To not exchange contracts until I know what the seller's plans are for her cat?

[decimatedday]

We're moving house, and in the final stages of conveyancing. I recently met the owner and she mentioned that her cat had been born in the property and has a well-trodden territory. She said she can't take the cat with her because she is going into rented accommodation and travels abroad a lot. At that point she hadn't decided what to do with it (tbh I got the impression she was hoping I might volunteer to take it on).

I'm a bit worried she might re-home the cat with a near-neighbour or somewhere close enough for it to return to its territory. As we have a cat of our own, this would be a big problem. I've requested reassurance via the solicitor but so far we haven't had an answer. AIBU to hold out for one?

Your own cats will likely have a few territory scraps whether this existing cat stays locally or doesn't. That's just how cats are. There are probably several local cats who pass through the garden day and night. I wouldn't worry about the cat staying nearby, your own cats will probably set about correcting her if she keeps coming by uninvited.

However if you really think she may just leave the cat behind then you should check on that. To be honest now I've thought about it, this woman seems to have an interest in the cats welfare. I doubt she'll just walk away without sorting out a new home. But of course you should check if you need to. Holding things up to check on animal welfare is far more worthy than the usual reasons.

Why don't you just adopt the cat? You've got one already, they'll either love or hate one another, but will work out a tolerable regime between them. I understand your frustration though, I personally wouldn't move unless I could take my animals