Heart wrenching decision.. what to do? Help!

zzzLazyDaisy

It sounds to me as if you are leaning towards leaving the cats behind when you move, and are really looking for approval for this decision? (Apologies if I am wrong).

I have both grandchildren and a cat. The G'kids live quite a drive away, and I see them when I can - which sadly is only two or three times a year because I am unable to drive long distances so am dependent on finding someone willing to drive me. On the other hand, my cat is my constant companion. He is also a Burmese, and very much attached to me. So for me it would be a no brainer, the cat would come with me.

But everyone's circumstances are different. If my G'kids lived close enough them to visit me regularly at my home, and having the cat meant that they couldn't visit, then they would come first, no question.

Good luck to you, whatever you decide to do.

jeannieb3

Sorry! a black & white cat, not a car!

msfoxymax

jeannieb3 wrote: »

Sorry! a black & white cat, not a car!

Lol i'm allergic to my car when it doesn't work properly :beer:

jeannieb3

zzzLazyDaisy wrote: »

It sounds to me as if you are leaning towards leaving the cats behind when you move, and are really looking for approval for this decision? (Apologies if I am wrong).

I have both grandchildren and a cat. The G'kids live quite a drive away, and I see them when I can - which sadly is only two or three times a year because I am unable to drive long distances so am dependent on finding someone willing to drive me. On the other hand, my cat is my constant companion. He is also a Burmese, and very much attached to me. So for me it would be a no brainer, the cat would come with me.

But everyone's circumstances are different. If my G'kids lived close enough them to visit me regularly at my home, and having the cat meant that they couldn't visit, then they would come first, no question.

Good luck to you, whatever you decide to do.

zzzlazydaisy.. thats a bit how I feel to be honest. I do feel I have missed out with the company of my grandaughter in my own home. If I decided after much heart searching to leave them here, I would have her over for sleep overs on a regular basis.
I do not know what I am leaning towards really! Time will tell I suppose. x

catkins

Equaliser123 wrote: »

Granddaughter or cat? No decision for me.

Nor for me, it would be cat every time

catkins

Equaliser123 wrote: »

Without wishing to sound controversial, if you posted this scenario on anything other than a pets board, there would be absolutely no debate.

If the cats are potentially damaging to your family, then there is (for me) absolutely no decision. Family comes befoe animals.

Ultimately, if you don't particularly care about your granddaughter visiting, then keep the cats.

For me, as the massively proud father of a 9 month old, I would do anything for my family. If that meant getting rid of a pet which is dear to me, then that is a price I would have no hesitation in paying.

If it is true that on another board there would be no debate then sorry but I think that is sad. Of course pets are not children but they do become part of your family (or they should if you really care for them).

You say you would get rid of a pet with no hesitation but for what reason? Obviously if you thought it were a danger to a child (such as a dog that tried to bite a child) then yes of course you would get rid of it, but other reasons surely would and should take more thought?

I know nothing on earth would make me get rid of my cats or dog. I lived in France with them and I absolutely hated it there (it was the most depressing, lowest point in my life - I actually felt suicidal) but because at the time there was still quarantine in this country I stayed there because I could not put my animals in kennels for 6 months. Luckily they changed the law and I came back with all my pets even though it cost quite a bit to bring them back. Oh and I am not some sad old cat lady by the way I do have a husband and he was in total agreement.

I personally think that to even think of leaving two not so young cats with strangers who have dogs is a 100% no no. It is highly unlikely the cats will get used to the dogs and they will just think you have abandoned them.

In my experience cats, and particularly siamese, get strongly attached to their owners. I am sure it would be no problem for them to adjust to a new home because their mum would be there with them.

Caroline_a

For me it would be the cats. They will still curl up on your lap, rain or shine, and won't choose boyfriends over you. They are elderly cats, let them spend the last few years with the owner they love, rather than always wondering where you have gone.

dizziblonde

You're probably due at least another few weeks of feline sulking in response to the cattery trip by the way! Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned... or cat sent to the cattery.

I'd take them with you - they're obviously very fond of you (my moggy is absolutely my furry little shadow and is very selective in the people she likes) and, being brutal, they're not going to be on this earth forever if they're elderly and will remove themselves from the equation given time. The lady buying the house seems lovely - but still they'd be losing their pet human, and having dogs to deal with, in addition to the disruption of the move and new furniture and smells coming into THEIR house. They'll be distrupted by the move, and you'll probably have some more feline sulking - but at the end of the day, you don't see your family all the time, and the cats are there, every evening when you need a friendly face to talk to (and be ignored by as they start having a wash on you mid conversation).

Equaliser123

catkins wrote: »

You say you would get rid of a pet with no hesitation but for what reason? Obviously if you thought it were a danger to a child (such as a dog that tried to bite a child) then yes of course you would get rid of it, but other reasons surely would and should take more thought?
.

For me, family take priority over pets.

Take my daughter for example. If I had a pet before she was born which she was allergic to would I get rid of the animal? You bet. I would do anything to keep her safe. Would it be difficult? Of course. But family (not pets) come first.

RacyRed

Equaliser123 wrote: »

For me, family take priority over pets.

Take my daughter for example. If I had a pet before she was born which she was allergic to would I get rid of the animal? You bet. I would do anything to keep her safe. Would it be difficult? Of course. But family (not pets) come first.

Your daughter is in your home 24/7. It is a different situation when the OP can see her granddaughter in the girl's pet free home.

The cats are elderly, they are the OP's only constant companions and this is not a situation which is going to go on for ever.

Also, many of us who have pets start out being allergic to them, anti-histamines and long term exposure usually sort it out.