I am moving out soon and was wondering if anyone had an experience like this. I have two cats that absolutely love each other. I can only bring one and plan to bring the indoor cat(Coco). Has anyone seperated cats who were fond of each other. If so what happened? I know every cat is different, but if I see a trend I can make an informed decision.
2007-12-10 07:45:55 · 13 answers · asked by Lauren 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
not asking for opinions asking for people who had faced this decision or have any information
2007-12-10 07:50:16 · update #1
i forgot to mention! the main reason i can't bring both is because i got them both while living here and milo my other cat is outdoors and would be MISERABLE in an apartment, both he and my mothers cats go in and out, but coco stays in, i'm not only limited to one cat in my new place, just can't bring Milo.
2007-12-10 08:07:53 · update #2
We have had to separate cats a couple of times (similar to your situation) for months at-a-time. All of them showed signs of depression for a couple of weeks, but got over it every time. When they were reunited they seemed happier for a few days.
I have never observed any permanent effects from long term separation.
.
2007-12-10 07:52:06 · answer #1 · answered by tlbs101 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just don't do it, find somewhere else to live then, or give them both to someone who can take them both. Seriously, separating them would be cruel. Imagine if you will, that you suddenly and irrevocably will never see a sibling (or if you don't have any, a parent) ever again. And there's no choice in the matter either, someone just suddenly decides that you can't see each other anymore, and one of you has to go someplace unfamiliar all on your own. Also, they might think the other died, and if they're that connected, they might get quite depressed... you know, get sicker/weaker/develop an eating disorder... it's not unheard of. Also, especially don't do it if they're old and have lived with each other for a really long time. The depression might just kill them. Just don't do it, nobody will benefit from it, you'll probably turn out worse off than you started. And if the one you decide to keep dies from depression... well then you have no cats at all instead of the two you started out with. btw, if you separate them, my cats will hate you for ever and all eternity. * glares menacingly at person, then switches look over to the child stare, which should never be contradicted *
2007-12-10 15:58:53 · answer #2 · answered by Banana 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have to admit that I'm not fond of the idea that you're proposing, but from a simply technical point of view it will play out like this.
Both cat will most likely go through a significant depression complete with urinating & deficating in places you don't want them to a, constantly calling out for each other, appetite loss, and general lethargy. The outside cat will probably not experience this as badly as the indoor. Most cats will faze out memories that aren't reinforced (even that of other animals) anywhere from a month to three months. If the bond between the two animals has been forged over a number of years these symptoms may last longer.
good luck & I hope it doesn't come to that.
2007-12-10 16:05:13 · answer #3 · answered by Skirmish17 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had to do this when I moved out from my parents. At the time my cat was already 14 and was attached to our 3 other cats. When I moved out, I came home and found my cat waiting at the door for me. He was terribly lonely. I had to take one of the cats from my parents house after making him suffer for months. This really helped and he was happy again.
You may want to consider finding a new home for BOTH of your cats if they are really attached, so they can be together, however some cats will be just fine within a day or two as long as they have a comfortable and fun home. It really depends on the cats. Maybe you could find a home for both of them together and get yourself a new kitty.
In nature, wild cats are solitary animals, all but lions. So being alone doesn't bother MOST cats. However, again, if your cats are extremely attached I think it would be mean to separate them.
Good luck.
2007-12-10 15:50:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have lived with cats every day of my 34 years. In my experience, cats who are attached to each other experience a sadness or depression when they are no longer with their "loved" one. Sometimes they get over it. Sometimes not. It depends on the age and independence of the cat. Can you not make a compromise in taking both? Perhaps you can move the outdoor cat inside?
2007-12-10 15:53:49 · answer #5 · answered by sarlha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The one you keep, Coco, will be upset, quiet and probably wail a whole lot.
I think the kindest thing to do, would be, rather than separate them, give them to someone who can look after both of them, but maybe you could keep in touch or visit them.
It th fairest thing to do, i think.
2007-12-10 15:50:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
we couldnt bear to seperate our 2 girls,so we snuck them in well one of them. The cats will deffinatly miss each other but will adapt if given to loving cat person
2007-12-10 15:53:20 · answer #7 · answered by david s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they are really close they might get sick if you seperate them. I had to do that before and the one i kept was really down for a long time. They get used to having someone to relate to, a companion.
2007-12-10 15:52:59 · answer #8 · answered by pippy_08 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a heartbreaker. Can't you sneak the other one? Remember, it's always better to ask forgiveness (for something you've already done) than permission (to do something you know you shouldn't).
2007-12-10 15:49:30 · answer #9 · answered by teacherhelper 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Aww how can you only have one? Don't seperate them!! They'll miss they're mate and become sad :(
2007-12-10 15:49:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