Can I Work Through Trauma Via My Cat?

40 essays in around 100 words #9

I have a traumatized cat. Truly, I do. She endured abuse at the hand of a narcissistic man, while being absolutely adored by the women of the household. Despite that love, she struggles to trust. She runs and hides at the sound of a man’s voice. She has attachment issues. I find myself speaking to her the way my therapist says I need to talk to myself–assuring her that she is loved and she does not need to be afraid. And it makes me wonder, can talking to my cat serve as a means to trauma healing?

My cat waffles enjoys passing her time staring at the birds outside. For the record, she can go outside, but she's just a bit too risk averse for that.