'I have adopter's remorse': Kindhearted Man Rescues Kitten From Gas Station, Wholesomeness Ensues When Internet Convinces Him to Keep His Fuzzy Family Member For Life

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Blake Seidel • Managing Editor & Brand Manager
Nov 5, 2024 11:00 AM EST

We do a lot of joking around here, guys, but it's time get purrfectly serious (sort of): cats are a purrmanent commitment. If you're lucky, they're around for the next 20 years, which is both ameowzing and kind of scary at the same time! 20 years is a long time to commit to something, heck, we can't even commitment to making dinner plans for later this week! But, when the cat distribution system comes a knock-knock-knocking, you answer, and it's purrfectly understandable to have fears about taking in a new fuzzy family member.

On a cross-country road trip, one dog lover (ew, we know) rescued a tiny orange kitten while at a gas station, and after a few days, the responsibility of it all started to sink in. The heartwarming cat community came to his rescue to purrfectly save him from himself, by helping him get through his fears of loving his new fuzzy family member for such a long time. Cat people are the best, aren't they? People helping people, helping cats, helping the world be a better place - it's pawsitively the best thing you might read this Tuesday. In fact, we're sure of it!

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    Adopters Remorse
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    ENTER DISP MPB CAN SETUP MENU CAT FOLDER SU
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    So. Much. Cuteness. In. Such a. Smol. Body! We get it. When we first got our cats, we thought we were crazy. What will we do if we have to move? If we want to go and travel for a long period of time? But that's the great part about cats, they're easy to take care of!

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    We feel a bit cheated - when we moved across the country with nothing but the stuff in our car, we didn't find any cute orange kittens. None at all. CDS, when will you choose us??

