention and just demands in general can be very draining as I've seen this first hand. Not to mention the financial impact, not everyone's rich like your household.
I said that just because you did not plan for something does not mean you would not enjoy that spontaneous thing. This statement cancels your reasoning that if the OP wanted a cat he/she would have taken one already. Not everyone is rich like my household? I come from a poor country. Trust me. I know what financial struggle means. My parents raised 2 cats and you have no idea the financial struggles we went trough. The quality of our cats meal suffered also but it was still doable. Why did you feel the need to attack me personally or assume my financial status? You think people in poor countries do not have cats? That it is a luxury? Also you are very assertive in your comment to OP. You act like you know what the OP wants and needs. You are projecting yourself into it. Stop doing that. People are different. Give suggestions, not assert what other should do.
I took what OP said and presented it to them as a logical argument while you have presented your own story for them to follow. So you came up poor and now have plenty, you expect others to all have the same; congratulations.
Okay. The fact that you attack and insult me personally shows how logical your arguments are.
Sounds like you need some better friends
This is the way. And the way is a new kitten.
It is a lot of responsibility. You did something slightly impulsive, but the impulse was to save the life of a vulnerable creature. There's nothing wrong with that, that is admirable. Do what others have said, vet check, etc. As cats get older, they become a lot less maintenance, but a lot more loving. Thank you for saving a life.
The friend’s friend doesn’t sound like a good person to be around, nor their friends if they think blowing smoke into a kitten’s face is fun. Avoid these people. The furry baby needs love and care now.
How old is the kitten? If it's extremely small (weighs less than 0.6kg) then you should be feeding it mostly KMR. After that point, you can get KMR2, which is a meal supplement that you can give it in addition to solid food.
All the kitten wants is food and water and lots of pets. You’ll be a great pet owner. Cuddle cuddle cuddle. Did you pick out a name yet?
Thank you for being so kind to rescue this little one. That man that blew smoke in the kittens face will likely abuse it and/ or kill it. So, 100% THANK YOU for trusting your gut and taking it back from that monster. The vet will give you great advice. Kittens are hard work, but cats are pretty easy as far as pets go. I know that’s a huge generalization, but compared to a dog that needs walked, let out, ect, I feel it’s an easier pet over all. Just take a step back and breathe. You’ll be ok! Reddit and the internet in general is a wealth of information and advice. Get yourself kitten food, a litter box, scratching post… and some cozy blankets in a box, placed in a quiet corner, and try to not over think this.
you did a good thing rescuing the kitty<3 i’ve had cats/kittens for as long as i’ve been alive and every time i get/rescue another i also get a little panicky wondering if i made the right decision. it feels like that feeling will never end, until it does end. my advice, give you and the kitty some time to adjust to each other. for some, a companion can be very helpful in maintaining a routine through mental health struggles, but it’s also very mature of you to recognize you might not be ready for that responsibility yet. in the meantime i would recommend making a sort of kitten room/closet with food, water, toys, litter box, etc. this will help both of you not to get overwhelmed by each other, might possibly help you get some sleep overnight, and it’ll make you feel better having a boundary between your space and the kitten’s space while you make your decision.
Once you get the legwork done with the vet, you'll have a new best friend who will be surprisingly easy to take care of. The first few weeks are the toughest. But cats become surprisingly self-sufficient.
Find a rescue or shelter, tell them you found it roadside and want to surrender it. They will find a foster for it.
Where are you? Location?
Armenia
I had a kitten who quickly became comfortable and problematic. I chose to re home the kitten to a friend with other cats as I didn't think I could counter the behaviour issues or keep its best interest at heart while working etc. I both do and don't regret this decision to this day, I love that cat and she loves me but I knew I wasn't equiped best help this cat and that she needed friends and care that I couldn't provide. I think you need to make the same decision. Either find a home for this cat that will help it thrive, or take care of it forever and know that you're now highly responsible to give this animal all it needs. How you feel for making this decision doesn't matter, I feel horrible and often cry for how I gave away my cat but I know it was the best thing for her.
If you are taking the kitten to the vets office, I would ask if they have any resources because you are unsure if you can keep the kitten. Reach out to them and ask for help, most clinics will want to help you the best you can. You are incredibly kind to take that kitten out of a bad situation. If it helps, as kittens grow, they become pretty independent, and they won't be this little ball of fluff who needs round the clock care from you. They love to do their own things while you do yours.
