Hey there!! I saw a post of you wanting a cat from like, last year. I'm here to pitch in a opinion, but don't take it as either just good or bad (it's both!)
I (heavily suspect) have BPD, and I've had cats throughout my life. When I was younger, I did love the cats but I also lashes out at them. Had to go through many years of grief because most of them were outdoor cats.
Now, I've FULLY (they'd come inside every once in a while before) transitioned the remaining cats indoors back during the pandemic. What I learned is:
Cats have boundaries. You can enact these boundaries very easy, and they actually teach YOU about boundaries. I often reach with the back of my hand towards them, if they rub against it: I'm allowed to pet them; if they don't pay my hand any mind: they want their Me Time without me intruding.
Cats are very communicative, you just need to pay attention.
Their tails go in a question mark? That means they're super confident and feel safe and loved with you. Tail super low to the ground? Very wary. Tail between their legs? Terrified. Anywhere more up means they're doing OK to various degrees, but there could be changes.
Tail wagging a bit? They're a little stimulated, but not enough to cause a issue. Tail wags WILDLY? Play time. At LEAST an hour a day, right before mealtime! Tail wagging a lot when YOU pet them and ears flipped back? Red flag, back away, they're warning you. Back off or you'll get bitten.
Cats will come comfort you if you're having a episode, but if you tell them no in a stern voice, they won't come near you, BUT sometimes also doesn't leave the room either.
Also watch My Cat From Hell, Jackson Galaxy always does amazing to explain how to interact with cats. I actually learned how to mitigate some of my episodes and stuff because I relate: The cat isn't the problem, THE ENVIRONMENT IS. The cat does tell other people how they should handle her, you don't blame the cat for not being able to speak like a human, right? You blame the caretaker!
(Obviously, for us it's a bit different because we CAN speak in various forms, and we should prepare for those episodes and all, but the jist of it is that others should also learn with us)
So I think a cat would benefit you greatly, but you have to consider if you're willing to learn with the cat! Also, I'd say let the cat choose you: what I mean by that, if the cat seems interested in you and approaches you themselves, that cat chose you. Believe me, I know. Been chosen twice before.
(It's also OK if you just adopt a cat that you want to help!)
I know that, at least for me, my cats have helped me learn about boundaries in a way neither my parents nor social media has. It's very... Organic, like it's second nature almost?
Anyway, I apologize for my long ramble about cats 😭😭😭 have a great day!!!
Hii!! I really appreciate that! I've come to realize that cats are great at enforcing their personal space ^_^
In the last year, I have fostered some cats with a friend and they're just soo good. I love them so much. They always help whenever I'm anxious :)
I will adopt a cat of my own soon once I get settled down somewhere cus I travel too much and I wanna be present for them more :)
I'll keep your points in mind. Fr tho, cats are just the perfect pets. They're so understanding.
I'm glad that you also get to enjoy their company <^_^>
