'She's a big reason why I'm considering staying home': 25-year-old student worries her cat will forget her while she studies abroad, but is reassured with wholesome stories from the online feline family

Author image for Ayala Sorotsky
Ayala Sorotsky • Writer and Editor
Sep 16, 2025 12:00 PM EDT

Every cat pawrent has wondered it at some point: "Will my baby forget me if I'm gone for too long?". Whether it's a semester abroad, a long vacation, or even a very busy work trip, the thought of missing out on our cat's life can weigh heavily on the heart. After all, they're not just pets - they're family, and family bonds feel too precious to risk.

But here's the reassuring truth: cats don't forget the ones who love them. Research has shown that cats have excellent long-term memory, especially when it comes to people they've bonded with. They recognize our voices, our scents, even the sound of our footsteps. They associate us with comfort, safety, food, and affection - which are some of the strongest ties a cat can have.

We're sure many of you in the online feline family have experienced this yourselves. Maybe you studied abroad for a semester, went on a two-month trip, or stayed away longer than you'd hoped. And when you returned, your cat greeted you with purrs, cuddles, or that slow-blink look of love that says "Of course I remember you. You're mine."

So to all the pawrents facing the same worry as this young woman: your cats won't forget you. Their hearts keep the memory of your love safe until you return.

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    Will my baby forget me?
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    I (25F) have the opportunity to move from the US to Spain for 6 months but a big part of me wants to stay home with my girl
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    because I don't want to miss any part of her life. We've lived at my mom's house her whole life so she'd be
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    Cheezburger Image 10553906176
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    very well loved while I'm gone, but she is a big reason why I'm considering staying home
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  • That's already a huge plus - knowing your cat is left in a loving place, where they'll be cared for no matter what. Of course, it's sad to think about leaving your cat for a long period of time, but knowing they'll be loved and in good hands, is already part of the process.

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    SIMPLY WHITE
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    gutwyrming ⚫5h ago She absolutely will not forget you! You're part of her family, and judging by those pictures, she trusts and adores you.
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    However, if you do leave, she'll have a lot to say after those 6 months! My old tuxie boy missed me even when I was gone just overnight and always gave me an earful when I returned. 135 > Reply
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    Terquaz⚫ 5h ago Nah she'll remember you! She will likely bond with your mom a lot while you're gone, but as soon as you're back in her routine, it will be back to normal. Don't pass up on an awesome opportunity, even though I'd absolutely consider the same. ↑ 56 > Reply
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    TheBigKaramazov • 5h ago Leave her a t-shirt, she will remember your scent very well. And don't forget face times. 40 Reply
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    Adopting EveryCat • 5h ago She'll remember you. I had to go on a deployment for 6 months and my cats all remembered me. They were so excited when I got home. Two of them I adopted from my sister, and when she came to visit over a year later they remembered her. 24 ○ Reply
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    Various-Molasses-722 4h ago That's a big... tail... for a girl ALSO SHE WILL NEVER FORGET HER OWNER TRUST 18 ○ Reply ...
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  • Hah, we definitely agree. She's such a floof princess, with a tail that probably holds some feline meowgical powers.

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    Trinsec 4h ago She won't. I studied abroad and every half year I could go home for the holidays for a few weeks. The cats at our home were always so very happy to see me again. My mom told me that while I was gone, they'd regularly wait at my bedroom door, waiting for me to return.
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    Your girl won't forget you. She'll miss you but she'll get over it and will then be happy when you return. 15 15 > Reply ...
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    FitPineapple252030 • 4h ago One of my cats used to wait by the front door and my son's bedroom door for hours just staring at it when my son would go to his dad's and it was only for one night! It was heartbreaking but it's gotten easier for him. ↑ 6 6 > Reply
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    bassoonemilee • 5h ago I had to do the same thing with my cat when I had the opportunity to study in Europe for a year. I wasn't forgotten. And my life and hers was better for it. Go enjoy Spain. And get lovely digital postcards from your kitty to help you as you go. 11 > Reply
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    curry224.3h ago She won't! I moved out of my parents house 6 years ago and had to leave my older cat there because of his health conditions. When I visit, he hears my voice, squeaks (cannot meow) and comes running to me. ↑ 5 ♡ > Reply
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wholesome cat memory wholesome cats adorable student adorable cats heartwarming students forget cat people memories cute felines cute cats feline reddit thread Reddit cat person Cats
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