Should I bring my cats?

I'm at the point where I need to decide if I'm bringing my two cats (Milo and Jasper) with me when I go to England for 1+ years.

Pros:

• I have a very strong bond with these cats, especially Milo who has a special bond with Jasper, and I think I would be sad if they didn't come.

Cons:

• Would limit our choice of housing.
• They're big, so it'll be $2000-ish in total for the PETS and transport.

It's practicality vs. emotionality, and I just can't decide.

i don't think anybody can tell you what to do, unfortunately. You'll get lots of stories about why you should, perhaps some why you should leave them there and you'll still be in a quandry. I bet you already know what you want to do.

The question is can you do it? Can you afford it and are you willing to put up with the extra difficulties in finding a house/flat? If so then why not? Just don't forget it takes about 7 months to do the PETS scheme (i'm having  brain lapse here but i think that's the right time: shot, wait, test then 6 months after valid/passed test). So, if you don't have that long then add quarantine time and hassle.

BTW, i brought 2 dogs and ended up staying 11 months. It was a hassle but worth it probably.

Its silly but what I do when I can't decide is I just pick one and say, fine I'm gonna do this and I usually know right away by my gut reaction if its the one I really want.

I think you're exactly right about this. Thank you.