After weeks of anticipation, many new pet owners are shocked to find themselves overwhelmed with anxiety and exhaustion, a phenomenon known as the 'puppy blues' or 'new-pet blues'. One owner, who adopted a three-legged cat named Leo, described feeling miserable and considering returning him, despite his affectionate nature.
Rachel Meier from Canterbury had a similar experience with her two cats, saying she felt 'terrified' and exhausted. Willow Gelphman from the San Francisco Bay Area struggled with her cat Mew, who cried constantly and ran laps around the apartment, leading her to feel she was doing something wrong.
Therapist Heidi Soholt of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy explains that a new pet brings new responsibilities, triggering natural anxiety. She notes that the brain's ancient reptilian part alarms when entering new territory, but this anxiety shows care and responsibility.
Alice Snape from London described bringing home a nervous rescue dog as 'one of the most overwhelming experiences', with intense feelings that made her unable to relax. She imagined living forever with a creature she couldn't understand.
Experts advise that the puppy blues are temporary and do not indicate a bad owner. They recommend holding onto positives, allowing space for mistakes, and remembering that anxiety settles as you adjust to new circumstances. Opening up to others can be a turning point, as one owner found when she finally confided in her sister.
