'It would be cruel to separate them': Ex-girlfriend demands cat dad split up their bonded kittens after breakup, but he puts his feline family first and refuses her

Author image for Blake Seidel
Blake Seidel • Managing Editor & Brand Manager
Nov 4, 2025 1:00 PM EST

If we can impart one piece of advice on you as self-proclaimed feline expurrts, it's this: no matter what happens in life, never let it affect the cats. The cats don't deserve to suffer the consequences of your actions. All they want is to feel safe and protected, eat, and enjoy your company (when they feel like it). Cats, more than anything, crave stability. The more you change their world, the less safe they feel, and it will cause them to act out or start to treat you differently. One of the worst things you could do would be to separate a pair of siblings or a bonded pair. 

Kittens rely on each other for not only companionship, but also for security. To separate them would be like cutting their world in half. They would lose not only a play partner, but a crucial part of their social development. It's not even a last resort in our book, it's a non-negotiable. 

Other than the obvious juicy drama, we love this story because this cat dad did the right thing - he put his feline family first. His ex-girlfriend demanded she take one of their cats in the breakup, insisting that she's entitled to one of them. But these kittens needed each other, so he refused. She can adopt another cat if she wants, but she won't be breaking up this family anytime soon.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to start your Caturday with the funniest felines on the internet!

Add as a preferred
source on Google
Advertisement
  • 01

    Am I wrong for not wanting to give my ex her cat back?

    Two kittens sleeping including 'I don't want to put them through another separation'
    via tankist276

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 02
    Hi I'm looking for some perspective on what's best for two young cats. My now ex and I adopted a kitten together in mid- July.
    via internalnoises
  • 03
    He's been living with me full-time because we spent most of our time at my place.
    via internalnoises
  • 04
    A few weeks later, I adopted another kitten around the same age so he'd have a companion.
    via internalnoises
  • 05
    Now they're about 5-6 months old and completely bonded. they play, eat, nap, groom, and sleep together.
    via internalnoises
  • 06
    Two kittens playing
    via Valentyna Gupalo's Images

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 07
    They were already been separated from their original siblings when we adopted them, so I don't want to put them through another separation.
    via internalnoises

  • She can consider him “her cat” all she wants, but if she truly cared about the cat, she would want what is best for him. This type of selfishness won't be allowed in our house. We'll defend our fur babies until the grave if need be, that's what it means to be a pawrent.

  • 08
    Since my ex and I broke up, she wants to take him back because she considers him "her" cat.
    via internalnoises
  • 09
    I told her I don't think that's fair to him or the other cat. He gets anxious when separated (meowing, scratching at doors) and she's said she doesn't plan to get him another companion.
    via internalnoises
  • 10
    I live alone and can provide a calm, consistent space for both. She says I'm being unfair because when I split with a previous long- term partner, we each kept one cat but those cats weren't bonded, and that decision was made mutually with their well- being in mind.
    via internalnoises
  • 11
    This feels different. These two are still babies, they rely on each other, and I don't want to cause them distress or anxiety just to prove a point of ownership.
    via internalnoises
  • 12
    My question is: what's best for both cats? Would separating them after two months together be seriously damaging, or could they adjust?
    via internalnoises
  • 13
    Boyfriend and girlfriend arguing
    via dimaberlinphotos

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 14
    Has anyone experienced bonded kittens being split up and what happened afterward?
    via internalnoises
  • 15
    krispeekream I have two male cats that are a bonded pair and they were quite bonded within a matter of weeks. If she actually cares about the well-being of the cat she'll do what's in his best interest, which seems to be staying with his friend.
    via krispeekream
  • 16
    You've had the cat for the majority of its life-I would offer to help her get another cat, or even let her come spend time with them at your place (if y'all parted on decent terms) but he should stay with his friend.
    via krispeekream
  • 17
    ReasonableTime3461 It would be cruel to separate them.
    via ReasonableTime3461

  • We agree that they shouldn't be separated. There are many other solutions than splitting up kittens who think of each other as family, and who rely on each other for love, support, and safety. Adopting another cat is the main solution we can think of - there are plenty of cats who need loving homes!

  • 18
    Acceptable-Law9406 The cats should not be separated. You mentioned she doesn't plan to get the cat another companion. Would it be best to help her adopt a cat who would prefer to be the only pet?
    via Acceptable-Law9406
  • 19
    BrokenBaby_Bird Offer to pay or share the fees for the adoption of another cat for her. In the best interest of the cats, if you aren't willing to separate them, you could also give her both so they are together and happy. Then adopt a cat yourself.
    via BrokenBaby_Bird
  • 20
    Nervous-one123 this is a tough situation, and i am sorry about the breakup. alas, you totally know what's best for them! i would not separate them under any conditions. it will lead to so much stress for everyone involved. stress, i am sure, that you can both live without.
    via Nervous-one123
  • 21
    it seems she's more caught up on getting a 'one-up' in this scenario than the cats well beings. to that point, do they have their rabies shots? rabies are an easy proof of ownership in a lot of countries, because you get a little chip to prove that (a) the cat has been vaccinated and (b) that they belong to you.
    via Nervous-one123
  • 22
    accordingly, you might consider proof of ownership in some way, incase this goes sour. good luck!
    via Nervous-one123
  • 23
    TryToChangeUsername You got it right: they are bonded and separating them would be cruel and is not an option. How about you offer to reimburse what she paid so far? Or offer handling getting a new cat for her (ofc from a shelter)?
    via TryToChangeUsername
  • 24
    MediumPractice7401 Can she take both of them? How bonded are you to the cats? How bonded was she to the first cat? I just feel bad bc if my hubby & I broke up & he kept our cats- I'd just DIE. I know he'd feel the same way though too. Although he works so much, they'd be better w/ me anyway. Just depends on
    via MediumPractice7401
  • 25
    back "just because it's 'hers'"?? Lots of variables at play here. Either decision you make― make it for the benefit of the animal. So many ppl just get rid of their pet when the pet doesn't serve them anymore and it's absolutely DISGUSTING.
    via MediumPractice7401
  • 26
    your guys' situation I guess. Are you planning on keeping these cats FOREVER no matter what? Also, it is kinda sad to split them up, but they are adaptable and it's not 100% necessary. Just being honest. Is your ex good w/ animals or does she just want the cat
    via MediumPractice7401

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

relationships felines separate family breakup Cats cute kittens bonded pairs animals relationship drama
Scroll Down For The Next Article