I have anxiety disorder and depression. But lately, my anxiety has gotten so severe that I can barely go out anymore. I only go out because I have to, and I get massive headaches and exhausted afterwards.

I've always loved cats, but haven't been able to have one since I was a kid due to living with parents with cat allergies. But, when I see one, I always feel calmer. I even had a chance to cuddle with a cat while my friend had one. Animals in general make me feel better, except small dogs. I'm still living with my parents, and they have a small dog. But, said dog doesn't like me and she doesn't make me feel better.

I've been looking into therapy cats lately, and I feel like I would greatly benefit from one. But, I still live with my parents. Also, I don't think they would allow rabbits or other small critters.

Does anyone have a therapy pet for anxiety? What should I be aware of? Of course, I'm going to consult my therapist, but I would like to have some additional info from therapy pet owners.

Hi! I own an emotional support cat (also for anxiety) and right now she's confined to just one room (I live in college dorms, and she's gotta stay in my single.) That might be something to suggest to your parents as a compromise for their allergies--you keep the cat + food/litter in your bedroom, do all the chores pertaining to that, and the rest of the house stays pretty much cat-free. (If their allergies are less severe, maybe try doing the reverse, ie having a few cat-free rooms and giving the cat the rest of the house to roam.) When you go to the shelter to adopt, you're gonna want to look at adult cats for sure (they are more set in their personalities, and less bounce-off-the-walls energetic and troublemaking). I'd suggest looking for ones who are lap cats, like snuggling, and don't object to being picked up and held/carried around.
My solution to the keeping my cat confined issue was to get a harness/leash for her and take her outside about every other day and just follow her around as she wanders.

It looks like a lot of how possible this will be for you is going to depend on your parents. I would definitely recommend finding some resources on how good animal therapy is (they're everywhere, a quick google search should get you something) and how much being around cats helps you in particular. Your therapist may have more suggestions about this for you.

If you've got any questions, feel free to ping me or send me a message!

- Thank you for the useful info! ^^ I will keep those things in mind when I do get a chance to adopt a cat.

I already know my very close minded mother is going to say no to me having a cat in my room. She goes in the room sometimes, because she's a hoarder and has some of her clothes in here. Also, she doesn't like animals, except her dog. If I tried to explain the situation of the cat helping me, she won't care.

I guess I'm just wanting to gather info for when I do have a chance to move out... and wishful thinking. ;~;

Aw, that's unfortunate :( maybe try signing up to volunteer at your local shelter? They may have positions that are basically just "socialize with the cats."