Hi everyone, happy Friday!
I’m sorry for the long post!

I wonder if any of you would mind giving me some advice on a house move with my cat please.

In 2016, I went travelling for 1.5 years and my parents kindly took my cat in whilst I was away. I came back in January of this year, into an agreement that I’d be living at home until I secured myself a job and new living situation. My mum (diagnoses with severe OCD & anxiety), said she had become attached to my cat and she’d be keeping him (not up for discussion).

The whole time I was away (and unknown to me until I had arrived home, my little one was getting into fights constantly.. we’re talking 3/4+ per month) and having antibiotics - you can imagine how expensive that has been. I paid them back and am continuing to pay for his vet bills, as he’s still losing every fight.

Now I’ve got a lovely job and I’m in the process of buying my first flat. It should be complete in a couple of months, yay!

This morning, after what feels like the millionth time, my mum comes in, exasperated because the cat has another injury. But this time she said, I need him to go to a new home.
So it’s been agreed that I will take him
Annoyingly, my mum won’t keep him in at night (as recommended by the vet) to try to prevent the fights as he cries and obviously needs to use the litter box.. & she can’t deal with that/won’t let me deal with it. It’s so frustrating.

I’m anxious about moving him In with me as the back of my home is fine, I have a private garden then other houses at the back. The front concerns me as it’s a really busy main road.

Should I buy a leash for when I introduce him to the new place? I’m so anxious, any suggestions would be gratefully received!

Thanks!