Heart wrenching decision.. what to do? Help!

skypie123_2

I don't see why you should have to give your cats up. Surely they are happiest where ever you are?

jeannieb3

skypie...
Not sure...:(

Mallotum_X

Even old cats can make the change to a new home. My parents downsized and were no longer able to keep their cat. It came to live with me at the age of 12 and settled in quickly, she hated cateries and change but really didnt worry about this change. As long as they still have you (and you keep them in at first in the new place) they will be fine. If you want to keep them then politely tell the buyer you couldn't part with them, as an animal lover they will understand.

poet123

I think that if you lived with your family it would be the only solution, but you dont, and to be frank as the cats are elderly it may not be a long term problem if they moved with you. You will need to adjust to the move, I would think from how you have written about the cats you would be happier with them in the short term, so I would be "selfish" and do what your heart tells you to do. You can always visit your GD, and longer term have your new home fumigated when they are no longer around. That said, I am not a cat lover, so would act differently personally, but you have to do what suits you, what you can comfortably live with.

RacyRed

Although staying in the same house seems a good solution, there is the dog factor. How do your cats behave around dogs? At their ages if they have already learned to be frightened of dogs they are unlikely to unlearn that, no matter how friendly the 2 dogs are.

There is also the move itself, yes the cats would live in the same house, in the same area, but all of their favorite furniture and familiar sights and sounds will be going with you. It will be replaced by unfamiliar furniture, doggy and maybe even distant cat scents.

If your cats were used to being outside a lot then I'd think the transition would be easier for them, but they are used to being indoors with you and your things.

What made your buyer even consider asking you to give them up?

skypie123_2

jeannieb3 wrote: »

skypie...
Not sure...:(

I think their home is with you. Its you they have known all their lives. You would only miss them and worry anyway. I agree with other posters that the dogs are an unknown quantity.
xxx

Caroline_a

I think the stress of introducing mature cats to 2 new dogs in what they consider their territory would be very hard on them. Let your buyer get her own cats, and you stick with your own... they will be very unhappy otherwise.

jeannieb3

Raceyred...Mallotum, Poet,Caroline x
She did not ask outright, it somehow came into the conversation. She would fully understand I know, if I turned down her well intentioned offer. My mind is in a muddle, I would obviously leave all their things (toys, cat scratcher & beds) They have a bed in the greenhouse too. The carpets I think will remain for some time. They have no experience whatever of dogs... so that is an unknown quantity. However I realise it could be very traumatic for them.x As I previously said, I need to give a great deal of thought to this & will have a confab with the family who give me great strength.
Many thanks all, for your posts. x

geri1965_2

No way would I leave my cats behind if I ever moved - no way. It's a no brainer, surely?

jeannieb3

geri1965 wrote: »

No way would I leave my cats behind if I ever moved - no way. It's a no brainer, surely?

I am sure you are right Geri.... it was a completely unexpected offer.... and I am sorry to pour my heart out to you all. Their well being is of extreme importance to me. Just want to do the right thing I suppose. My mind is in a whirl what with the imminent move & all!!
Many thanks everyone x