I think that cat is really lucky to have found you.

One thing you could do is ask for the right of first refusal should the woman ever decide she wants o part with the cat.

You have a hood heart. It is not always easy to do the right thing. Courage.

I went through with it. I was a mess so a friend came over to help me. I brought Sadie to her new home. I had met the new owner but hadn't been to her place (and was prepared to take the cat and run if everything wasn't as described). I felt good about the house - clearly a home of an animal lover and everything as described. I hung out for a bit while Sadie explored. The other cat was sleeping (actually with another kitten who is only temporarily there). I forgot some of Sadie's things - so I went back home to get them. When I came back, the woman was snuggling with my cat, but had her in a little blanket tent thing so she would feel safe and secure. My cat was clearly a bit frightened of her cat. To see her taking care of Sadie so well made me feel better. I've been crying all night though- I am heartbroken - I didn't think I'd be this heartbroken. If the cats can't get along, I'll take her back. This woman knows that too.

You did a good thing.

Thank you everyone for your support! And Berkshire Girl! I'm originally from western mass too - grew up outside of springfield. Don't often encounter other people from western mass!

I think you did a wondeful thing. As others pointed out maybe you can adopt another cat/kitten when you get settled.

I don't know if I could have done it. My heart broke for you as I was reading this thread.

You did the right thing.

I only wish there were more people out there like you.

Honestly, if I had realized how terrible this was going to feel - I'm not sure I would have gone through with it . I just would have committed and sacrificed to provide a good home.

This is awful. I am devastated and heartbroken. I cried all night. I didn't think I was that attached.

It's so nice that you cared so much about Sadie and took such great care of her. That's great that she has a good home, I always believe in listening to your heart. My family and I took in a stray once, I miss him. Maybe you'll get another furry friend when the time is right. God bless. It's a small world, I have family who used to live in Pittsfield.

mandypandy2246,

There will always be cats that need good homes. You are clearly a wonderful caring person and what you did for this cat was incredible.

But you made the right decision. I think Sadie would have had a wonderful life with you but the fact that you had so many questions and concerns made it clear that the timing wasn't right for you and that's ok.

Once you earn your PhD, many doors will open to you, and some of those opportunities could be hard on a pet. It's better to wait until you have a strong sense of where you will be for the next fifteen years.

I do know how you feel though: once while moving apartments I was forced to let my cats live temporarily with my parents. The little girl who lived next door made it her mission to steal one of my cat's affections and it worked! If the girl saw me, she would grab the cat and hide it because her parents told her it was my cat. Her parents offered her a kitten and she wailed that she only wanted my Shasta. So I gave the cat to her. I had had Shasta for over seven years and it broke my heart to let her go, but darn it, that little girl loved my cat so much and Shasta loved her. Shasta had a great life with those people and after the agonizing first few days I never regretted my decision.

When you are ready, the right cat will come along.

Mandy, hi from a "neighbor"! I live in Pittsfield, but Springfield is only about an hour away! I've been to the DMV there, ha! They took an excellent photo of me when I was in my 'sporty' phase...

Seabiscuit, Pittsfield high-five!