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Re:Ask HN: Are you depressed? by watermelon59 on Saturday November 14, 2020 @09:36PM (#25097723)
After cat sitting for a neighbor recently, I've been seriously considering adopting a pair of cats :)
Re:Ask HN: Are you depressed? by lostcolony on Saturday November 14, 2020 @10:01PM (#25097844)
Look for a rescue that will let you give it a try, as it were, for a month, and if it doesn't work out you can return the animal without issue (so you won't feel like you have to keep the cat if it isn't working out).

I did that back when I first was on my own and wanted a pet...and then found my allergies couldn't handle it. Was so thankful to be able to return her to a good home. Her personality changed completely, too (which wasn't a problem, except she went from being very standoffish, to becoming a complete cuddle bum, which exacerbated my allergies even more).

Re:Ask HN: Are you depressed? by skeeter2020 on Saturday November 14, 2020 @10:57PM (#25098120)
Try out being a foster for a rescue. It gives you a chance to practice adopting, plus the organization will usually pay for supplies and medical costs. And if you're a "foster failure" (i.e. you keep your temporary guest permanently) that's not the worst thing in the world.
Re:Ask HN: Are you depressed? by kettro on Sunday November 15, 2020 @01:04AM (#25098695)
I just adopted a 1yr old cat. It’s been wonderful. He’s a little monster, but he’s also on a routine, and is someone else to care for. It keeps me in sync, and I’ve been much better for it.

It’s obviously a long commitment, but I had been wanting a cat for a while.

At the same time, I’ve been actually getting help psychiatrically, which has been life changing.