'She really seems to prefer us over her owner': Neighbor's cat chooses next-door hoomans as her purrferred home, but with an upcoming move, her temporary pawrents are wondering if they should make it official and adopt her

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Sarah Brown • Writer and Editor
Aug 10, 2025 5:00 PM EDT

One sunny day, the neighbor's cat waltzed into this hooman's house, announced her presence with a yell, and made herself right at home, as if she owned the place. With French doors wide open and a cozy garden chaise just begging for a nap, she saw opportunity and seized it like the queen she is.

Since then, she's been more of a live-in guest than a visitor, especially after refusing to cooperate with her official cat sitter while her pawrents were away. Instead of sticking with the sitter and her three fellow housemates, she opted for solo luxury: belly rubs, keyboard lounging, and a calm retreat where she clearly rules the roost.

Now, her favorite hoomans are moving in the spring, and there's a furry dilemma on their hands. They adore her, but they worry she'll be heartbroken without them. Or worse, stuck with new tenants who won't understand the sacred art of the tummy rub. Now they're wondering if they should ask if they can offically adopt her when they move, or just leave her with her original home. 

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  • 01
    'I don't want her to feel homeless after we move'
    via lesichkadesign / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 02
    Hi. So the neighbors cat came over one day about two months ago. She just walked in the house (we have a back garden in a secured courtyard and so we leave the French doors open when it's hot out). She yelled at me and then proceeded to make herself at home. She has been here most of the time ever since.
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  • 03
    When the neighbors were out of town and had a cat sitter for their multiple cats. This one apparently decided that she didn't want to be involved with the whole cat sitter thing and spent the majority of her time here. After they got home though she continued it and she really only goes home to eat.
    via CoverCounted
  • 04
    She is currently asleep on my garden chaise without a care in the world (see picture). She is a really great cat and I love her and don't mind her here, but we are renting and we are planning on buying a house and moving next spring.
    via CoverCounted
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    Cheezburger Image 10540265472
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    I don't want her to feel homeless after we move and I wish she spent more time at her home. Who knows what the next people living here will be like? I doubt they'll give her stomach rubs and laugh when she sneaks in the office to jump up on their keyboard. What the h I do I do here? She really seems to prefer us over her owner.
    via CoverCounted
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    Cheezburger Image 10540270336
    via Ivanna Lebediuk from Pexels / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 08
    first_best_fox Given you're not moving for a year, I don't think you have to hurry about anything. But when you see your neighbours, let them know their one cat seems to have "moved in." You can see how they react. Personally, I wouldn't mind at all if someone asked if they could adopt my cat. The answer would be no. But I wouldn't
    via first_best_fox
  • 09
    be offended. And say I had gathered quite a few strays over the years and had a fairly casual relationship with them, I might consider it. I suppose others could be touchy about it, but it's not like going up to someone walking their dog down the street. Outdoor cats do sometimes move in to other homes. So long as you don't
    via first_best_fox
  • 10
    feed her and don't go out of your way to lure her, it is what it is and you might find a moment to chat with the neighbours about it.
    via first_best_fox

  • Definitely let the neighbors know their cat’s been enjoying your place. And if you’re open to adopting her, say so! Worst they can say is no, right?

  • 11
    Englishbirdy I had the opposite problem. My cat decided he liked my neighbors house better than mine with a dog and two kittens. When we moved I knew he'd be miserable if I took him and might even try to "go home" so I asked them if they would adopt him. They jumped at the chance.
    via Englishbirdy
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    vivaciousfoliage44 I have no advice but what a beautiful little baby
    via vivaciousfoliage44
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    Objective_Tooth_... They say that people don't choose a cat, the cat chooses their people. Best felines I ever had chose me. They're loving and grateful.
    via Objective_Tooth_8667
  • 14
    Talk to the neighbor. There's a reason she likes you. And don't worry about a move. Cats live with their people not the house. She obviously doesn't mind changing the house. Hope it works out for you and the kitty.
    via Objective_Tooth_8667

  • Either she’s officially adopting you as her new hoomans or she’s just really into your furniture. Either way, it’s time for a friendly chat with the neighbors about her visits!

  • 15
    fuzzywuzzybeer This is how I have my cat. I think she decided that she did not like her brother cat anymore and just moved in with me. This cat is her own kitty and can make her own decisions and she has clearly chosen you. I would talk with the other owners and make it official.
    via fuzzywuzzybeer
  • 16
    Old-Buffalo-9222 When my roommate's cat obviously preferred my boyfriend and me, we nervously asked if we could have her when we moved out. Her response was literally, "I was hoping you would ask!" We had her for 15 more wonderful years after that.
    via Old-Buffalo-9222
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    Plastic_Cat9560 You have been chosen for your luxury accommodations.
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    BooBoo_Cat I don't think it's crazy to ask if you can have her. Maybe -- at first don't right out ask talk to your neighbours and tell them how "their" cat spends a lot of time with you and that you really enjoy her company, but will miss her when you move in a year. See what their reaction is like. If they don't say you can have her, ask! (Please update us.)
    via BooBoo_Cat
  • 19
    My co-worker had a similar experience. No moving involved, but their neighbour had two or three cats and one was very unhappy there and would always hang out at her place. The neighbours agreed to let her have the cat and he is so much happier. Really, I think it's the cat's choice who they want to be with.
    via BooBoo_Cat
  • 20
    Okinawa_Mike Once they decide, there's nothing that can be done. This is how it works.
    via Okinawa_Mike
  • 21
    MossMyHeart She likes your yard, she will like the new neighbors when you move. She has people. Don't worry about it. ETA lots of indoor/outdoor cats have multiple spots/people they visit. Removing her from her territory will be a lot more traumatic and stressful for her than you moving.
    via MossMyHeart

  • While she’s clearly loving the cozy vibes at your place, she might not be cool with relocating when you move. Definitely something to consider before packing up the scratching post!

  • 22
    blackcurrantcat I don't think you have to assume the next tenants won't enjoy her company as much as you do- if I was moving into your old house I would 100% treat her the same way you do.
    via blackcurrantcat
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    Pomegranatejuice... She has adopted you. Ask if you can have her.
    via Pomegranatejuice123
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    MrsBadgeress I acquired a cat much in the same way, when I moved she moved with me with my neighbour's blessing. Cats chose their home, we are just to bow down and say thank you.
    via MrsBadgeress

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neighbors Cats adopt advice hoomans pets pawrents moving
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