I'm in the National Guard and currently deployed overseas. I have a year and 8 month old cat who I love like a child since I have no children of my own. I have owned her since she was about 10 weeks old and had her right up till she was a year old before I had to part with her. When I get home, it will have been about a year and a half that we have been apart. I am concerned that she may not remember me. As I stated I have no children yet so her and I were very close like family. How much do cats truly remember about their owners from the past? I'm pretty sure she doesn't think about me right now as she is in a very good home, but once her and I reunite, will she actually remember me as the "daddy" that raised her?
2007-01-10 19:11:06 · 8 answers · asked by ponyboy 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
I firmly believe that your cat will remember you either right away or fairly quickly. Cats do have a fantastic memory for people, places and situations (for better or for worse) and bond just as well with their owners as much as any animal.
I can quickly site my own personal experience with my cat. I had my cat for about 5 or so years, and I moved away from my roommates at the time. I had one abusive roommate that abused the cat. He came to visit me unexpectedly one day at my new place some 2 years later. Upon his return to my house, she ran and hid as soon as she heard his voice. He had remorse about what he had done, and had wanted to pet her again. She was still so terrified by him, that she ran and hid.
She never did that to anyone else ever. She was a very social cat and never ever ran and hid from anyone. But as soon as he came into the house, she heard his voice and ran and hid.
This proved to me once and for all that cats have a great memory for the people in their lives.
So... yes... your cat will definitely remember you or quickly reacquaint herself with you! And if all else fails, some good organic cat nip & or some "cat treat" cat milk (it's a type of treat milk for cats that you can get this at many people and animal stores) as a sort of "peace offering" will surely help rebuild bridges.
2007-01-10 19:24:38 · answer #1 · answered by jdinsd 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a bit difficult to answer. I would say, it depends alot on how much you bonded with her as a kitten, and her personality type in general. A year and a half is quite a long time. As long as she is being taken care of in a good home while you are gone, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Even if she doesn't remember you, you can always re-bond with her again, which shouldn't be difficult, unless she is a scaredy-cat type, then it might take longer. Perhaps you should leave something that smells like you behind, like a dirty shirt or an old pair of slippers behind, which can be kept in or near kitty's bed. This may sound funny, but animals do not think of body smells as "bad" like we do. To them, that is just the way we smell, and keeping such a thing with her may also make the separation a bit easier, kind of like a security blanket. Since you mentioned you already have gone overseas, perhaps a family member or good friend could get something from your home or your room which would work for a "security blanket".
Good luck, and God Bless You for serving America in such an honorable way!
2007-01-10 19:22:28 · answer #2 · answered by Nelly Wetmore 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes! She will. I had an outdoor cat when I was younger...and he wondered off a few days at a time until finally one day he wondered off for and ENTIRE year. But...two Thanksgivings ago, he came dragging in, meowing for me to come out! He still remembered me and where he lived. He was 11 at the time!
GOOD LUCK and thank you x a million for your services to the USA!
2007-01-10 19:49:43 · answer #3 · answered by *StewartGirl14* 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think the cat will remember you so don't worry. Talk softly to the cat and play games with her like you used to and I am sure in no time she will be your suck again.
2007-01-11 02:42:07 · answer #4 · answered by Somanyquestions,solittletime 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, she will. i truly believe that. i moved in the states about 7 years ago..and the cat that i left behind now stays with my grandpa, and every two years that i go there, the cat remembers me.
2007-01-10 19:30:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I beleive your cat will remember you, but it may take a little time for her to warm back up to you,after all she might think you gave her away and might be upset.
2007-01-11 04:09:57 · answer #6 · answered by feel/the/need/to/fly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, she will remember you without a doubt. Animals have excellent memories. She will not forget.
2007-01-10 19:15:28 · answer #7 · answered by OrangeCharlie 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
YES.. not to worry.. she will know exactly who you are when you come back.
GOOD LUCK
2007-01-10 19:23:54 · answer #8 · answered by H.O.T. Dog 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