Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, I'm in a difficult situation and I need some advice. I have two cats, one about one year old and one about three years old, that came to me from the streets in Istanbul. I was living there before I moved to Oman three weeks ago. Because of Oman's policies and the short notice I had, I wasn't able to work out all the details of taking my cats with me, so I left them in more than able hands in Marmaris, in the Kitty Cat Shelter there. I'm sure the cats are OK, I know they are eating fine, and they have lots of space and friends for play. I am relatively new to cat ownership, so I'm just worried about the psychological implications involved (for them, but I'm not too happy about it myself) with leaving them in a place and then not seeing them again for two months, maybe four months. I've left one of them for 1.5 months one time and took her back, again out of necessity, and she seemed miffed at me but got over it and we were fine together again. I have a shorter history with the other one. Anyway, these are my questions: Would it be okay in a couple of months to visit them for a few days even though I may have to leave again (I may not be able to get all the bureaucratic BS done in the time I have) and come back two months after that (when I'll have more time)? Would it be better to just wait for the four months? There is the possibility of my giving away the cats, because it seems like working abroad in different countries just puts too much strain on the animals and people involved, and I could wait until I stayed in one place for good before I had pets, though I don't want to do this because I love my cats. Would this be better for the cats, as I don't know when I'm going to settle down? Does a cat ever psychologically get over not having a particular owner anymore, even if the cat has new owners who take as good/the same kind of care of them? If the cat doesn't fully get over such a change, is it psychologically damaging or is it OK? Please help me with these questions, because I'm in a really rough spot. Thanks for any advice.

It sounds like you love your kitties very much. If I were in your position, I think I would try to keep them with me as long as you aren't moving more than once a year or something. I just moved in with my fiance and we plan to buy a new place in the next few months. Even though I knew my six cats would have to move twice in one year, they certainly had to stay with us. They've adjusted to this first move very well. It probably took 2 weeks for all of them to return to normal behaviors, but one of the cats was acting fine the first day. It depends on their personalities.

I don't know if cats that find themselves with a new owner have psychological issues. From my own experience, I have one cat that was a stray, and she acts like she owns the place. I think she loves me very much even though I wasn't her first owner. I also have a rescue dog that didn't have the greatest start in life. I know she is very grateful for her new home, and she's my sweetie pie. I think in time they can adjust to a new home, as long as it's a good one. However, I think they would rather stay with you even if they have to move.

I wish you and your cats the best of luck. Keep us posted!

Katie