I can't imagine what it is like for two parents with kids going through a
divorce and having to deal with custody issues.
My wife wants our cats and I might let her have them.

First of all, I never wanted cats because the pain of losing them is too
great.
I have gone through it before.

However, we ended up with two. They were mostly indoor cats, but  were
allowed out when they wanted, up until after the second time Simba ran away.
First time 26 days and second 24 days. I spent well over $1k between these
incidents and vet bills from him getting tore up in fights, normal shots,
etc.
I took off work to look for him and I was devastated.
I love my cats dearly and they are all I have right now, but I work a lot
and can't give them the attention they are used to.
They have also destroyed my carpet and furniture. It would make sense to let
her have them, at least as long as I can have partial custody.
This is so difficult. I don't like being alone, but I'm sure I will find my
soul mate soon enough.
Mostly, I will miss them if I let them go. More than anyone probably
realizes and as much as any parent would miss their own kids.

I really hate times like this. Divorce itself is bad enough.

Tom