Dark emotions consumed me all day, and I wanted to escape my mind.
I know this feeling, and a similar feeling too. Dark thoughts. This happened mostly in my childhood. These dark thoughts were against my feelings and my intentions. And they made serious effects in my life. And I do not know and/or I do not understand why these thoughts came and from where. I know that some of these dark thoughts were at least partially based on the fear of loss of a loved one, and wanting something, which financially we could not afford at that time. I do not know the other aspects, the other sources, the other reasons.
Animals do have a calming effect on me, and the cat seemed to like my energy, which made me smile.
Animals are the best for me. Especially the birds. Nowadays they are my only true love and true enjoyment.