Originally Posted by
Flordibel
There's a few factors I'd consider when tackling this problem:
- The personalities of the cats: my cat is very anxious and doesn't take well to change. Are your kitties more gregarious? Fearless? Or do they hide under blankets when someone steps too loud in the apartment above?
- They are traveling together: most kitties do well with companions, so this is a point in your favor.
- How well do they travel? My cat cries for 30 mins and then quiets down, but I've known some cats who urinate in the carrier, throw up, etc.
If I understood you correctly (I hope I do!), you're suggesting moving them to your SO's place when you go on your February trip, then having them come back to your apartment until the summer, and then in September, they go back to his place until April 2021 when you graduate (at which point they'd come back to your place).
I think as long as they have at least a month in each place, you should be fine. I used to take my cat back and forth from my college house to my parents' house for a weekend, and as long as he had his same litterbox, food bowl, and water fountain, he was pretty much fine.
I'd suggest (if you haven't already) keeping them in one room for a few days, then slowly opening up the rest of the apartment / house to them. I agree it might be tough trying to reinforce your mom presence, though, if they're going to be at his place for such a long stretch of time.
Good luck!!