Hey,
At 25 years old I should perhaps be ashamed about this problem, but I really want to hear your thoughts about this.
I have a 4-year-old Maine coon. He is a family pet, both parents really like him and we all take really good care of him. I am pleased to say he is kinda spoiled, always getting the best treats, food, toys and lots of attention (as it should be).
We always had cats, but my father and I always wanted to own a Maine Coon. After 4 years of owning one, I have to say that all stories about their 'dog' personality are absolutely spot on (I've honestly never felt such return of love from a pet that wasn't a dog). My mother was at first a little reserved about having an inner house pet, but quickly (in a matter of minutes of course) warmed up about him (now she always buys him special sweets or toys).
He really likes my parents, although he is especially attached to me. I taught him to fetch balls, to sit when given order, to give a paw or high five for a treat and so on. When I'm at home he prefers being around me, always following me around the house, laying on my bed most of the time. If it happens that I am at home and door to my room is closed, he starts making chirping noises and scratches on my door until I let him in. When I am away during the day, and he hears a doorbell in the evening he always runs to the door to greet me.
However, since I finished college, I have started an internship in town around 45 miles away. I have been commuting every day since autumn (it takes me an hour and 15 minutes by train in one direction), mostly due to high rents in the city. I also have to admit that not wanting to leave my cat behind was also a factor (it's still a comfort to be greeted by him after an exhausting working day, although for only an hour or so).
However I work long hours, approx 50-55h a week, so of course having extra 2,5 to 3 hours a day, which I now lose in daily commute would come in handy (for running, resting, hanging out with friends etc.).
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, things got a bit more complicated, since both of my parents are isolated at home being able to work from home, while I on the other hand, still have to go to work every day.
Since I don't want to infect anyone in my household (and risk of that certainly exists), I decided to move out early next week. I probably won't be returning home for a month or two, till this outbreak is over. Even after this I will probably keep the flat and return only during the weekends.
It's kinda hard to admit that in my current situation I will miss my cat more than my parents. I know both will be fine, since we talked over about the whole thing and both understand my situation and though I love them and am thankful for everything they have done for me, I 'd also want to move on my own.
I am however feeling more guilty about leaving my cat behind, as of course we can't explain all of what is happening to our pets. Since my parents also love him (and would probably miss him as much as I), I know he will be taken care for and I know it is better for him to stay at home in the place he knows than to be taken with me to the city to a flat he doesn't know (and what is more, he would be alone through most of the day).
Do any of you have any experience of leaving their pet behind? Surely he will be confused or even sad at first, not seeing me every day? Do you think he will act differently around me after I return after a month or two? What about after that, if I would return only for weekends?
Of course, I will miss him, however, it's harder for me to think that he may get stressed and sad due to my absence or even depressed when he won't see me so often.
Sorry for a long post, I'm just really worried and want to know if anyone has and would share any experience about this issue.
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from Pets https://www.reddit.com/r/Pets/comments/fqak1w/leaving_cat_behind/
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