Seperating Cats

I am a sophmore in College right now and live in an apartment. I used to have a roomate who got 2 cats while we were here. He left like a month after he got them because he's crazy, so I basically have been feeding them and everything. I've decided that I'm going to keep one of the cats and got him shots and neutered and all that. The cats have been around each other for about 6 months. Would it be bad to seperate them and find an owner for the 1 cat? I really don't want to keep 2 cats and can't really afford it right now. Let me know what you think.

- Jeff

It might be a hard adjustment for them to make, but it could probably be done if it has to be. If you can really only afford the one, then finding a good home for the other is what is best. I know money can be a huge issue. But there are low cost vets and other options that members on this site could help you with, if that's your only obstacle. However, you mention not wanting 2, so I don't know if there are other factors for you.

It's really going to depend on their temperments and how bonded they are. Some cats might shrug it off while others would be permanantly miserable and could develop real behavioural and physical problems. How close are the cats? Maybe you could find another home for both of them together?

I would say, if there is any way you can keep them together, than do it (even if it means trying to find them a home to go to together). If it's just not possible, then split them, but take the time to find a good home and interview the new family well, so you can be confident that he/she is well taken care of. Keep in touch and be prepared to reunite them if one or both take a really bad turn after the split. It would be hard to find a home for both of them together, but it might be the best thing if you're completely unable or unwilling to care for both.

You're a great guy for caring enough about both of these little guys to ask this question and do what you can for them! Keep us updated on what you decide to do!

They are pretty close. They groom eachother and sleep next to eachother a lot. I bring the 1 cat that I was goin to keep home because I live with my parents over the summer still, and he is fine there. He just gets anxious and meows a lot when he doesn't get attention (we have to keep him in my room because my dog doesn't like him yet...haha). They are both under a year old, the one I was thinking about giving to one of my closer friends is about a year old...I am living in a house next year with 4 other guys and 2 other cats. I dont' know how we would deal with 4 cats. Also, I don't think my mom will like having 2 cats at the house over the summers when we have a dog, especially when they're both staying in my room. I'm just trying to figure out what to do right now.

Originally Posted by heisleyamor

They are pretty close. They groom eachother and sleep next to eachother a lot. I bring the 1 cat that I was goin to keep home because I live with my parents over the summer still, and he is fine there. He just gets anxious and meows a lot when he doesn't get attention (we have to keep him in my room because my dog doesn't like him yet...haha). They are both under a year old, the one I was thinking about giving to one of my closer friends is about a year old...I am living in a house next year with 4 other guys and 2 other cats. I dont' know how we would deal with 4 cats. Also, I don't think my mom will like having 2 cats at the house over the summers when we have a dog, especially when they're both staying in my room. I'm just trying to figure out what to do right now.

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Lots of times when you think there just is not an answer, there is. All of my life I have done a routine that many may think crazy, but it has always helped me.

The first thing I ask myself is, what is the worst thing that could happen if I keep the cats together. Then I ask myself what is the worst thing that could happen if I separate. them. And then I take a piece of paper and make a list of all the good and bad things either way. During this process, I usually arrive at an anwer that I am comfortable with. Personally, I would try to keep the cats together. But you may have situations that just prevent that.