Okay, a few weeks ago I posted that I adopted two cats who are sisters. Before I only had Babe. Well, two cats are just too many for me right now with my almost one year old son. I'm more partial to Lilly who is laid back and so sweet. Cally is more rambunctious and wants more attention. I have a neighbor who wants Cally. Since they've been together all of their lives should they be split up? They don't seem to be joined at the hip like I thought they would be. I see them together sometimes cleaning each other and playing, but I just don't know what to do. Please give me some advice.
Boogi

WOW! You sure have asked a thought provoking question. I can try and tell you what I think and possibly help you come to a very difficult decision.

If Babe and Lily are as close as you describe it may be heartbreaking for them to split them up. They have no way of knowing why we have to make a change in their lives. They only know that they have been together since the day they were born.

On the other hand if you really can't take care of 2 kitties right now, then it may be the kinder thing to do to give Cally to your neighbor where you know she will be treated with love and attention.

When my Goliath passed away, my other chihuahua Gidget, was heartbroken.

No matter what decision you come to it is your son that needs your love and attention more than anything.

There is no wrong way to solve your dilema when it comes from your heart as well as your mind.

Probably a good indication that they'd weather the transition okay. Is your neighbor a next-door neighbor? Then the cats would still know the other one is out there, and maybe visit if they go outdoors.

If you do let Cally move out, then be SURE to discuss it with the cats ahead of time. If you can't bear to call your friend to say "come get her" then that's a good sign she's supposed to stay with you.

Difficult decision. What is it that makes two more trouble than one? ~Kimberly

Hi Kimberly,
I was stupid and did not realize that taking care of two is double the work when I'm already running my hiny off with the baby. It's double the cat hair, litter box, cleaning, etc. I feel like I can't give two the attention they need, much less one. I just really don't know what to do.........

Goliath - Thank you for your reply! (and you too Kimberly!).

Since it is obvious these cats have formed a bond between them and you feel it is a problem taking care of 1 as well as 2, have you asked your neighbor if she could take both cats to keep them together? Many times shelters keep kittens and/or cats together who have formed a bond. Cleaning each other indicates a very strong bond between them.

Taking care of a 1 year old child is a lot of work and if you feel overwhelmed...ask your neighbor about a home for both kitties.

It does sound as though your neighbor's request is something to consider. At least you would know they have a good home.

I just looked back at your other threads and saw you were worried about allergies also. If your neighbor would take both cats...that would also solve that problem.

Good Luck with whatever decision you make.

I have to say I agree with Love Them and was going to post as such.

Looking after a baby is a full time job that leaves little time for anything else let alone yourself, you find yourself at the bottom of the pecking order as everybody elses demands always come above yours!

I would seriously consider rehoming both, cats on the whole are very self sufficient and do not require much care say as opposed to a dog, however if you feel you have too much of a demand on yourself as it is with a baby (and who wouldn't)then I don't think the situation would be eased that much by just getting rid of one.

I would put it down to experience and wait until your baby is a bit older and then perhaps have another cat when you have a bit more time.

Unless your neighbour lives next door (and these are outdoor cats) I would not separate the pair as it would be unfair but even so there would still be the litter box to clean and cat hair.

I also think that if you kept Lilly she would propbably be in need of MORE attention from you as Cally won't be there to fill that gap and provide her with love and someone to play with.

Just my thoughts.....

....just some other things that have crossed my mind.

You haven't said if these are indoor or outdoor kitties.

If they are indoor kitties and your neighbour also keeps Cally indoors then I think they would miss each other as they would never see each other again.

If they are outdoor kitties you may find yourself in the situation where Cally still tries to come into your home to see Lilly and may find that Cally tries to adopt two houses at the same time (or the other way round with Lilly).

Or another possible senario could be that if one cat is an indoor cat and the other becomes an outdoor cat then you may have a situation where one is sitting on the window sill all the time trying to find the other (unless you live in a flat of course!).

Just some more thoughts for you to ponder....

Hi,
Thanks to all of you for your replies. I feel so torn. Right now I have someone coming to look at the kitties. She seems excited about them. I feel so guilty about rehoming them. Will they feel abandoned? What will they think? Will they understand? I feel like I'm going crazy. Am I being mean? Jacob probably does have some allergies from the cats, but he could probably build a tolerance towards them. I just never realized the time needed to take care of Jacob - I have no other time. They are the sweetest kitties (but not comparable to my precious Babe). Every time I get sad about them rehoming, I just start thinking about Babe and what she went through and the last day I saw her. Nothing can compare to that. I've only had these cats for about 5-6 weeks, so I'm not way attached to them. But why do I feel so sad and bad? I know they will adapt to their new home just like they did with me. I don't want to split them up. I just can't think about doing that to them. I agree with the person who told me Lilly would require more attention if Cally were to leave - I never thought about that.
Boogi

Kittens are pretty adaptable when it comes to new situations. I would think twice about separating them, but you must take that with a grain of salt because I am crazy and have 9 indoor cats and a bunny!.

Ken Albin

I completely understand how you are feeling, I had children and could not have taken care of my two cats until they were well on their way by the age of 4 and 6,then that was a really great time to have the cats, the kids could be careful about handling them and playing with them and the cats bonded quickly with the kids, I have sweet memories of the kids and the cats sound asleep together. So it may not yet be the right time for you to have cats in your life , however somethings seem heaven sent, it was good to have Jacob exposed to cats while he is still so young so he can build immunity, this done, your cats are young and could be just as happy somewhere else , no harm done, love your cats as you tell them to have a wonderful new life and thank them so so so much for their presence because it has set the stage for new kitties later on.

Something to remember when you have a young child is you are more emotional than you would be, hormone levels still readjusting, especially if you are nursing, and also in general, with sleep patterns being erratic or not enough, that makes us mommies very vulnerable to things emotionally. PLUS, you are feeling so maternal, because you are in the high demands of mommyhood. It is hard. But it is right that you don't stretch yourself too thin, as your human baby needs you most.
It's good to have support. Whatever you decide is okay.
Take care,
Joani

Thanks to all of you for your wonderful advice and most of all - your support!