Will my cats think I abandoned them?

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LinZ
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Will my cats think I abandoned them?

Post by LinZ »

I'm leaving for college tomorrow, and I most likely will not be back until Christmas time. I know my mom will care for my cats, like feeding them and cleaning their litter boxes, but she doesn't give them attention outside that - she won't pet them or cuddle with them. I worry they will feel neglected while I'm away, and get lonely.

Will my cats think I abandoned them when I leave? Will they remember me when I return on vacation?
"There's three ways to a man's heart - through his stomach, through his crotch, and through his rib cage." - Squeak
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Auntie Debbie
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Re: Will my cats think I abandoned them?

Post by Auntie Debbie »

Good luck at college! Your kitties may miss you in your absence. So, while you're away, you may want to leave them an article of clothing that has your scent on it. It's a poor substitute, but they may find some comfort with it.
Another idea is to get them playing with their toys, or new toys. That may occupy them some. Are there any other house members that may give them some attention or regular visitors?
Even though they may miss you, they may get on with life and enjoy your visits when you return. My sister had a cat that I would rough house with. I was the only one that did that with him and my visits weren't too frequent. But that goofy guy always remembered me and if I didn't start up with him in about 1/2 hour into my visit, he'd get me going, LOL! So, I'm sure your sweeties will remember you.
Have a great time at school(and don't forget to study too!)
I hope your kitties will be okay in your absence.
Kitty kisses,
Debbie
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kiggityca
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Re: Will my cats think I abandoned them?

Post by kiggityca »

my cat didn't seem to mind that i was away for school, but if they are used to attention & playing and your mom doesn't play with them at all, they might not be too happy. if they're indoor cats, they need playtime for exercise. if your mom doesn't want to deal with them, make sure they have cat toys that are designed to get them active, like those things you can stick to the wall that the cat swats at, or something like that. you never know, when you are away your mom might decide she likes playing with them!
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Ash
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Re: Will my cats think I abandoned them?

Post by Ash »

I think they will surely miss you. One of my cats is very attached to my husband and when he once was away for three months she would sit every day at the window for hours and hours, looking for him to come up the path. She seemed to have assigned herself to waiting for him. Even though I am the one who cuddles them more. But she loves him the most, I can't compete with that! :D

But yes, they will remember you.
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