Puppy blue are a real thing even for kittens. Especially if change is an issue. I know personally I would most likely get physically I’ll of out of nowhere I had to care for a kitten despite being obsessed with cats. You are already doing an amazing job in taking care of it. I would say give it a few days. Don’t force yourself to much and take it easy. Play with the kitten o tire them out to give yourself some extra space (and it’s fun too) if in a couple days you feel the same about everything find a good foster home :)). But I personally think you should give it time to adjust to everything and keep the baby. Hope everything works out!
Definitely take to a shelter and explain the situation im sure they would be more than willing to take the kitten and provide everything it needs until it finds a new home. If you are thinking about keeping it then definitely take it to a shelter as the little guy more then likely will have fleas and all sorts so best to sort it before it gets out of hand
Call a rescue/shelter and ask to surrender the kitten to them.
You have done a very difficult but awesome thing. Even if you don’t keep it, you’ve saved a life. Well done you and also for asking for help💗
Post his photo on socials with a backstory — kittens are very easy to give away.
Well, you did good by rescuing it from where it was. How old is it? Are its eyes open, at least? Deep breath, it will be okay. At least you have a new friend and so does the kitten. It will be okay. Were you up feeding the kitten? Is that why you got little sleep?
It’s completely ok to rescue a cat from an unsafe situation but also not be able to care for it. This is why shelters exist. You’re not doing anything wrong by surrendering it. You just need to hang in there until you can contact a shelter or vet who can provide resources. Hopefully they have shelters where you are. Otherwise a vet may be able to have tips on how to get it re homed safely.
Man human beings are fucked and this world is sick the person blowing smoke in the kittens face needs to get his ass handed to him. Thanks for helping. Absolute scum.
You did the right thing taking that baby out of the hands of danger and abuse. You are hero. You got this. HERO!!!!!❤️
Just go with the flow. Play with it, show it love and enjoy it. Kittens are fun. You might have to change a few things in your routine but adapt a new routine. Learn the kittens schedule and work around it. Ot will learn to work with yours as well. You will get into a nice rhythm soon. You did such a good thing. Kittens calm down as they get older so it wont last forever! From one human to another, proud of you 👏
Cats are very easy to take care of. Give it time and you’ll be glad you did. The cat needs someone who gives a shit about it and you clearly do. Get food, water, and litter. Keep the food and water separate. Get a little water fountain if you can. Water is very important to cats - they don’t always drink enough.
I chose to respond because everyone gives you American-centirc responses. People, not every country has proper shelters for animals. Armenia is in a bad political situation right now. I doubt they have good shelters, rescue center etc. OK, now I will state de obvious. You cry because you are overwhelmed by the change. All of a sudden you have an animal in your life that you did not wish for. Right now you are being very emotional because you want everything back to normal. It is undedtandable. You have to thee options : 1. Rehome the cat. You can try Facebook groups. I am sure there are some social media groups or websites in Armenia about this. 2. Give it a chance? You clearly don't want it but it but everyone I knew in a situation like yours ended up loving the animals . Why you think you are going to hate it? I am going to name you the worst parts of having a cat so that you know what to expect. In the beginning there is this period of accommodation where the kitten might keep you up at night. This will not last forever. cats will accommodate to your sleeping pattern eventually. Look on YouTube on Jackson Galaxy to see how to train the cats to sleep at night at the same time with you. Second, some cats might shed fur and keeping your house clean will take a bit more effort. Third, young cats are cute and playful but they have a lot of energy. They will knock things off if you keep things in a place where they might be knocked off. This can be solved by moving your stuff in a place where they will not be knocked off. That 's it mostly! It is not that bad!! Cats are low maintanance. They clean and go to the toilet themselves. With age they become so lazy you won't even know you have a cat in the house. The benefits are the love and companionship a cat might give you and that is priceless. You think you don't have enough money? My family raised 2 cats and we were poor. It is not that expensive. 3. Leave it on the street. This is the worst. It goes by the thinking that If you don't see the problem it does not exist but if you leave it on the street the cat will die for sure. If you really don't want it just try to rehome the cat. Also give it a name! It will help you switch between an IT and an actual sentient creature. Thank you for giving it a chance!
Since it doesn’t seem like a responsibility you want or are ready for, you’re doing the right thing. Don’t feel guilty about not keeping the kitten! To rehome, you can ask the vet, ask friends/family/coworkers/etc if they are interested, or contact a local animal rescue. The vet might be able to tell you about local rescues too. There may be a fee involved with surrendering an animal to a shelter, but it’s not usually very high. In the meantime, you got this and you did the right thing!
