The unexpected breakup between Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson has left more than just the couple affected – their two cherished cats,
Cedric and Albus, have also become central figures in the fallout.
The pair, who began dating in 2019 after a flirty exchange on social media,
shocked fans with their split announcement earlier this month, leaving many to wonder about the future of their pets.
Zara, 28, and Sam, 32, had been a well-known couple in the public eye, often sharing moments of their relationship on social media.
They had even made their love for their two cats clear, with Sam referring to them as his “children.”
Fans were particularly invested in the adorable duo, Cedric and Albus, as the cats were often featured in the couple’s posts and were clearly beloved by both.
However, after Zara and Sam’s relationship came to a close in early January 2025, the fate of the cats became a topic of interest. Fans have noticed that Zara shared a social media update on Monday that appeared to indicate she may have gained custody of the pair. In the post, she was seen with Cedric, the cat looking relaxed and content in his new surroundings. With Cedric’s eyes closed and Zara affectionately stroking his fur, it seemed clear that the feline was being well cared for.
The post was accompanied by the simple caption, “my world,” which also showcased Albus in the background. The sight of the cats seemingly settling into Zara’s home led fans to speculate that she had become the primary caretaker after the split. While neither Zara nor Sam have made an official statement regarding the custody of the cats, the social media update suggests that Zara may have taken the lead in looking after them following the end of their relationship.
This situation has certainly garnered attention, especially considering Sam’s emotional attachment to the animals. During his stint on *I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!* in 2023, Sam spoke fondly of Cedric and Albus, referring to them as his “little fluffy men” and comparing his attachment to them to that of a parent with children. “Not kids, but I get it,” he said at the time when comforting fellow contestant Jamie Lynn Spears, who was struggling with missing her own children. Sam’s deep affection for his cats made it clear that they were an important part of his life.
News of Zara and Sam’s breakup emerged earlier this month, with a source revealing that it had been an incredibly difficult decision for the couple. The source mentioned that despite still caring for one another, their relationship had come to an end after a challenging year of trying to make things work. Both individuals have reportedly decided to focus on their careers in 2025, marking a new chapter in their lives apart from each other.
However, rumors have circulated suggesting that the couple’s relationship had been strained for some time. A friend of the couple speculated that Zara’s past affair may have caused lasting tension between them, with Sam reportedly never fully recovering from the betrayal. The friend claimed that, in many ways, the relationship was never truly able to heal after the incident, and despite their efforts, it seemed unlikely that they would stay together in the long term.
On his *Staying Relevant* podcast, Sam briefly alluded to the emotional toll of the breakup, calling it a “real tough month.” He referred to his split as “the thing” and mentioned the added pressure of paparazzi attention in the wake of the breakup. Sam, who had previously led a relatively low-key life when it came to media attention, noted that the sudden intrusion from the press had been overwhelming, as he was no longer able to live his life without constant scrutiny.
As for Zara and Sam’s beloved cats, it remains to be seen if they will continue to share custody or if one of them will maintain a more permanent role in their care. For now, it seems that Cedric and Albus are in good hands with Zara, as evidenced by the affectionate display shared on her Instagram. Fans of the couple are hoping that the cats will continue to bring comfort and joy to both Zara and Sam as they navigate this challenging new chapter in their lives.
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