This particular dream disturbs me greatly as I love animals and spoil my pets tremendously. This morning, approximately 3AM, I had a nightmare in that I caught a yellow striped kitten on the dinning room table, I picked up the kitten and slammed it down on the floor. It lay there coughing for a moment and then I was overtaken by tremendous feelings of remorse, picked up the kitten and comforted it, apologizing for what I had done. I could see the hurt in it's little blue eyes, and kept telling it I was so sorry for what I had done. It took a few moments for me to get the feeling from the kitten that I had been forgiven, but I just cannot get the image of that dream out of my mind, and have been close to tears several times since awakening. I despise animal cruelty and will do all I can to protect an animal, so therefore do not understand this particular dream. I do have a cat at home, and it is spoiled rotten, but I would not have it any other way. Can anyone offer some insight into what this dream might mean (if anything)? I would rather slit my own throat than abuse any animal. A human can protect themselves to some extent, but an animal cannot. I am a nurse, so compassion is not an issue, but the intensity and feelings after this dream are disconcerting to say the least.

this dream doesn't seem as intense as you think it is to me it has no strong meaning, My only guess is that maybe your not as harmless/weak as you think you are and you have the backing of a kind heart if you feel your heading to the so called 'darkside' of life or have a very big decision in life to make.

I've killed animals in dreams. By nature, I love animals and wouldn't dream of doing something like that in reality.

Animals in dreams often represent the reptilian brain, instinct, and habitual behaviors.

The cat could have been a metaphor or representation of an inner drive or instinct that you'd like to change or get rid of. It could be that very thing that also gives you strength, as pragmatic said. That is why you comforted it. Your not ready to let it go.

Dear Ponderer
You are a nurse - a carer - and you give a lot of yourself to others. And you love your animals and would never hurt any animal or one of your patients.

I think maybe you are feeling vulnerable at the moment. Maybe you don't even know it. You are the kitten in a way. Perhaps you need a rest - or you need to have people be more sensitive to you or show you caring.

Sometimes carers find it difficult to be cared for. It is not a sign of weakness. Be kind to yourself. I think you should do nice things to be kind to yourself and get plenty of rest and surround yourself with things which make you feel good and feel relaxed. There is nothing to forgive for this dream. Its not about a cat, its about you.

Sending you good vibes. Grushka