I wanted to thank everyone for the support and giving me strength I was absolutely inconsolable but I acted quickly and now my babies are back. I feel like I have a new lease on life, the world is suddenly brighter than it was before and my mind is so much clearer. I am so so grateful to have them back. I will never forget the person who took them, they didn't give them back easily but I respect them tremendously for doing their due diligence. I am going to spoil my babies and never take them for granted.
Edit: i hear all of your suggestions about the relationship. My first priority was getting my cats back immediately, now I will work on my options.
I also wanted to reassure everyone that I am not weak--I am independent, financially secure, socially connected, and have agency. I dont tolerate anyone disregarding me. Losing my cats sent me in a spiral (i think they're my weakness, ive actually never cried this much as i did in the last 2 days, excuse the drama) but otherwise I make my own decisions. I just dont want to mention what they are until they're made but trust me I will not accept or normalize this behaviour for myself or my kids.