Is it bad to separate cats after they have lived together all their lives?

Question

My brother and I each got a cat from a litter about 10 years ago. So for 10 years these brother cats have lived together in the same house. I'm moving out next month and I want to take my cat with me, but I'm wondering if moving AND not having his brother with him will be too much change. I could take both cats, but it would obviously be a little bit more money to take care of both of them.

Answer 1

10 years is a long time... they're attached. dont separate them. you've been taking care of both of them for 10 yrs so why get rid of one now?

Answer 2

I would make extra effort to take both kitties as they have been with each other for a long time and it will be much easier for him to handle the stress if his brother is at his side. :-)

When you do travel, make sure that they have access to water 24/7 and that they eat on time as that will help them with stress as well.

Best wishes with your traveling!  

Answer 3

Oh dear... I would hope that after all these answers you would take them both.  I have two cats - a sister and a brother.  I have only had them for a year but one went missing for 3 days and the male sat under my daughters bed the whole time refusing to move.  I had to take his food up to him - it was hearbreaking honeslty - and thats only after 12 months.

Its not that much more expensive to have 2 than 1 believe me ;)

Do the right thing xx

Answer 4

Aww please take both of them!! Cats are very social creatures (with their kind, not necessarily ours) and they'll be very sad if they part. I would pay the extra cost just to bring both of them with you. It's worth it.  

Answer 5

How would u feel if u lived and loved someone for 10 years and then were seperated?  Cats are so like humans!  They need socialization to survive.  They can develop mental illness and depression just like humans!  The cost isnt that much different in having one or two.  You can help cut costs by scooping the litter twice a day and putting a little baking soda in the bottom of the pan t reduce odor.  Your litter will last longer.  You can also use only dry food, as the wet food is more expensive and can cause weight issues.  You can also give your cats their own vaccines, (all but rabies)  explain to your vet your concerns about costs and get them to show you how to give a vaccine.  You can get the booster vaccines at places like southern states or local feed stores for about 3 bucks. (You may have to drive to the county)  Good luck and please dont seperate the cats.. you could be looking at more expense if you do!

Answer 6

think about the nature of say...a lion. felines are very social creatures. Lions form prides of two males and many females. the two males, which are usually brothers, have a special bond.

ive had animals die from "broken hearts" being very upset from being seperated from one another. we all understand that money is important, but arent two happy living lives worth it and the fact that you helped someone else be happy enough of a reward.

10 years!!!!---keep them together! it sounds like they are great buddies!!!

**this is from a high school high honor roll student who has the dream of working with big cats after going to college for animal medicine and being an animal behaviorist. and i will fufill it!! i love cats......lol

i hope u keep them together and happy and it works out for u!!

Answer 7

I would not separate them either.  Leave your cat or take the other one too.  It isn't fair to them to separate them now.

Answer 8

10 years is a long time if they enjoy each others company etc then i would not separate them.

Answer 9

cats have died from "broken hearts"

usually from loosing owners, I would suck it up and bring both..

Answer 10

I have two cats and I don't see much difference in cost as if I only had one. Especially since they are indoor cats and don't require as many shots as outdoor cats. Please take them both! The same thing happened to me when i first got my cats. Brother and sister. There were two left and i didn't want one to be lonely and i figured if I only got one it would be lonely with me working. Take both!

Answer 11

better together but if you can only take one arrange visitation with his brother from time to time