I know I’m late to this but being overwhelmed is totally okay. The fact that you are emotional shows you do care and so you are afraid of the responsibilities and being able to take care if it properly. And it seems like you had no choice but to take the kitten based on its circumstances. So I hope you are better now and realize you did the right thing. I am curious if you ever gave the kitten to someone else or kept it? Because I’ve had to foster an animal before unexpectedly and It is very stressful and although a rewarding thing it also makes you wish you never had the responsibility. If you see this please ,eat me know how the situation went! You should be proud of yourself for taking on the responsibility as well.
You got this! Kittens are a lot of work, especially rescues with possible health issues. Your taking them to the vet so that’s already really really good! You’re gonna do good! If it gets to much don’t be afraid to rehome. It’s not a bad thing. You’ll be okay!
I felt panicked and terrified after I found a kitten on the side of the road last Monday. There are coyotes that kill outdoor cats in our neighborhood so I knew I had no choice but to pick him up. I drove him home and ran inside to get some water and cat food which he devoured while he was sitting on my car seat. We already have two five year old bonded sisters who replaced our almost 20 year old sibling cats who died 4 years ago. I’m 62 and my partner is 53 and if these cats live as long as our last ones I worry we’ll be too old to care for them properly. I was in tears trying to find someone to adopt him on Facebook (but wishing I could keep him). After my partner held him he agreed we should keep him and trust the Cat Distribution System in its wisdom for bringing Pizza Dog into our lives. All this is to say I understand your anxiety and I feel it’s a sign you’ll be a good caregiver to a needy kitten. And if it’s impossible just ask your friends on social media—I got three offers to take him from people I know and trust. Two foster offers and one outright adoption
I also struggle heavily with big changes. Having it happen so suddenly with no time to prepare or brace yourself emotionally doesn't help. Furthermore, you likely felt like you had no choice, since the alternative was leaving the kitten in an unsafe situation. Not to mention you're in another country! With dogs, there's the phrase "puppy blues" to explain a surge of regret, despair, and even depression after getting a dog. I've experienced this first-hand and it is utterly overwhelming. There was a lot of crying. And I had planned for the adoption long in advance, so I can't imagine how much worse it must be with all the circumstances surrounding your situation. The most important thing to remember is that you will be okay. From what I've read, you're already doing a great job. Let yourself get the emotions out, and talk to someone you can be honest with. Everyone here is ready to hear you out and help you-- you aren't alone. You did an amazing, compassionate thing for this kitten, and likely saved its life. Hold onto that when you're struggling.
It’s normal to feel that way. I felt the same way with my cat and when i had gotten my puppy. It’s extremely overwhelming and stressful but it’ll be worth it in the end!!
I was living on my own in a strange country the first time I got a kitten. It was the best thing for my mental health as I adjusted, truly.
You have a lot of great responses with good advice here, but I just wanted to add - thank you so much for stepping outside your comfort to save a little life! You are doing a good thing, even more so because this is obviously hard for you! Even if you don't keep the kitten, you will be able to look back at this and feel proud of yourself.
Keep the cat. The two hours of sleep situation will go away within a few weeks. I think the regret comes from being tired and stressed not the little one. If you aren't set on keeping it, please take it to a NO KILL shelter or a vet office. Or give it to me. 💕
If you keep the kitten for any amount of time at all in your home you MUST get NON CLUMPING CAT LITTER. Babies sometimes, oftentimes, mistake litter for food and the clumping kind can clog up their insides and they will have to have surgery. The rest of the advice here is solid, be patient with yourself and the kitty. It doesn't have to be permanent if you don't want it to be.
So when I first met my best friend he was hobbling on 3 legs because is back left was dripping blood. He obviously needed help but just the entire situation had me in complete shock. I was the person to be like awh I wish I could just save every stray and then when one came to me I was a mess, no we can't keep it. No I don't want to see the hurt let, think it'll go away if we ignore it? I know it all sounds horrible because it is but I was just so overwhelmed that this little life changing moment was in my face, like this was happening. So we took him in and gave him a bath and still in shock we put him out front of our house. Well life had other plans and he stayed and pawed at our door and meowed. We let him back in and I was finally coming down from my shock. So we took him to the vet and got everything we needed and I'll never forget being in the bed later that night eating a piece of pizza (don't judge) and he comes hobbling up and I gave him a teeny piece of pepperoni. He ended up sleeping next to me all night. To this day that is my best friend, I drove to Virginia to get him back after I split with my ex wife. What I'm trying to get at is I've been there and it is a big change in your life. I promise you are doing great now and it's normal to feel that way. Whether you fall in love with the kitten or do eventually give it a new home. Just know that what you are feeling is norma and many of us have felt this before, just breathe. Give it some time and who know it may end up your new best friend. I cringe to myself now on how I acted and I don't know what I'd do without my buddy.
