3 Tips For Cat Owners That Are Renting An Apartment
Posted on: 23 December 2015
Renting an apartment with a cat can sometimes be difficult. Not only do you need to find a place that allows pets, you also need to take steps to ensure your cat doesn't damage the place and cause you to lose your damage deposit. The following tips for cat owners can help you find the perfect apartment and help you get your deposit back when it is time to move.
Tip #1: Get Everything In Writing
It's important that the pet policy in your lease is presented to you in writing. You need to keep a copy of this with you. Sometimes a pet policy changes and you may need to show proof of the policy that was in effect when you signed your lease. The policy should be dated and signed by both you and the leasing agent or property owner. It should include the type and description of the allowed pet along with any fees associated, such as an additional monthly rental fee or a one time deposit. If the deposit isn't fully refundable, this must also be specified.
Tip #2: Consider the Interior Details
When looking for an apartment, look for interior details that are less likely to be damaged by a cat. For example, shutters or heavy wood or wood-look blinds can't be bent and broken like aluminum mini-blinds by a cat trying to look out. Curtains can also be a bad idea if your cat likes to climb. The floor is also important. Hard flooring options, like tile or wood, are more resistant to urine stains than carpet.
Tip #3: Prep Your Cat
Some damage can be avoided with a little planning. Claw caps, which can be installed by a veterinarian, prevent cat claws from damaging carpets or walls. They do require periodic replacement, but they are a safe alternative to painful declawing. You may also be able to prevent clawing by keeping your cat's claws trimmed and by providing scratching posts.
If urine is a concern, begin by introducing your cat to your new apartment slowly. Choose a location for the litter box. Shut the cat into a relatively small area at first with just the box and some food and water. Gradually open doors and increase their access to the apartment over the course of a day or two. This not only ensures they know the location of the box, it allows you to find any initial accidents quickly since the range where they can occur is limited. Once your cat is comfortable in their new home litter box issues shouldn't be a problem if you keep the box clean.
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