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How to rehome a stray cat that keeps coming back to its old home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Found cat in my neighborhood. Seems healthy but covered in dreads and dirt. Learned her owners lived here but moved away last year. Took her inside to brush her. Would keep her but for starters we have birds and she's a hunter. She's affectionate but cautious. May have found a potential home but it's far and I worry she'll run back here. Dad thinks we should let her back outside as she has been there fine for a year and sits by the door. What should we do?? She comes to me when I look for her.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on November 22nd, 2017

Most cats will adapt to a new home if kept indoors for 4-6weeks then allowed out supervised for 2-3weeks and can be quite an undertaking for a new owner once cats have been acclimatized to fending for themselves and you should check to see if the new home is in a position to take this on
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