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

ceebeeby

Could you perhaps take a photograph of the cat, or draw a picture of it ... and if you feel anxious when you're apart, try talking to that, or taking comfort from the image. I know if I'm away from family for a long time, sometimes looking at a picture can help.

Hope it goes okay for you (and the cat).

LadyMorticia

ceebeeby wrote: »

Could you perhaps take a photograph of the cat, or draw a picture of it ... and if you feel anxious when you're apart, try talking to that, or taking comfort from the image. I know if I'm away from family for a long time, sometimes looking at a picture can help.

Hope it goes okay for you (and the cat).

That's a really good idea.

Tiddlywinks

I am so sorry to hear that you are feeling anxious and have some worries that you need to deal with. If you do get a chance of CBT then grab it as it can be helpful.

Do you think that you are taking your own anxiety and assuming that your cat is feeling the same way? Remember, cats are cats so please don't misinterpret how they behave by comparing them to how humans live - they have simpler needs and less complex emotions. They do get attached to their human companions and I'm sure she does care about you.

Your cat is still young and impressionable and you should try your very best to allow her to develop her own personality. When cats first go out into new areas they will do it in short bursts and return home just to make sure it is still there (;)) and that all is well - over time they will gain in confidence and explore further away. You've mentioned that there are lots of other cats around and this may limit you cat in her outings as she will be able to smell that other cats have already marked their own territory.

Have a look at the pet board for loads of like minded animal lovers that will be able to talk about any !!!!!cat queries you have.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=143

I bet you'll get a lot of pleasure watching your cat grow into a big girl and on into the next 20 odd years (my old girl was 22 and the one before 21!) so lots of time to look forward to.

Good luck.

soupdragon10

I think many people with MH issues find it easy to bond with a pet as they give you unconditional love and approval. They don't care what you look like, if you do bizzare things or find certain daily activities incredibly stressful. There they are purring and licking and cuddling up to you as if you are the most perfect person in the world (which indeed each and every one of us is a perfect unique individual).

I used to take my cat away with me at weekends as I didn't have anyone to leave her with. She loved the attention and had a harness and lead which she happily walked around on (she was used to this from a kitten).

If she is really happy being a house cat then perhaps give her some challenges make her work for treats/use her mind/have an opportunity for different activities.

MrsE_2

CountryGuy wrote: »

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

I once phoned work saying I'd be late because my hamster was dying and I didn't want him to die alone. My boss was quite supportive at the time

Don't think I would be too impressed with that excuse......

Molly41

Really sad that some people think its funny to laugh at people with MH problems. Im another who has said problems and who also relies on animals (dogs) to get me through the day. I used to worry about my dogs when i attended appointments and we set up doggy cam in our living room. They just slept - in every available chair - and worked their way around the room.

Im not going to say dont worry about the medical but get support.

Scared45

I decided to visit the Jobcentre Plus office this morning and try and find out more about my case.

I was really anxious so took some valium - just a low dose - which I keep for emergencies. I fed my cat first with some chopped liver which she loves.

Must have been out for 2 hours, which is the longest for me in quite a while, I felt panicky despite the tablet but persisted although I didn't really accomplish anything re my claim. I was able to visit the supermarket, though, and taking deep breaths I got home okay.

The cat was fine - eager to see me again - but not scratching the wallpaper or anything while I was out. So that was a really good tip. Thanks.

amberjade_2

Scared45 wrote: »

I decided to visit the Jobcentre Plus office this morning and try and find out more about my case.

I was really anxious so took some valium - just a low dose - which I keep for emergencies. I fed my cat first with some chopped liver which she loves.

Must have been out for 2 hours, which is the longest for me in quite a while, I felt panicky despite the tablet but persisted although I didn't really accomplish anything re my claim. I was able to visit the supermarket, though, and taking deep breaths I got home okay.

The cat was fine - eager to see me again - but not scratching the wallpaper or anything while I was out. So that was a really good tip. Thanks.

I'm really glad you tried that. Your cat is lucky to have an owner as good as you. Have you thought of getting another to keep it company so you can feel less stressed? I personally like animals in pairs if they got on but then that's just me. I have 4 cats, 2 small dogs and a parrot- I lost my other recently and will wait to move before looking for another... unless a rehome comes... hugs and best wishes.

rinabean

Well done! I'm really happy for you. And now once you've done it you have concrete proof that nothing will happen to you or your cat next time you go, which will make it easier, right?

You could try getting another cat, but I have a feeling yours might be too spoilt and enjoy its great position too much! (Like Maru!)

Scared45

Thanks, I think one cat is enough. She does have every opportunity to go out and a nice big area of gardens she can explore, but, like I said yesterday, the most she will go out for is about 30,40 minutes.