Sad that I need to leave my cats (humane, grown, strange)

[Lover of Animals]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

I don't think any of us can say "absolutely no way" until we're placed into a specific situation. In other words, never say never.

I can say NEVER because that's the way I feel about it.

[eunicemendez]

Originally Posted by Lover of Animals

I can say NEVER because that's the way I feel about it.

Good to know I am not the only one who feels this way! I could NEVER leave mine like that either. I can't even stand the thought of it!

[zitsky]

Originally Posted by Lover of Animals

I can say NEVER because that's the way I feel about it.

I agree with you, Lover of Animals. Having pets is a lifetime commitment. If people aren't prepared to keep pets for life, then they shouldn't have pets. I know it's tough sometimes. It tears me up when someone says 1) I'm going to college so I'm giving my pets away or 2) I'm moving across country so the pets have to go.

[Ohiogirl81]

Originally Posted by zitsky

It tears me up when someone says 1) I'm going to college so I'm giving my pets away or 2) I'm moving across country so the pets have to go.

Except that the OP is doing none of these things; the OP is moving across the ocean and halfway across the North American continent, the trip originating in a country whose policies and quarantines make it extremely difficult to transport cats.

What is it about that basic fact that you people are not getting?

You're also ignoring the fact that cost is a factor for the OP.

There's no call to be critical, judgmental, or unsympathetic. Walk a mile in the OP's shoes.

[Lover of Animals]

Originally Posted by zitsky

I agree with you, Lover of Animals. Having pets is a lifetime commitment. If people aren't prepared to keep pets for life, then they shouldn't have pets. I know it's tough sometimes. It tears me up when someone says 1) I'm going to college so I'm giving my pets away or 2) I'm moving across country so the pets have to go.

I agree 100%!

[Lover of Animals]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

Except that the OP is doing none of these things; the OP is moving across the ocean and halfway across the North American continent, the trip originating in a country whose policies and quarantines make it extremely difficult to transport cats.

What is it about that basic fact that you people are not getting?

You're also ignoring the fact that cost is a factor for the OP.

There's no call to be critical, judgmental, or unsympathetic. Walk a mile in the OP's shoes.

I got the basic fact,realize all the problems,am not being critical or judgmental and I do sympathize. I am just stating how I feel. That doesn't mean they have to feel the same way. Obviously,they don't or they wouldn't be in this situation.

[Ohiogirl81]

Originally Posted by Lover of Animals

I got the basic fact,realize all the problems,am not being critical or judgmental and I do sympathize. I am just stating how I feel. That doesn't mean they have to feel the same way. Obviously,they don't or they wouldn't be in this situation.

Nevermind. It's not worth it.

[ParallelJJCat]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

Nevermind. It's not worth it.

I appreciate that you tried, though.

OP...I can't imagine how hard this must be, but I know you'll be able to find a lovely family. I would ask if they would be willing to send you photos from time to time...it'll make you feel a lot better if you know you could keep in contact. I bet greg is right and the regulations are that way because of Australia's strict quarantine.

I've actually considered moving out of country (the US), but I know my cats would never make it through quarantine (especially my little blind guy.) If I were in a situation where a long plane trip in the cargo hold and quarantine were unavoidable, I would do what was best for my cats...even if it meant it wasn't the best thing for ME. It's absolutely understandable to grieve and feel very sad, but don't feel guilty. Having a pet is a huge responsibility and you're living up to that by making sacrifices so they can be happy and safe.

[eevee]

To the OP, I can truly sympathize w/ your plight (I was homeless for a bit of time when I was younger and had to give away my dog for some time. I was incredibly fortunate to find a long term foster situation in the end and reclaim her but it was still a heartbreaking decision). This sounds like a horrifically hard decision to make and Australia's tough laws aren't making it any easier. One of my old professors adopted her dog, a pit bull mix, from a couple who had to move to AU for work. Quitting the job to stay in the US wasn't really an option for them given the economy. In the long run, the person will always hurt more than the pets, IMHO. Your cats will grieve in their own way, but animals are resilient and adaptable as heck and will learn to love again. The best, most loving thing you can do for them is to find them the best new home you can to ease this process. Thankfully, you're starting early so there's no rush. In the end, this seems like a more humane, kinder option. I mean, what other options do you have, shipping them via cargo boat?

Don't let anyone try to guilt trip you or accuse you of not loving your pets-they're fully in the wrong. It's not as if you decided on a whim to move to a different apartment in town or even another state. I've looked into moving to different countries post college and some of the rules and laws involving transporting animals, especially to islands like AU and NZ, have led me to abandon or at least greatly alter this desire. It's something the great majority of pet owners will never have to deal with in their entire lives and hopefully you won't have to go through this again.

[back2M]

Originally Posted by eevee

To the OP, I can truly sympathize w/ your plight (I was homeless for a bit of time when I was younger and had to give away my dog for some time. I was incredibly fortunate to find a long term foster situation in the end and reclaim her but it was still a heartbreaking decision). This sounds like a horrifically hard decision to make and Australia's tough laws aren't making it any easier. One of my old professors adopted her dog, a pit bull mix, from a couple who had to move to AU for work. Quitting the job to stay in the US wasn't really an option for them given the economy. In the long run, the person will always hurt more than the pets, IMHO. Your cats will grieve in their own way, but animals are resilient and adaptable as heck and will learn to love again. The best, most loving thing you can do for them is to find them the best new home you can to ease this process. Thankfully, you're starting early so there's no rush. In the end, this seems like a more humane, kinder option. I mean, what other options do you have, shipping them via cargo boat?

Don't let anyone try to guilt trip you or accuse you of not loving your pets-they're fully in the wrong. It's not as if you decided on a whim to move to a different apartment in town or even another state. I've looked into moving to different countries post college and some of the rules and laws involving transporting animals, especially to islands like AU and NZ, have led me to abandon or at least greatly alter this desire. It's something the great majority of pet owners will never have to deal with in their entire lives and hopefully you won't have to go through this again.

Thank you for your kind thoughts and words.

It has been a very difficult decision to make and I haven't taken it lightly but it is the most humane thing I feel that I can do for my cats.

I have faith that I will find a loving family that will take care of them and keep them together. I am not rushing things and will not just give my cats to any stranger without fully vetting the family.

Here is the attachment photo of them.
I will keep everyone updated with the outcome.