I’m a freshman in college and living in a dorm this year, so I couldn’t bring my cat. Next year, though, I’ll be living in an apartment where I can have him. The thing is, I adopted him when he was about 6 months old, and my family home is the only place he’s ever known. He also has three other cat friends and three dog friends at home. He’s pretty attached to me, though, and when I’m home from college, he hardly leaves my side. I’d love to bring him with me to the apartment, but I’m not sure if it would be selfish to take him away from the home he knows, or if it’s more like, ‘you are his home.’ I live close to home, so I could visit 1-2 times a month. Just trying to figure out what’s best for his emotional well-being.
Quality of life is everything. Where will the cat be better off? With you in an apartment or at your house with other animals?
What’s your living situation going to be like next year? Will it be stable? Roommates? Financially, are you prepared for the costs of having a cat?
Vale said:
What’s your living situation going to be like next year? Will it be stable? Roommates? Financially, are you prepared for the costs of having a cat?
I’ll have roommates, but I’m financially stable since I work and am on a full ride that covers my apartment. It’s a year-long lease, but I plan on renewing it until I graduate in 2028.
Vale said:
What’s your living situation going to be like next year? Will it be stable? Roommates? Financially, are you prepared for the costs of having a cat?
In that case, I’d say no, don’t bring your cat with you. You can’t make the decision today because your roommates need to agree, and you also need to make sure you’re all on the same page about how to care for him. Plus, even if you plan to renew your lease, there’s no guarantee things will stay stable. It’s usually better to wait until after graduation when you know what your life will look like. Since your cat has a stable home already, it’s probably best for him to stay where he is.
Vale said:
What’s your living situation going to be like next year? Will it be stable? Roommates? Financially, are you prepared for the costs of having a cat?
Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate the honesty. I’ll wait until I have a more stable home before thinking about moving him in with me. He’s only 5, so hopefully, we can be together when the timing’s better.
I agree with the other commenter. I had roommates with cats, and most were fine, but one hated them and it was super stressful. You just never know how people will treat your cat when you’re not there, even if they seem nice to your face.
I’d only take him if you knew for sure your living situation would be stable. If you’re unsure about where you’ll be in 6 months or a year, I’d wait.