Can a cat have two permanant residences?

Question

My best friend and I live across the street from each other. We want to share a cat on a monthly basis.

Will she (the cat) get confused and disoriented if she has to get used to 2 different apartments, and get used to 2 litter boxes?

Is this a bad idea? :-S We both really need a cat, being avid cat lovers, but we're also in college and can't afford a cat on our own.

We are both in love with this one kitty.

Answer 1

its probably not the best idea to share a cat.... what if one of you move?  there will be a cat fight.... lol

Answer 2

It's better for cats to live in one place. Maybe both of you should share her at one house.

Answer 3

i totally agree with the above comment... in animal cases... like children... you must consider the cat first!  

Answer 4

is the kitty going to be indoors or outdoors or both? If it's both, both of you set out food (taking turns of course) and when the kitty is conformtable, bring him in side. Take turns doing this and be fore you know it, the kitty will have  2 homes.

I do this with the neighbor across the street. It's her cat and she provides the medical it needs but he goes back and forth between our houses and take turns sleeping.

Answer 5

I personally think the cat would adjust after some time, maybe not immediately though.

What I'm more worried about is the ownership aspect of it... I know she's your best friend, but what happens if she decides to bail? You said you can't afford the cat on your own, so will it end up at the shelter or being rehomed? Right now it might seem like the two of you are in a perfect partnership, but if you both are so tight on money, then what happens if one of you just can't spring for the the food, litter, and vet bills anymore. Vet bills can be astronomical - a yearly checkup around 100 or more depending on where you live, and emergencies always are costly.

Maybe you two should look at fostering for a shelter or rescue (individually). Most will pay for vet care, and some for food even. And should circumstances pop out where you can't keep the cat, the shelter or rescue should be able to take it back into its program ASAP. Of course the cat wouldn't be "your" cat, but if you "can't afford a cat," fostering would be a better option.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

I don't think it's the best idea.. one thing you must think about is that cats can live 20 years +. You won't stay in your situation for 20 years, so one day you'll have to decide who gets her!

As far as "now" goes, it may be confusing for her. Cats need routine, and aren't generally move-able animals, even if it is across the street.

I know it's difficult, but it may not be the best thing for her. I know how you feel because I'm a huge cat lover too! But you'll have a chance in the future to have a cat on your own :)

Good luck!  

Answer 8

It is never a good idea for a cat to live in two homes. Cats are territorial and once they settle in a home, they will mark it religiously to establish permanent residence and to claim each spot, wall, furniture and human as their very own. They do well when they are in a familiar home, once that they can roam around safely even with their eyes closed! So, when you introduce two separate living space with varying smell, this will create a large amount of stress to the cat and the cat will not do well. Please just agree to only have her stay in one home. Always place the cat's well being first and if you really want the cat to have a happy and good life, do not impose environmental stress on her, which might lead to hard to correct behavioral problems.