Do you mourn the loss of your kittens when they go to their new homes?

Hi all,

Shenzi's 8 kittens are about 6 weeks now and even though there is still many weeks before they go to their forever homes, I am so attached to them and I know I will miss them so much! I have found definite, loving homes for all of them but one, at this point, and I am absolutely thrilled with the people who they will go to...but it still bothers me that eventually they will all be gone (except one that I am keeping and Shenzi). They are so loveable and each have a wonderful little personality. And watching them interact with each other is amazing.

This is new to me...do you all experience empty nest syndrome when they go?

Originally Posted by poohandwendy

Hi all,

Shenzi's 8 kittens are about 6 weeks now and even though there is still many weeks before they go to their forever homes, I am so attached to them and I know I will miss them so much! I have found definite, loving homes for all of them but one, at this point, and I am absolutely thrilled with the people who they will go to...but it still bothers me that eventually they will all be gone (except one that I am keeping and Shenzi). They are so loveable and each have a wonderful little personality. And watching them interact with each other is amazing.

This is new to me...do you all experience empty nest syndrome when they go?

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YES I do!!!I foster moms and kittens and I am so sad when they leave!

I definitely did when kharma's kittenns went - I cried each time one of them left!

I've learned to wear waterproof mascara when the day comes to give up one of my foster babies. Can't tell you how many tears I've shed when they leave...very hard to give them up. I find it especially hard to part with them if they were bottle-fed babies. There is definitely a maternal bond that happens.

Oh yup. When the foster babies go to their new homes I am so happy and sooooo

Definitely!! How can you not when you see them born and watch them learn about the world and spend hours upon hours with them?? I found that the best way to deal with it is to keep in touch with everyone. I still receive emails and pics from people that have adopted one of our kittens from 2 years ago! I love seeing for myself that the kittens are healthy happy adults and content. You can see it in their eyes! Thats how I get through it, knowing this isn't the end, but the beginning of a friendship with some wonderful people! I have started a scrapbook - take a baby pic and when I receive new ones I add it. That way when I'm sad about another going I can go back and look at all the happy kittens with their new families

Kaylene
Artistry Cats

I really find myself looking at them as they grow, and wonder how I can possibly give them up. And I consider keeping one or all. And while it is sad when they go, I am mostly happy to find a wonderful home for my babies.

I was lucky with my last litter, that one kitten went to a co-worker, so I get to hear her cute stories about him!

I also know I can get another foster litter at almost any time I choose! So that makes it easier to give them up, to make room for someone new!

Enjoy them while you have them, and then let as many as need to go find new homes. And if you love kittens a LOT, go into fostering!

I just gave the last 2 of Lilos babies away.
It was extremly hard for me. And for my girls!
I was very lucky to find wondeful, loving homes for all of them.

I am keeping Petals (her pic is in my sig)
She is the last of Lilos babies so we are gonna keep her!

I do! I have had many fosters, and find it extremely difficult to part with them! I have ended up keeping two adult fosters, and had to restrain myself from keeping a kitten out of the last litter that I fell in love with! But, I did restrain, and I know with 7 cats and 2 dogs already, it was a wise choice!!!!

LOL, thanks for reminding me that I am not alone! I guess I will just try to enjoy them and be glad that they are all getting good homes. I am fortunate in the fact that all of the kittens are going to friends or family, so I will be able to see them and keep updated on their progress and milestones. The only thing I required was that they spay/neuter them.

I am seriously considering fostering, my eldest daughter just went to college this year, so I have an extra room in the house that will empty most of the time. And I have a wonderful vet close by too. I really think this litter helped me transition to my daughters leaving, LOL. Gave me someone to give all those extra hugs to!

It's bittersweet, but mostly sweet. I love nothing more than seeing my foundlings go to wonderful homes of their own.

Plus sending them to their new homes means that I can help more homeless kitties. So even though I do miss them, it is a happy occasion.