Moving away from my parents, should I take my cat?

Question

I am transferring as a Junior to a university in Los Angeles and I am going to rent a studio apartment instead of living in a dorm. This is my first move away from my parents who will be living 380 miles away. My cat really is close to me and sleeps in a chair next to my bed every night. She even meows like crazy when I am not home at night when I stay out late. She has all the comforts that a cat could possibly want here at home (she has 3 cat trees, cat tubes, and multiple rooms to roam in). If she went with me, I probably wouldn't be home during the day, and the room would be a lot smaller for her to run around in, but then again she really relies on my attention and doesn't seem to like my parents very much. I am debating whether I should take her with me. I feel like I am betraying her if I leave her but I also feel like it might not be the best situation for her to live in.

Answer 1

I think I'd leave her with my parents for right now and let her adjust to your not being there all the time. She's probably not had much chance to get close to your parents since you've been there so give her time to adjust and get to know them. That is home to her right now and I'm sure she'll do ok if she's given the chance.

When my grandfather passed away, my grandmother worried about their cat because he always followed grandpa to the bedroom (grandpa went to bed earlier than grandma). I suggested she take his bulky sweater and put it on the bed so he would be able to "smell" grandpa's smell and he could slowly adjust to him not being there. At first, he got on the bed and slept right on the sweater but as grandpa's smell faded, he eventually slept near the pillows as he adjusted to the fact he wasn't there.

You can put one of your sweaters or sweatshirts or something on the chair when you leave and when you go home, wash that and wear it and put it back on the chair when you leave again, that way kitty will have your smell but adjust to your being gone in between.

Answer 2

i would take her, especially if your parents aren't all that fond of the cat. She will see you more and get a lot more attention from you living with you even if you are gone during the day. When you do move keep her in one room with her favorite toys and bed, with food, water and litter of course, for a day or so. The new spaces and enviroment can be overwhelming for a cat, so introduce her to her home slowly, and don't force her out of the carrier when you do get there let her come out on her own. also keep her indoors for about a week, so that she knows that this is her new home, and the first time you let her out go with her and keep an eye on her. You don't want her running for home, just because she is confused. Good luck and enjoy your new home!

Answer 3

i moved out of my parent's house for about a year and left my kitty behind. she didn't get the attention that i would've given her but she was still happy. she was able to roam outside and was always fed on time.

however, this past weekend i brought her back to my rented home with me and she seems to be happy here. the only difference between our stories is that my cat still has space to roam around in.

but cats aren't really like dogs and they don't need as much space. i'd say, try letting the kitty stay at home and if she seems miserable, take her home with you next time you visit. if that's not feasible, just bring her with you and let her adapt. as long as she's got the basic necessities and love from you, she'll probably be very happy.

Answer 4

I would bring her with. Cats don't like change much. That stated, the place you will be moving to is smaller and will have all of the smells of the old place with bedding and such. Bring a cat tree and a tube. Stay with her the first couple of days you are there and she will be fine.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

If I were you, I would take her. Cats really do sleep alot during the day, but at night she would be so glad that she has you. And if she doesn't really like your parents, she would miss you so much. I leave my cat alone in the day, cause I work, but at night time we play and snuggle, and that is all the attention she seems to need.

Answer 6

Cats don't forget ever.. especially if you've grown up with them and been that close to them. They may be upset with you at first or develop a relationship with someone else while you're away. I've seen that happen, but they come around after you get back again and spend a little time and show them some affection. I had cats that were solely MINE when I was growing up, who spent all their time with me, slept with me. I fed them, they followed me around the entire time I was home. I got in a bad car accident and spent months in the hospital and they ignored me when I first got back but came around very, very quickly and we got back to the relationship we'd always had shortly after I got back home so DON'T WORRY!!! They'll come around when you're there spending time with them!!

Answer 7

I would say take her with you for a trial period to see how things work out...if she becomes miserable living in the smaller space then you can always try to take her back to your parents and hopefully that would solve the problem...there's nothing worse than having a miserable cat...which is why my parents got to keep mine and I got 2 new kittens...the cat would've been miserable with me b/c she's not fond of my husband and my dad would've been miserable to see the cat leave...good luck!!

Answer 8

Do your parents mind keeping her until you graduate? That is what I did with my cat who I have had since I was in junior high. I realized it wasn't in his best interest for me to try and keep him while I was in school, and on a student's budget. I still got to see him when I went home for breaks and as soon as I graduated I scooped him right back up and it was like no time had passed. We're still friends till the end! Do what is best for your kitty and don't worry about her missing you.

Answer 9

When i moved from home and left my cat Nina behind she sat in the basement and howled for days. She wouldnt eat and was a neurotic mess. After a couple days my mother and i couldnt bare it anymore, and i went and got her, she walked into my newapartment like she owned the place, of course, and i swear we bonded more, she knew she had me.....

Answer 10

Leave your cat behind. Its an additional expense for you and additional responsibility in taking care of a cat. Im just being practical. But hey, if it is so important to you, then go ahead and take it with you.