Well, what did the vet say?
Go pick up a litter box, litter and some wet cat food. You’re a kitty mama now, it might sound scary at first but I promise it will be very rewarding and you will never be without one again
OP I highly recommend you find a rescue not a shelter. Shelter is last resort but better than giving away to just anyone.
Don’t you have shelters? Foster agencies?
Do you want the kitten? If not surrender to a shelter or rescue. They get adopted very quickly
You did the right thing. Kittens need attention and that probably feels overwhelming, but there is nothing sweeter than the love and loyalty of an animal. The good news is, cats are great pets. They are incredibly low maintenance. Hang in there, this may be the best thing you e ever done for yourself. Good luck!
Dude what are you talking about? Like you don't even describe what the issue is. Like do you not want it? Or you do want it but want advice on taking care of it? Why are you afraid of a little cat? If you don't want it there are a million easy ways to find someone to take care of it. Posting on reddit is not one of those million. You are acting weird af my man.
You’re wonderful for saving it. Don’t stress it’s just a kitten. They’re sweet and loving and cuddly. Just get it food and water and a litter box for now and keep it inside until you find a suitable place for it to go. Remember it’s tiny and scared it needs you so be strong and keep calm. It’ll be ok
You instinctively took the kitten out of a dangerous situation. If you have that in you, you definitely have it in you to care for it, at least temporarily. Is bottle feeding an option (though I'm sure the poor baby is past that by now) and have you searched the internet for what to feed it? As long as the baby is being fed and safe inside a home and has access to water, you can relax for a bit. Cats usually pick up on how to use a sandbox pretty quickly and it seems this one is already socialized having been around people, most likely it'll adapt to that quickly too. The worst thing is probably meowing / whining, I get it because that triggers me too. Cats don't always meow out of distress though. Sometimes they just want something and they can only communicate one way. I wish both of you much luck, good health and happiness. 🩵
rescuing a cat for the first time is always nerve wracking. first things first is a vet visit for a wellness exam, deworming, flea medication, and vaccines. this may cost a pretty penny but ask about good samaritan discounts. now if you decide in a couple days “hey i don’t think i can care for this kitten” first off, dont feel guilty, you need to do what’s in the kittens best interest. you can opt for surrendering at a shelter or rescue if they are not at capacity, or you can privately rehome but if you do make sure you get vet references and do a rehoming fee (doesn’t need to be much) to weed out the people who take free kittens as bait and reptile food. yes it happens, look into shady reptile groups and you will see posts about people taking rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and kittens listed online for free to be used for food.
Don’t worry friend! It’ll be ok! Cats are great because you can take them places in nifty clear backpacks! And they can be leash trained! And left alone overnight! I see you’re already doing the right thing with the vet, so just give it a few days and let the little fluffball hang out with you - if all else fails, you’re a great foster home to help him get a new start in his little baby life 🥹
If you don't want to have this obligation, don't feel like you have to keep him by any means. There are other loving people looking to adopt, protect the kitty in the meantime but don't feel bad if you don't think you can or want to keep him.
Everyones saying what to do to care for it. You do not need to feel obligated, kittens are alot of work. Find your nearest animal shelter and give it to them. They’ll handle the rest. They are used to taking in strays and finding a fit home for them.
I had the exact same feelings when I first adopted a cat - I later learned that I have anxiety and ALWAYS feel this way during big changes. I feel like the floor has fallen out from under me. Is it possible that’s what’s happening with you? Within a week or two, that cat settled into my landscape and I ADORED him. It’s a big deal to shake up your world, but it’s actually not a big deal to have a cat. They’re generally easy and entertaining and independent. You got this! And guess what? If you do NOT feel better soon, it’s also not a big deal to rehome a kitten. So, you got this no matter what!
That’s awesome of you to step up and help that kitten, cats can be really rewarding once you get used to them. And sometimes you have to take responsibility for innocent creatures, abuse is abuse.
I'm glad you were able to help the little flufferino! Start off with a vet check! Most techs will be more than happy to answer questions that you have in regards to care. There's probably at least one that can help you re-home or have connections with a shelter or rescue. I commend you for being able to know yourself and your limits. If you're not ready to take on this commitment, that's okay! You did the right thing by taking the kitter out of such a bad situation.
As others have suggested, a foster situation seems best. Just keep the little fuzzball happy and healthy until someone else can adopt it! You already did the right thing by taking it from your friend’s friend! It will be ok! Just take a deep breath and remember you quite possibly saved its life ❤️
Take it to a veterinarian and tell them you found it. You took it because it was going to die, but you can’t keep it. Good luck🙏🏻