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Should I rehome my cat or find temporary care during a long move?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Turkish Angora | Male | neutered | 7 months and 17 days old | 11 lbs

I got a kitten about four months ago. I have never owned a cat before. He is awesome. I am currently in the military and found out recently that I have to go to Korea for a year and I can't take the cat. I have heard that cats arnt as resilient to change as dogs. Would it be in the best interest of the cat to let him stay with someone for a year then get him when I got back or re-home him. I love him and want to keep him but I don't want to keep uprooting him.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 18th, 2016

This is a great question! First off, thank you for your military service, it is very much appreciated. I know how hard it is to move around and not be able to take your pets with you. With Finn, it is absolutely fine to have someone look after him for a year, then take him back when you return home. I know this from personal experience. When I moved to New Zealand almost a decade ago from the US, I couldn't take my cats (or dogs) with me just yet, and they had to stay with family for about eight months before they could be shipped out. They were fine with staying with my family and then being shipped out to me in New Zealand. Yes moving is stressful, but cats can adapt, and there's no reason why you should give up Finn when you love him so much. Cats are amazing pets, and they are resilient, so I recommend having him stay with someone for a year and getting him when you come home. It gives you another great reason to look forward to coming home :-)

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2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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