Which is more important for a cat; familiar house or familiar owners?

Question

My boyfriend and I are going to be getting a place of our own soon.

We've raised this adorable little kitten (she's just over a year now) and she LOVES her life here at my parents' house. She has tons of room and stairs to run up and down, she has a huge backyard with bushes and trees to play in. If we move, it will most definitely be to an apartment where she obviously will not have those pleasures anymore.

The only other option is to leave her here to stay at my parents' house with them and my sister. She generally is sweet and gets along with everyone of us...however, she seems to love my boyfriend and I the most (as I'm sure she recognizes that we are her true owners/parents).

It would break our hearts to leave her, but we need to know if it would be better for her to stay? Please give me your opinions??

Thanks.

Answer 1

In my experience, they prefer familiar owners.

That being said, in your situation, it seems they would be happy at either location.

Cats are quite adaptable; they handled our move from a house to apartment with no troubles.  They were just happy that we were there, and so was all our stuff that smelled like home.  So it comes down to who can better care for the cat.  Will your parents be attentive and take her to the vet if needed?  Will you be able to afford vet bills should something happen?  The cats will be happy either way, but where can they be healthiest?

Answer 2

as long as you have an apartment that will allow cats take her with you.  she can always go to your parent's for a visit from time to time, maybe even a weekend with grandma and grandpa.

Answer 3

"as I'm sure she recognizes that we are her true owners/parents"

You think that way, cats don't.

Anyway, she will perfectly adjust to either place so long as her basic needs are met.  Will you have enough money to take her to the vet if an emergency arises?  What about your parents?  This should be the determining factor...

Answer 4

Contrary to what a lot of people believe, cats don't need to have access to the outdoors.  

She will be fine becoming a "domestic" cat and staying indoors.   If she likes to climb, get or build a cat climbing-structure of some sort.