Will I be able to take my cat with me to an ATOS medical?

dmg24

Have you asked your psychiatrist about some other therapies, such as CBT? My own experience is that they seem intent on masking problems with meds rather than trying to resolve the underlying issue.

You would be amazed how many people have a pet as their best friend, even those without MH problems. However, you wouldn't be able to be around a human best friend constantly, and equally they would not want to be around you all the time. Maybe you could find ways to separate yourself a bit, gradually at first, even if it is going into the kitchen to have a drink whilst cat stays in the lounge?

Scared45

The psychiatrist did mention CBT - I think, like you say, he wanted to try out meds first.

But this is the 3rd different anti-depressant I've been on and it's not really helping so I think I am going to push him on the CBT when next we meet.

The cat is fine when I'm in the kitchen, or in any other room in the house - she doesn't always even sleep in my bedroom. It's just when I leave the house she can act up (more like some dogs, really).

I've taken her to the supermarket with me before and she seems to quite enjoy it. I know that sounds insane, as per the title of this thread, but wasn't meant as such.

dmg24

Scared45 wrote: »

The psychiatrist did mention CBT - I think, like you say, he wanted to try out meds first.

But this is the 3rd different anti-depressant I've been on and it's not really helping so I think I am going to push him on the CBT when next we meet.

The cat is fine when I'm in the kitchen, or in any other room in the house - she doesn't always even sleep in my bedroom. It's just when I leave the house she can act up (more like some dogs, really).

I've taken her to the supermarket with me before and she seems to quite enjoy it.

Please don't take her to the supermarket again. It is not healthy for her or for others in the store.

meer53

If you're not in the house, how do you know what the cat gets up to ? Mine just used to sleep in her basket if we were out, we used to shut her in the kitchen to stop her causing any damage anywhere else.

Scared45

Well, ok, then, if it really isn't good for her.

Scared45

meer53 wrote: »

If you're not in the house, how do you know what the cat gets up to ? Mine just used to sleep in her basket if we were out, we used to shut her in the kitchen to stop her causing any damage anywhere else.

After a bit she'll start scratching everything and miaowing a lot - my neighbours have heard this. I can keep her in one room, but I've come back to quite a bit of damage before.

dmg24

Scared45 wrote: »

After a bit she'll start scratching everything and miaowing a lot - my neighbours have heard this.

Then she needs to get used to it. That reaction will not last long at all.

Scared45

She's just a year old - an adult but quite young, I've had her since she was a kitten.

dmg24

Scared45 wrote: »

She's just a year old - an adult but quite young, I've had her since she was a kitten.

Which is the perfect time to let her learn to be alone. The longer you leave it, the more difficult it will be.

iamana1ias

Scared45 wrote: »

Well, ok, then, if it really isn't good for her.

Never mind those that have severe cat allergies, eh.