Couple feeling adoption regret a week after adopting 4-year-old orange kitty from shelter, they refuse to return to sender and take helpful insight from internet strangers: 'Now she’s the best thing that I have ever done in my life'

Author image for Briana Viser
Briana Viser • Writer and Editor
Nov 18, 2025 6:00 PM EST

Regret is like a tidal wave, you see it before it falls and your body goes into fight or flight. To run in or run out? Caught between two decisions, two feelings, a reality you're living and an alternate fantasy that you could have been living, it can be dissociating to say the least when you're caught in the cold grasp of regret, wallowing your choice. 

Getting a cat is a big choice. Not everyone is cut out for it, despite its seemingly low maintenance work compared to other pets. But it's still a living creature who needs a lot more care past food and water. In the story below, the protagonists question their decision to adopt a 4-year-old orange cat from a shelter. It's been a week, but the woman can't stop crying or feeling anxious. She wonders when the feeling will pass, or if it will pass, an understandable notion for new pet owners. It can be jarring to realize that you've made a decision you can't easily or light hearted get your way out of. They question what they've done, but remain determined not to let their initial first week anxiety dictate the life and future of their little one. 

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  • 01

    Will this feeling pass?

    Pretty orange cat
    via bwp2e152007 from pixabay / Canva

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 02
    My husband and I adopted a cat just about a week ago. Four years old, orange female. She came from a small one bedroom
    via u/dawnlivelyskywalker
  • 03
    apartment with four other cats that she didn't get along with. She's super sweet, friendly, playful, and chills out with us.
    via u/dawnlivelyskywalker
  • 04
    She's definitely still getting used to our house, but she's curious.
    via u/dawnlivelyskywalker
  • 05
    Ever since Tuesday, I've had this feeling of intense anxiety and dread. We've always wanted to adopt a cat, and now that we
    via u/dawnlivelyskywalker
  • 06
    have.. I'm full of anxiety and regret. I've had three crying breakdowns this week.
    via u/dawnlivelyskywalker
  • 07
    Orange cat
    via Aflo Images from アフロ（Aflo） / Canva

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 08
    I want to try to get past these feelings, and I would never want to give her up to a shelter since that would make me feel worse.
    via u/dawnlivelyskywalker
  • 09
    Do these feelings pass? Will I ever get used to her? I feel terrible for asking.
    via u/dawnlivelyskywalker
  • 10
    zesty_9666 8h ago Don't worry, happened to me too, and now she's the best thing that I have ever done in my life
    via u/zesty_9666
  • 11
    Nervous-one123 • 8h ago don't feel terrible for asking this is entirely normal, in my opinion! things like
    via u/Nervous-one123
  • 12
    adoption regret, cat/kitten blues, etc. are very natural and common feelings.
    via u/Nervous-one123
  • 13
    Couple confused
    via pixelshot / Canva

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 14
    i felt the same way when i adopted my kitten (he was 5 weeks at the time.) sometimes, now he's 7
    via u/Nervous-one123
  • 15
    months, i still have some regret and anxiety. when i first got him however, i was
    via u/Nervous-one123
  • 16
    so anxious i went to see a doctor about it. he was so tiny, and so dependent on me.
    via u/Nervous-one123
  • 17
    it'll pass in a few days or weeks! if it doesn't, then you might want to see a therapist. feeling anxious
    via u/Nervous-one123
  • 18
    and regretful doesn't make you a bad owner, it makes you a good one, in my
    via u/Nervous-one123
  • 19
    opinion. it means you care enough to do your research and the work! good luck!
    via u/Nervous-one123
  • 20
    verify-factchecker • 8h ago a super sweet playful cat? you're so lucky! what's her name? take photos of her
    via u/verify-factchecker
  • 21
    doing adorable things! | hope you enjoy this bundle of joy and I hope the anxiety goes away
    via u/verify-factchecker

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