[AmberD]

Hey all, I haven't stopped in in quite some time.

I'm in Arkansas right now completing an internship at a Big Cat refuge, and I won't be coming home until the beginning of September. I have a picture I'd like to show you in the next couple days, but until then I have a question.

I left my 7-month-old kitten at home with my family. After we caught him from the backyard, he attached himself to me alone. He doesn't dislike the rest of the family, but he's not very affectionate with them, either. So far, almost a month after I've left, this apparently has not changed.

Right now I'm wondering what I should expect from him when I get home. Is he going to remember who I am and behave the same way towards me as before I left? Or is he going to either forget me or be so upset that I left him that he won't like me when I get home?

I feel so bad for him, because he doesn't understand why I left. I can talk to my family, and the rest of the animals are used to it from my time at college, but I just disappeared from the kitten. I think about him and cry a lot

It doesn't help that there's a cougar here who'll lay on her side, purr at me, and let me hold her paws, just like Scooter does. Okay, it makes me feel really good at the time, but it also reminds me of the kitten.

If anyone's been in a similar situation or just has an opinion on the matter, please let me know. Thanks.

 

[Jeanie]

It's about time, Amber! We've been waiting for more big cat pictures. We want to know more about your experiences at the reserve. I think it will take your kitten a while to get used to you again. I say that because it happened to my niece. I gave her two Siamese kittens, and a year later she left for California for 6 months. When she got home, the cats didn't recognize her at first. Some cats are "one person" cats. If they loved you the most before you left, I'll bet she'll feel the same way after you two are together for a while. WE WANT PICTURES!

 

[Lilly]

I am so jelous! I wish I could spend time with big cats Oh well Lucky you! I am anxious to see some pictures to.

 

[Lori]

Amber, what an awesome experience you must be having with the big cats. I too am so jealous!!
I bet your cat will remember you. When I moved out of my parent's house after high school I had to leave my cat who was also definately a one-person cat. She took some time to warm up to my parents and brother, but eventually did. I have no doubt she remembered me when I came back to visit.

 

[seashell]

First of all - I'm so glad the internship is going well. Can't wait to see some picks.
Now - a bit about Jimmy and his memory of his previous owner. His previous owner was an elderly lady who had to go into a home. She lived in another flat in our block.
He's four years old and we adopted him at the end of October. He settled in well straight away, but was never particularly affectionate towards us. Except in the last month, he has definitely purred more and wanted more attention from us. He enjoys being stroked and picked up (sometimes!) as well. So we thought he had probably forgotten his previous owner.
Well, her flat has been on the market since she moved out, and it has just been sold. Yesterday, her daughter brought her round to collect some of her things. Jimmy happened to be sitting on the front garden path as they drew up in the car. As soon as she got out of the car, he ran up to greet her. He obviously remembered her, even though its now over 6 months.
The nice thing is, the whole experience didn't seem to disturb him at all. He's still just as happy and affectionate towards us. But he seemed to enjoy seeing his old owner again.
I hope that happens with your kitten. She'll still remember you, but she might get more loving towards your family in the meantime. Then she'll have the best of both worlds.

 

[sentimentalgirl]

I don't have any experience or stories about leaving kitty for a long time. I do believe he won't forget you!

I can't wait to see some pictures of bit cats!!!

 

[Jeanie]

That's a great story, Shelly! I hope your cat remembers you right away too, Amber!

 

[AmberD]

Thanks for the responses.

I really need to prepare myself for what's going to happen. I intend to take Scooter, and perhaps his mommy, with me when I get my own place. I was making plans to move out before I got the internship. I just hope he doesn't hold a grudge.

I'll go ahead and post a little story and picture in a different thread.