The first to suffer from divorce are children. They lose the opportunity to grow up with both parents together in the same environment. However, pets are also greatly affected by the separation of their owners. In this Letsgetpet article, we’ll provide advice on how to help your cat better cope with your divorce.
Are cats sensitive to their owners’ divorce?
Cats are very sensitive and attached to their owners. They show love to those who show them love as well and they can feel joy. Cats can blossom easily in an environment where there is a lot of gentleness and kindness. Similar to children, cats are deeply affected by the separation of their owners. They can sense negative emotions and they become sad when they notice something wrong around them. In addition, some cats can suddenly refuse to eat and others develop strange behaviors.
While children are capable of understanding the situation, and can adapt quickly, it is not always the case for cats. During this stressful period, you need to show a lot of love to your cat. Be sure to spend more time with them to reassure them, and above all, cuddle with them a lot. These simple gestures can relieve their stress.
However, the real problem lies in managing who will take care of them. Like children, they will have to stay with one of the partners. But, which solution will be best for their well-being?
Divorce: ease your cat’s transition
Before signing the divorce papers or definitively separating from each other, it is recommended to make a decision regarding who will take care of your cat. During this delicate period, it is important to make decisions that allow your cat to blossom and live happily. For example, despite the disagreements, partners can organize themselves to take turns caring for the cat.
The partner taking care of the cat needs to be dedicated to caring for their well-being. During this period, the cat can manifest their unhappiness in many ways. Avoid punishing them or grounding them if they become disobedient. Instead, be attentive to their reactions and do not hesitate to allow them to pass time with your ex. Ideally, gentle separation is recommended for the happiness of all parties.
After the divorce, your cat’s behavior can change completely. Keep in mind that this is a very natural reaction. You need to be patient to handle this transition period. Also, do not forget that your cat is sensitive, and that they can really miss your ex. You can make efforts to make up for this feeling by giving them a lot of affection.
Let your cat stay at the house they grew up in after the divorce
Unlike dogs, cats are very attached to their environment, sometimes more than to their owners. They are very attached to their territory and, therefore, will find it very difficult to leave it. To help them cope better with the divorce, we recommend that you entrust their care to the partner who will stay in the family home, if it is not being sold.
Despite the sadness caused by the departure of the other spouse, your cat will be able to find comfort in a place they are familiar with.
Avoid shared custody after a divorce
In the context of a divorce, it can be tempting to find an amicable solution that allows all parties to maintain a bond and connection with the pet. While shared custody may be an option that promotes balance for children, this is not the case for cats. They will become disoriented by being moved from one environment to another and will start to lose their happiness. This lifestyle is absolutely not recommended for this type of pet, which finds its anchor in the environment and their territory.
To contribute to your cat’s well-being, you need to know what to do to make your little feline happy.
Entrust your cat to the partner to whom they are most attached.
While a cat cannot talk, they are able to express their emotions through their behavior. They will spend more time with one of the owners, rub themselves against them or lick their skin. It’s a way for them to express their bond and attachment. By paying attention your pet’s behavior, you will easily be able to tell who they appreciate the most.
Despite your love for them, the ideal solution is to allow them live with the other partner if they prefer your ex. They will grow and be happy and you will also have the certainty that they will be loved like they deserve. After years of life with your partner, in principal, you know if they are capable of taking good care of the cat. If your cat’s well-being is compromised with your ex, do not hesitate to request custody. However, it is best to avoid potential conflicts as much as possible.
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Entrust the care of the cat to the partner who adopted them
If you adopted the cat before getting married, it is likely that they will be more attached to you than your ex. Your cat will consider you their main owner, and they are loyal to you. For their well-being, you need to keep them in your care after the divorce.
However, cats do not have the same level of loyalty as dogs. While you may be their owner, they may be much more attached to your ex than to you for many reasons. It all depends on who treats them the way they want to be treated. Therefore, even if you have documents proving that the animal belongs to you, don’t hesitate to make the best choice for them.
Divorce: custody of the cat goes to the most affluent partner
Caring for a cat requires significant financial resources. Between food, healthcare, and other needs, the expenses associated with caring for a cat can quickly become very high. To ensure their well-being, it is recommended that partners agree to entrust its care to the person who can afford it the most.
The person with fewer resources may be granted custody of the animal and receive alimony for their care. In the case of a contentious separation where both partners claim custody of the cat, it is often difficult to reach such an agreement.
Divorce: custody of the cat goes to the available spouse
Cats are animals that constantly need attention and affection. They become sad when their owner is absent and can suffer greatly from long separations. After the divorce that they lived through, they need even more care from the partner who has been granted custody. If you are constantly traveling for work, it is best to leave the animal with your ex, who will be able to spend more time with them.
Despite all of the love you give them, repeated absences do not contribute to their happiness. This will only make their stress worse, which can have serious consequences on their well-being. Therefore, you shouldn’t try to force custody if you are only available for them a few days a month.
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