Has anyone else given away a cat?

Question

A while ago I made arrangements with a friend for him to adopt my cat.

I have three cats in a bachelor apt. I got them when I was living in a bigger place with my ex, but when we split up I ended up in a small place with the three of them.

One of my cats started getting anxious and over-grooming and peeing outside her litter box. They don't really fight but I thought maybe it's too small for the three of them and I decided to give one away.

Also, it was harder for me to take care of the three of them alone, it's very expensive for food and litter and I have to clean up after them everyday and it's been getting exhausting, especially since I'm thinking of going back to school.

I was worried it was too much to handle and that I wouldn't be able to care for them properly and that I am exhausting myself and not giving them all the attention they deserve.

Is what I'm doing selfish?

I'm also very sad because she is leaving in two weeks to go with my friend and though I can visit now and then he lives kind of far away and I doubt I'll be visiting that often anyway.

I'm going to miss her so much and I'm scared I will regret my decision.

Has anyone gone through something similar? How did you manage the grieving process? Did you ever regret your decision?

Answer 1

Don't keep her if she's going to a better home. If you can't take care of her and give her food and fresh water everyday don't keep her. It's better to give her away. Tell your friend who's adpoting her to come by every month with "your" cat. You might regret it but you have to do what's better for the cat.

Answer 2

Really a pet is supposed to be adopted "for life"....but sometimes there are situations we can't handle.  It's best that you found the cat a home instead of dumping him somewhere or taking him to the humane society.  I had to give up a dog once because he bit someone....saddest day of my life.

Answer 3

I had to give a away a cat once.. sometimes things happen..

I wrote a link recently on how to get rid of pets correctly..

http://www.gomestic.com/Pets/Advice-on-G...

Answer 4

I agree with Allison, it is hard.  I had to leave one of my JRTs behind a few years ago because I was moving to a place with a different climate and was afraid she may not adjust.  I've seen someone in a situation similar to yours but choose not to forfeit up her dogs.  Now, the dogs get very little attention, they're never taken care of as well as they could be, and the only kind of exercise they get is running around between the time their owner puts them in a cage from downstairs or vice versa.  It's hard to loose something you grow so attached to, but sometimes, they deserve better.  You're not being selfish.  It's great you will at least love your cat enough to offer her a better life.

Answer 5

I, also. moved from a larger place to a smaller one and had to choose which cat could go with me.  It was hard but I took comfort in knowing that the one who had to go went with a person I knew would take very good care of him. It is  the best thing for the cat, even if it does feel (sometimes) like you've betrayed the animal's trust in you. You are doing the right thing.  

Answer 6

Yes me i do but never i dont mean it to be bad with my brother kitten,now i am really sory ,she was the best thing for he and me i kaste out.

Answer 7

It's good that you found her a good home.  You did the right thing, even though it was the hard thing to do.