Hi All!

Unfortunately, my partner and I split up ): but everything has been amicable so far, including custody of the beloved kittens. They are both 9mths old (time doth fly) and we have agreed it so that Lola resides with my ex's grandad and his two lovely felines.
I am however, hesitant to part with the other kitten, Fred - a very affectionate, sociable, but also independent, lazy and oh so very fluffy kitten. He likes to play, either with the other cat and especially with you. His favourite game is fetch! Apparently its not the standard BSH nature to be so affectionate as him. I was recently off work for two weeks and he was more interested in cuddling up to watch tv with me, eating until he burst and stretching as wide as he could on the bed, than his playmate. They play and interact well, mutal grooming, sleep together etc, but she is definitely more clingy, probably down to breeds as she's a raggie. We have never experimented with separation, only at feeding times when he seems to want to 'try' hers just to make sure its not as tasty lol.

Anyway, I digress. I am currently working full-time and will be living temporarily with other housemates (occupation tbc, as I'm still house hunting). My concern is that I work ft and train with my own sports team 2-3 per week and I'm worried sick that this will have a negative impact on Freddie Bear. Around May next year, I am hoping to move in with my best friend and work part-time or full-time with 3 on/ 3 off shifts so I can study my degree and keep my cat company. My best friend works different hours to me so when she's home, I'd be working and vice versa. She also has a very loving Chihuahua who could definitely handle a cat after living with my best friend!

Of course, I need to look at this objectively, not with rose-tinted glasses. Am I doing the wrong thing by keeping one and not the other? They were raised together from 8 weeks of age til now. If I'm not doing the wrong thing, will these changes have a negative impact on him? Will he become introverted, lonely, traumatised?
When we first got them, Freddie burst out of the carrybox, had a good scamper, rolled in the dust pile I'd forgotten to sweep, ate a little, played with us and then fell asleep on my stomach for a few hours and was pretty content, whereas Lola struggled, but is completely fine now.
When either of us came home from work, he'd only rush to greet you if it was close to a mealtime lol. But he was always happy to see you and expected whatever was in your handbag was meant for him (of course!).

I'm just worried that I'm being selfish and thinking of myself, not Freddie. He'll be the second cat I lost during a split and I'm hesitant to do it again as I've bonded strongly with him.

I welcome any criticisms, concerns, opinions, pointers etc as I want to do what's right for him, not 'just because I want him'. I'd rather him feel happy and not disturbed than have him and string of stress that could have been avoided.

Just to add; My ex works full-time and has sports committments and felt it would be unfair to keep a cat for the forseeable future, whereas I am wishing to work less hours or certain shifts so that I can study and keep Freddie company.

Thank you all (:
Musey

Hi I'm moving this to cat chat for you as you will get more responses there....Jill

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(Justice was not served for Lyle)(Value of a Human life by the Canadian Justice system 835 days)

Is there no chance you can keep both? He probably will get a bit lonely, alternatively you could get another kitten.

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please look at my website - www.finesthourcats.webs.com - for gorgeous GCCF registered RagaMuffins and Selkirk Rex

If your ex has decided not to keep either of the cats, why are you only thinking of keeping one of them with you? Surely if you're going to be out a lot of the time, it would make more sense to keep both cats together.

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Proud Mummy to:

Sam (born June 1999, found August 1999)
Milly (born May 1999, adopted September 1999)
Eva (born 2010, adopted us August 2011)

i agree with others, keep them together then it wont matter that you are out for long periods!!

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