Need Moving Advice... Please Help!

I recently moved about 14 hours away from home for graduate school. I live in a pretty spacey townhome where pets are allowed. I have a cat at home (with my parents and another cat whom she doesn't like, but tolerates), she is about 15, that I've had since she was a kitten. We are both very attached to each other. When I am home, she follows me everywhere, sleeps on my bed every night, and pretty much tries to lay on my lap whenever I sit down. She really doesn't like anyone else but me (and my mom a little bit). I initially planned on bringing her down here with me because I really hate not being with her. But I am very nervous about putting her through something so stressful at this point of her life. I know cats become very attached to their environments and she's only ever lived in one house. She also gets scared just going in the car. I really cannot decide whether to just bite the bullet and bring her (it would have to be by plane) or keep her at home where she's comfortable, but doesn't have me.

If I don't end up bringing her, I was thinking about adopting another cat down here which I feel is betrayal, LOL. Any advice would be much appreciated, I love my cat more than most people and just want to do what would be best for her.

Hi! I would leave her home, you can leave behind some worn unwashed articles of your clothing to see if that helps.

I would try moving her and see how she does. You are important to her and she will miss you more than her former space. Before you do that though get a thorough vet check so you know she is okay for the flight. In all likelihood she will fuss at first and then sleep through most of the trip.

Bring as much of her bedding and things as you can and start her off just in your bedroom where she will have the comfort of your scent when you aren’t with her.

ShelMar3 said:

She really doesn't like anyone else but me (and my mom a little bit). I love my cat more than most people and just want to do what would be best for her.

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Welcome to TCS! I'm glad you came here for advice.
It's a catch 22 since she's 15 y.o. and the question to ask yourself is - will she be more stressed out if you leave her at home without you being there or if you move with her to new surroundings? Either way it will be an adjustment for her especially since she is a senior cat. Best of luck, please keep us posted.

ShelMar3 said:

But I am very nervous about putting her through something so stressful at this point of her life. I know cats become very attached to their environments and she's only ever lived in one house. She also gets scared just going in the car.

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I would also leave her at home because of her age, the stress of traveling, and she sounds well taken care of. Plus hopefully, if your schedule at grad school is not so tight, then you'll get to visit home, and spend quality time together.

ShelMar3 said:

If I don't end up bringing her, I was thinking about adopting another cat down here which I feel is betrayal, LOL. Any advice would be much appreciated, I love my cat more than most people and just want to do what would be best for her.

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Betrayal...Nah. So many cats need homes. I'm sure your cat is proud of you for going to grad school, pursuing your dreams, goals, jobs, etc. (Just like we want the best for our animals, ...they want the best for us, too.)

You sound like the type of person that wouldn't just get a cat during grad school, and then give it up. If you can manage the time towards a cat, the expenses and studies, then go for it. If not, just volunteer at a shelter. Wishing you the best in your studies.

I would take the cat with me. Yes trip and new environment might be stressful but it will last half a day or 1 day. Cats hate changes but with your love the cat will adapt and be ok. If my cat were 15 I already know there is only so much time we can spend together and I would not want to miss a day.
Let us know what you decide.

Oh it’s a tough one !! I’ve had to move Gracie twice - the first time it took her 5 weeks to adjust the second 2 weeks and that is with being still young at the time. Saying that, I could never leave her anywhere and have told work if I ever have to move abroad she is coming with me . I am on my own though so yours is a different situation, plus also think about how often you are going to be at home in your new place as wouldn’t be fair to move the cat and never be home too !

Thanks everyone for the kind advice. I recently had to evacuate due to Hurricane Dorian (all is good now), which made me think more that leaving her home may be the best idea. So now I am considering adopting another cat down here, why not give someone else a loving home too, right?