If i Separat two cats will they die

I was wondering if you separate two cats that are sisters and have been together for 2-3 years would one or both die ? I heard that they would go into depression and eventually die! The problem is though one of the cats are mine the other is my sisters and I'm going to college a couple states away and I really want to take my cat but I'm afraid of what I'm getting told will actually come true ! Can anyone please help me out with this situation ?

RESPONSE:

Cats are quite adaptable creatures but some have been know to suffer depression when a companion is lost. My question to you is, do you really want to uproot your cat from her home and companion in order to take her to college with you? If you were moving to a permanent home, that would be different, but college is temporary. And you will be busy with classes, making new friends, and learning to live on you own. And what about school breaks. Will she be traveling home with you? Uprooting her home again? Would you be able to take care of her if she gets sick? Will you be living on your own or with others who might not care for cats like you do? And what if she does get depressed - will you ship her back home again or put her on medication? I don't think it would be fair to put your currently happy cat in the middle of all that and I wouldn't do it. I suggest that you leave your cat at home and visit her during breaks from school.

Donna - House Full Cats Mom