Almost two months ago, our cat Dasher had to be put to sleep, after suffering paralysisdue to throwing a blood clot...he had Cardiomyopathy, so we valued everyday that we had with him. He was an amazing cat, and we absolutely loved him. I got him about 8 years go, a year before I left for college. Since I obviously could not bring him to college with me, it was an extra "connection" my mom and I had while I was away at school. My mom and I are very close, and even though she still had my dad while I was away, it was very comforting to konw that she had "my cat" home with her...and, in turn, it was very comforting to her to know she had my cat home with her as well. She would often call me to have him "meow" into the phone, or have me say goodnight to him... Plus, my cat was something I especially looked forward to coming home to. I moved back home after college, and subsequently deepened the bond between my mom and I, and "our" cat. I am now in my third year of law school, so my parents were aware that in about a year after graduation, my boyfriend I would soon be getting our own place.
A tough move for all, I told my mom that due to my cat's health conditions, and his strong, strong dislike for new environments, that I was going to leave him home with her. It also again provided comfort for both of us, knowing that "our" cat was with my mom, and her feeling like a part of me was still living home with her. That is what made my cat's passing that much more difficult. Not only did I love him incredibly, but he was a special bond between my mom and I.
After he passed, my mom and I knew we had to get another kitten. However, knowing that I was going to be leaving - I wanted to get HER a kitten. Therefore, since she had always wanted a Maine Coon, and since we wanted a rescue, I called over 200 rescues, consulted Petfinder, and various other adoption websites. After weeks of searching, I found a lady with a litter of Maine Coon mixes. I went up to see them when they were still seven weeks, and went back a week later again, and one of them just picked me out: McGee. I brought him home, and his amazing personality and temperment quickly made us all love him! He is just a beautiful, wonderful, perfect kitten. Though intended for my mom, I quickly found myself referring to myself as his "mom," and her as "grandma." She loved this, however, and stated the obvious, "You aren't going to give him up, huh?" We laughed, and we both decided we'd just have to get another kitten! So, we went back to the same lady, and adopted one of McGee's brothers (the adorable runt of the litter): Murphy!
Well, soon after this, my boyfriend and I (after discussions for months), found an apartment that we knew we would like to move into. He recently accepted a position at my parents' CPA firm about an hour away, and therefore, the commute was proving difficult. So, now, I want to take McGee with me, but I am so nervous about separating the two. They are truly best of friends! They play, play fight, and cuddle all day long. They are constantly together, and do everything together. However, they are also both VERY, VERY loving with all of us individually as well!
There are a few options, but I am not sure what is best for them. We could just keep the kittens at our respective homes: McGee with me, Murphy with my mom. Then, since I am a student and have a flexible schedule, on days when I must drive back down here for school, I could drop off my kitten at my mom's to be with Murphy during the day, and on my days off, my mom could bring Murphy up to my apartment to be with McGee. This would mean only 1-2 days a week separated. Another option would be Mon - Thurs McGee could stay here with my mom and Murphy, and then I could take both cats weekends... and lastly, I could just keep McGee at my house, and Murphy stay here, and they just visit each other occassionally. I am just not sure what the best option for them is. I am sure there is a need for consistency, however, since they are so young (and both will remain indoor cats), I think maybe it could become the "norm" for them. I also do feel it is important that the two of them see each other, since they are so close.
Any insight, thoughts, advice would be much appreciated!
