Discussion will my cats be okay? be honest

[thelastexit]

anyone who.s known someone to CTB and had cats, were they okay? did they "get over" the loss of their owner?

theyre the only thing i question with my decision. i just came back from a week long vacation and they were so happy to see me i dont know what will happen if im gone forever. i know my parents would take care of them but i mean the bond/emotional part of things for my cats... i dont want to leave them depressed and confused. but i dont want to live the way i am either, and its not gonna change any time soon so, what do i do?

 

[SadJessu]

They have very long memories. Studies suggest facial memory for up to seven years with individuals that the cat has bonded with. I regularly leave mine in good hands for half a year at a time while I'm with my husband in England, whenever I get back they're very happy to see me. I also know that they do grieve based on seeing them lose a companion cat. So I'm not going to sugar coat it, they won't forget you for a very long time, and they probably will experience loss and depression.

 

[lonelygirl111]

i'm sorry to say that from experience it takes a long time for cats to get over being away from their owner if they're attached. i was away from my cat for a few months and when i finally saw her again she was happy to see me but very different and now freaks out everytime i leave, like she thinks i'm leaving for good again. many cats that end up in shelters after losing their owners are written as distant and almost depressed over their loss. but it's good that in this case they will be safe with your parents. i think they will miss you very much though :(