I left the UK for a life on another continent four years ago, I had to leave for many personal and practical reasons. I still have my flat which is rented out, and my two resident cats come part and parcel with the tenancy, they are well loved and cared for by tenants who get a generous discount for this aspect (possibly unusual) of their lease. One puss is 16, the other 9. Relocating them to life in a tropical country wasn’t an option, the flight/stress etc would definitely have killed senior cat and they would have lost every thing they have known since kitten hood, roaming their territory (gardens !) etc. Now I am looking at selling the flat as I will never live there again, but I cannot give them up for rehoming. They can’t be separated and have very individual characters. The younger cat is quite neurotic at the best of times (she pisses on everything when stressed for example) I have found a place in UK which will take them both to live out their lives as free cats, together, with a one off payment for each, all their medical bills that may arise included. If I am able to return to UK in October as planned (looking doubtful, I am in a red list category country) I was going to tell my tenants that the two furries were going to ‘retire’ to the country and I would be looking to sell next year. I feel so conflicted. It’s going to be very very hard. Because once I take them to the “other place” I know I will never see them again. Although I will be updated regularly, sent photos etc. Which is pretty much what happens now really. And I feel anxious for my tenants. But I have to move things along in my own interest, my son has done a spreadsheet of what I spend on the UK cats and is eye rolling and drumming his fingers (I am effectively subsiding the tenancy) They could be taken to the “other place” without me, in spite of the distress ( it’s a 3 hour drive) they would probably hardly know me now. But I feel so very guilty. I don’t know what I am asking for, this is the first time I have really articulated my dilemma. I know this is a bullet I am going to have to bite very soon in any case. I miss them still so much (even though I have somehow acquired 2 street cats here who are great companions) Responsibility for any animal really never just ends when ‘convenient’ but I am not going to shirk it….handhold or advice welcome 😿