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    This is Eddie, he's 6 months old! Last week I (M 22) drove from New York to Tucson Arizona, it was a 5 day trip. The morning of day 3, I'm walking back to my car and this dude. runs up on me at this pit stop on the interstate highway! He jumps in my car, I take him to the vet, confirm he has no owner, O medical issues, and is still a kitten.
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    I'm a dog person, but he's the perfect cat. He talks to me, sits on me, sleeps with me, and loves me in all the ways a dog does. He's even good on a leash! Like Well yesterday, like day 3 of having him, it all just hits me. If I ever want to travel, do anything, go anywhere, it now has to include and revolve around this animal. And if he lives a full 15 years, I will have this cat when I am 37. My potential kids will probably know this cat. And that scares me, like honestly.
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    I love this dude. I just moved across the country all by myself, alone for the first time, and he's really made it not feel lonely. He's so cool... so why do I feel so much anxiety over a future with him? I'm sure this is normal, but now I feel guilty over feeling this way. It's all a little overwhelming, and is preventing me from processing my other big life changes, any advice?
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    LaikaAzure 2d ago · • I think your anxiety might be making the commitment sound bigger than it actually is. I mean, yes, you'll have to care for him like you would any pet, but in terms of traveling or things like that, cats do extremely well alone for a couple of days as long as they've got food, water, and toys and if you need longer than that you'll just need someone to check on him periodically.
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    Yeah he'll be a part of your life, but you seem to genuinely love the little guy (and I don't blame you, fine cat!) and so the he's a little extra things you have to worry about are more than worth having a best friend who picked you to be the human he's gonna love. My current cats are my first ones (grew up with family who was allergic and never had the space or ability to properly care for them before) and I had a lot of worries
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    before) and I had a lot of worries like yours at first, but when I come home and they hop up into my lap and tell me they missed me all day, the few pretty mild compromises I've had to make for their care are 100% worth it.
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    chagirrrl 2d ago • This little dude will be your rock! I got my cat at 19.. there were times I felt this way too. Especially in grad school when I lived alone and was gone all day.
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    Traveling while having cats is sooo much easier than dogs. Cats can be left alone a night or two with plenty of food and water and will be ok where a dog would not. Now, cats need company too so your cat may be lonely but it can go a day or two without seeing you. Cat sitters, should you ever need one, tend to be less expensive than care for a dog! (Check drop ins on rover!
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    I'd also venture to guess that you will have a friend who won't mind popping in to check on little dude every other day/every day for a couple of days when you are gone. It's going to be okay! I'm 10 years into life with my girl. If she makes it 35 years it won't have been enough. There will come a time in your life where the idea of your kids meeting this cat will make your heart burst with love.. hope you guys have the best life!!
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    Ginger_20_20 · 2d ago • Top 10% Commenter Honestly? I think you guys just found each other when you needed each other the most. Rest will just work itself out. Trust me. I wasn't a fan of cats until my orange ball of fluff just bust thru the door and was like, well this is my house now and I'm here to stay! I didn't plan on owning one let alone think of all the things you just mentioned. Yes, travelling has become a bit more cumbersome, having to make arrangements for the demon and all. However,
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    demon and all. However, just having him in my life has made it all so worth it and I can't imagine life without him! He's made life so much brighter and interesting. Never a dull day with him ard. And I'm the happiest I've ever been and never really felt as lonely anymore. As for the years and kids, I've told him to live at least until 30 so he can boss me ard still when I'm old and grey and if I ever have kids, it'd be an honour if they can grow up with him! Give it some time and you'll be feel
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    mndsm79 • 2d ago Orange Top 10% Commenter +1 Cats are easy, man. If you go on vacation, as long as you have someone to check their food and water like once a day, make sure their box is scooped, you're good to go. They're not dogs, they don't need NEARLY as much effort.
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    It's definitely normal to think about the future you're going to have, i do it on a regular basis and I've had my oldest for going on 9 years now. You make it work, same as you would for a dog or a kid or a wife or plants or whatever. Plus he's orange. Can't go wrong with that.
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    BreathingGirl000 • 2d ago • Top 10% Commenter Cats are a responsibility. It's normal for you to have these thoughts. It means you give a sh― and it speaks to who you are as a person that you understand that caring for this being properly is important. That you are questioning yourself tells me a lot about you. No one can make this decision for you. If you do decide to keep your cat though, I think you will find it a very rewarding experience for you both. You will grow as a
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    for you both. You will grow as a person, as we all do when we are of service, and you will reap the many rewards of a cat! Cats have a unique way of expressing their attachment which is beyond compare.
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    MPrimeX 2d ago · • It was fate man. Just accept it and give that little fur ball a good life. You will not regret it later. Also, cats are a little easier than dogs. They can live a happy life indoors as long as they have everything they need. You'll make a good cat parent. Trust your instincts.
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    I co-own 3 cats (8yo, 6yo & 1yo) with my roommates/family for the past 12 years.and I bonded with one. of them but love all 3 dearly. It freaks me out to think when we move out, separating them or being apart from them but they will have a good life with my family so I feel you.
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    spoopysky 2d ago • • It feels like you're trying to hold the next 15 years in your head all at once. Of course that's overwhelming. But you won't be doing it all at once, and it won't necessarily take the form you expect.
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    Just_Conversation587 • 2d ago • I adopted a cat at 37 and had her until I was 56. Having the cat enjoy these landmark years with you will be fun. Cats are easy when travel is your thing. Find someone to tend to kitty when gone. My gal dealt with my 13 hour days and travel. I miss her terribly.
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    Optimal Wear_878 OP.2d ago • WOW! I've been reading and re- reading your messages all day! They have completely changed my mood on this. I feel so much more confident and have actually started to unpack instead of worrying about Eddie. He's sitting in an empty box right now, I finally understand the phrase "cat nap" Thank you, all of you. You've made a difference and I'm very appreciative :) If anyone is in Tucson, feel free to hmu!
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    Dapper-Ad-468 · 2d ago Top 10% Commenter You are both lucky to have each other. Your little buddy will enrich your life tremendously. One of the best parts of your relationship is that you both like to travel. Not all cats do. Ours howls every single car trip. I'm so fascinated with traveling cats. You could start a YouTube channel. Just relax and enjoy. That's what cats promote G
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wholesome fear adoption gas station kitten animal rescue fuzzy adopted cat rescue love family forever home Cats loving cute kittens animals rescue
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