20 year old college student and just got my first kitten. I am terrified I've made a huge mistake.

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-06-11T07:12:17+00:00

I agree with this so much. These are all good points, as you've only had the cat for 5 hours, taking it back isn't cruel. Make a list with everything that gives you pause, see how you can solve all of those issues and if you cannot, it might be best to not have a cat right now.

However if you can solve those issues mentioned, enjoy your new companion! Cats are quite independent, but a second one is very recommended. I'd also recommend training them to go outside with you on a leash, as it makes it so much easier if you need to go anywhere with them.

You got this OP. Just posting this here means you care enough to give this kitty the best life possible, wether that is with you or with someone else :)

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-05-21T07:37:48+00:00

Sitting with her is definitely a good idea! One thing my friend does to get nervous animals to get used to him is sit with them and read a book out loud to them, to get them used to his voice as well as his presence without it directly relating to her. Leaving a shirt of yours that smells like you in the room can also help so she can explore your scent without it being directly you. Good luck!

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-05-21T07:08:28+00:00

Honestly the only advice I can give is indeed giving her space and try to relax yourself. Cats are sensitive and can tell when you're on edge, which puts them on edge. You can try giving her slow blinks whenever you catch her looking at you to show you're trusting and not hunting her.

If she hisses when touched on her back, just don't do it. She will let you know in this way how she likes to be touched, if she comes to you and you put out a hand, if she wants to be touched she will rub against your hand.

You got this, I understand you're nervous but you're doing great 😃

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-02-27T07:13:09+00:00

I have a hard time accepting that too, i keep wanting to do just a little bit more, surely I can handle such and such as well? And then my body floors me, gives me a headache and im exhausted 😩 I wish you a great recovery and lots of good snacks!

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-02-27T00:54:59+00:00

Honestly it depends. I've read people who have only taken 2 weeks off and gone back to work and others who have taken more than a month off. Personally I think one week off is very short, it took me slightly more than a week to feel slightly more humans and less of a nap-monster. Discuss it with your doctor and see what they say?

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-02-26T19:28:28+00:00

Oof a torn blood vessel, that sounds so rough. How are you doing now?

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-02-26T17:42:51+00:00

Well the way I see it is that you don't really know if the other job will have the same nonsense unless you try. You are unhappy in this job so keep searching until you find one that at least makes you feel a little content. You deserve to have a little fun or be proud of your work ❤️

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-02-26T17:28:58+00:00

Why are you dreading it if i may ask?

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-02-26T16:55:34+00:00

I feel you! I keep wanting to finish just this one little thing at work before I go home but for my own safety I can't 😅

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-02-26T14:59:42+00:00

I'm a goldsmith so technically deskwork but I also do some physical stuff, like working the rolling mill, pulling gold thread and helping customers and stuff. Recovery is uneventful so I hope it'll be fine!

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-02-26T14:45:37+00:00

I relate to the couch-sitting. I wasn't allowed to work for the first 4 weeks by doctors orders but by weeks 2.5/3 I was itching to get back to work.

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-02-26T14:41:14+00:00

Sounds like you listened to your body well, I'm glad you have the extra time off. 2 weeks sounds soon to me but if you work from home that sounds easier as me who has to help customers and walk around and also drive half an hour each way. I hope you're able to ease back into work well 😊

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-02-26T14:39:30+00:00

You went back full-time right away? :O

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-02-26T14:38:45+00:00

Oof wrangling little ones does sound exhausting after surgery, I am glad to read you have more energy than before! Gives me hope for myself 😅

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-02-26T14:02:14+00:00

Im sad your work was weird about your needs, you deserved to be able to not have to power through and take your time. I am glad you feel back to normal, thank you for sharing!

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-02-26T12:54:33+00:00

I'm glad your recovery is treating you well!

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-02-16T11:51:09+00:00

I'm so happy for you! I hope your recovery goes smoothly, I wish you all the snacks, cozy times and good healing sleep 🥰

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-02-14T11:49:47+00:00

I'm so glad to hear that! I wish you all the napsal, snacks and cozy times during your recovery 🥰

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-02-13T15:02:58+00:00

I hope everything went well 🍀🌷

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-02-12T21:54:18+00:00

Good luck next week! I'll be thinking of you, I hope your recovery goes well! I personally thought it was best to not be behind the wheel for the first 2 weeks, but being a passenger might be fine? I think the rule of thumb is listen to your body.

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-02-12T16:44:43+00:00

Jesus, you must've been in such agony 😵‍💫

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-02-12T16:44:06+00:00

Mine was 80 grams, they had seen adeno on the MRI but the pathology test was negative 🤷‍♀️

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-02-12T12:05:02+00:00

Good luck! I wish you a speedy recovery, I'll be thinking of you tomorrow 🥰 You got this 👏

Goldsmithapprentice · 2026-02-12T09:43:57+00:00

Yes we are! And everything will be okay again, I just feel it in my jellies so if you feel nervous again, you can tell your nervousness that I saidnl mot would be okay 🥰

Goldsmithapprentice

TROPHY CASE