Advice please!

[AWiseWomanOnceSaidFuckThisShit]

My poor Nan is in hospital and won't be going home, she has dementia and is being placed into a nursing home ASAP. I am considering having her lovely cat, my Nan adores her and I would feel awful giving her to Cats Protection in case they put her down / can't rehome or she gets into the wrong hands etc. So I'll take her. The thing is I live 10 miles away so it'll be a completely different area and this cat is very outdoorsy, she won't like being kept in my house for long. She's 12 so quite old. Plus I'm out all day for work on weekdays so she'll either have to be in all day or out all day. Nobody lives nearby to check in and I don't talk to my neighbour. What if she runs away? What if she can't settle? Am I even doing the right thing? If it is best for me to take her... how long should I try to keep her in the house before attempting the garden? I was thinking maybe if I spray my Nan's perfume or maybe keep a few items of her clothes in a box to sit in, it might comfort her? Any help welcomed... I don't know what to do for the best 😕

Apparently there is a website called Cat Chat where people are looking to adopt cats but I've told my Mum absolutely not a chance I'd rather keep her myself, I'm terrified she'll end up with some scumbag who is looking for bait / underground dog fights. I know it sounds dramatic but it does happen and I'd be absolutely devastated!

I think it’s a lovely idea and the cat would have to be rehomed anyway so would be away from their usual area and would have to get used to that.
Would you consider a cat flap once the cat is settled so they can come and go?

Yes I'll happily install a cat flap, I'm just a bit concerned that I won't be around all day long during the week. I know it's different to a puppy but Her Ladyship is used to someone being at her constant beck and call (beckoned call?!) Nobody lives nearby and I don't talk to my neighbour.

That's a lovely thing to do for your nan

If you have a spare room I'd start by keeping her in there with some of your nan's things, a chair, cushions, cardigan or similar, a tray, food and water and things to climb and sleep on, and some toys. She will let you know when she's ready to explore further (my last cat lasted a day, recent one 2 weeks).

She should be kept indoors for at least 2 weeks and then let her out on a day when you'll be home, and before feeding her! Just let her explore at her own pace, don't carry her around or interrupt as she gets her bearings. If she's used to a flap then it should all be pretty easy.

Make sure to change her microchip to your details and let the vets know you are taking over her care.

As a cat owner I’d want family looking after a cat of mine. It will give her a lot of comfort.

In a new house she won’t want to go out straightaway anyway because their quite cautious animals. She’ll need to be in 3-4 weeks anyway by which time she’ll have things sussed out. I was very impressed when mine first figured out how to get from back to front in a terraced row.

You will need a flap though, locked in at night for safety.

Timed feeding bowls for wet food, as well as leaving dry food out.?
It’s a fab thing you are doing. Yes she’s having to move home, but she already knows you and that will help her settle really quite quickly.
Btw - photo when you can please!