Who would have thought that getting a cat would actually help me with my OCD? Well, this is the story how our cat Lawrence has helped me deal with my OCD and other issues as well!
How We Ended Up with A Cat
I post a lot in my Instagram stories about Lawrence the cat. He came to live with us in the fall, and it wasn’t exactly planned either!
I have really bad OCD, in addition to anxiety and PTSD. The idea of having a pet scared the crap out of me for the longest time. There were too many scenarios that ran through my head making it hard for me to even think about having a pet for a really long time.
No time To Prepare
When my son asked if he could bring Lawrence back with him this fall when visiting his Nana, I told him to ask his dad. I figured my husband would say no. Obviously, I wasn’t mentally prepared to have this cat come into my home. Imagine my surprise when he said yes!
This cat was not litter trained! We didn’t have anything for him. I didn’t even know where to put the litter box. The first few days were a bit rough. My son and I didn’t sleep much as we kept tabs on the cat to make sure he didn’t defecate everywhere. Eventually, a friend told us to give him a space of his own temporarily to ease him into living here. By the end of the week, he was litter trained and working on getting him used to our home.
How the Cat helped me Deal with OCD and other issues as well
Lawrence has been so therapeutic for me. Having him helped me mend my broken heart after a miscarriage this fall. Also, his presence slowly helps me remember the way I used to be with cats before OCD took over my life. Once upon a time, I could pet and love on cats and other animals without having to wash my hands right away. I could have a pet in my home without being afraid of all the many hang ups I now have.
The other night I let him get comfy in my favorite chair. I sat next to him just petting him for a long time. It reminded me of being a teen and snuggling with my cats. I felt relaxed and calm.
So Thankful
I am so thankful my husband said yes to Lawrence coming to live with us, and I can’t imagine not having my kitty boy as a part of our family. Having a cat has helped me deal with OCD and some of my other issues in a healthy way.
I still have a long ways to go, but this has been a positive start. Having OCD is so oppressive at times and sometimes makes little things seem like everything is out of control. Finding new ways to deal with my OCD helps me to feel like I can conquer this after all!
If you have OCD, what are some exercises and activities that have been helpful to you? As always, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to follow me on social media and subscribe to the blog at the bottom or side of the page (depending on whether you are using a desktop or mobile device)!
Crocheting has been such a great way for me to stop from pulling out my hair, or picking at things, and it keeps my mind busy and soothed with something to do repetitively and count if I need to count.
I love my cats. I wish they’d let me love on them more because I’d love to busy my hands by petting a cat, but they’re not really loving in that way (not for more than a few minutes, at least).
Lawrence sounds like a very sweet baby. I’m so glad you have a kitty friend to help you.
Crocheting is something I would love to learn. I have been thinking of doing cross stitch again to keep my mind busy as well. Lawrence is a sweet baby. He also doesn’t like being held for long periods of time, but he likes to sit beside one of us and have us pet him. His favorite thing is to have the girls and I surround the chaise lounge in the morning and he just keeps coming to each of us in a circle loving on all of us.
Wow! I usually pass the tough questions to my hubby too. I am glad he said yes because somehow he knew what your family needed. The greatest gifts are sometimes unexpected.
They really are! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your story! Our cat has helped all of us greatly, but especially my oldest son.
That is awesome! I love hearing how pets are helping families! Our cat has been a great help to my son as well, in addition to helping me
What a sweet story. My dog, a shelter rescue that I couldn’t leave behind, is my best friend nowadays. He has helped with my depression and anxiety. I know that he loves me totally unconditionally. It’s also nice to have that amazing greeting when I come home. Leaving for 5 minutes or a few,hours doesn’t matter. He,always runs and spins and generally tells me just how much he loves me. He’s my lifesaver right now. Don’t thinkI could have gotten through quarantine and then a,bout with COVID I thought him.
What a great story. I have 3 rescue kitties and they certainly make my life better!
Pets can be so wonderful and comforting
Thank you for sharing your experience. I love my cats!
Lawrence is such a nice pet, and what a blessing in so many ways! I’ve heard of dogs being therapeutic, but this the first time a kitty, and such a cute one, too!
I will say that some of the most therapeutic pets for me have been cats and rabbits. I used to have rabbits growing up and then had a spoiled rotten bunny when my big kids were little. Lawrence is the first real pet I have had since her, and he has been such an amazing little friend. Most recently, I even started letting him come into my room, and I kinda like having my little guy snuggle me in bed…even though I said that was never going to happen. He has really helped with my OCD in ways that therapy hasn’t
Animals are so amazing and lovely in every single way. I enjoyed reading this post.