I think I want to surrender my cat. Has anyone been in my boat?

I adopted a beautiful cat several months ago. I love him with all of my heart. But sometimes I regret my decision.

I experienced this regret right away. Although he's very cute and sweet, he is highly energetic and all over the place. I wasn't prepared for that. I also wasn't prepared for all of the worry and anxiety I'd feel regarding his well-being, happiness, etc. I wanted to return him right away - the rescue I got him from has an unconditional return policy - but everyone convinced me to hold on just a little longer.

For a while, everything got better. I started to feel more comfortable. Then, I lost my job and had to move back in with my family. They've worked very hard for their house, and we've never had any pets as a result of worry over destruction. My cat has to wear Soft Paws (those plastic claw covers) while we are here, and I'm constantly worried that they'll fall off and he'll inadvertently damage something. I feel bad making him wear them, and feel bad that my family has to have a pet in their home that they didn't really want in the first place. All of this guilt and worry is stressing me out. I'm also a broke graduate student and do not have the funds to cover a medical emergency,

I'm going to be here for a year or so to recover financially. I've only had my cat for about six months. He's about two years old, but he is very beautiful so likely would not have many issues getting adopted out. The rescue is foster-based so he wouldn't be in a cage somewhere.

I love him very much and this decision is tearing me apart. Part of me wants to return him and not worry about it anymore - although I know I'd feel anxious about the decision for a while. I fear I may regret it someday, but I can't predict that now. Another part of me feels like I made a lifelong commitment to this animal and owe him that much. I'm also worried that, regardless of how much due diligence the rescue does, he may end up with an abusive or neglectful owner.

Pet owners of Reddit, have you ever been in my boat? What did you do? Thank you.

submitted by /u/swallow_the_key
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from Pets https://www.reddit.com/r/Pets/comments/afehdv/i_think_i_want_to_surrender_my_cat_has_anyone/