WWYD- Cat issue

[LeighB]

Dh and I moved into a new apartment a few months ago and pets are not allowed (not even with pet rent). We were totally strapped for cash and didn't have any other choice than to move in here and not tell management about our cat. Well now, of course, they have found out about the cat (he was in the downstairs window). It's not an issue, they say, as long as the cat leaves. I am just dying thinking about getting rid of him. He's been with us as long as Dh and I have been together. I want what's best for him and if that means getting rid of him, then I will. Dh says that he can move his box and food into our bedroom and the cat can stay in there during the day. The room is fairly large with a walk in closet. But I think that seems cruel to the cat, and I don't think he would stay in there. We could put him on craigslist, but most ppl want kittens- not 6 year old cats. Plus I'd never see him again and wouldn't know for sure he was with someone nice. There is a great no kill shelter in town (they really are the greatest ppl), but again, the same issue as with craigslist.

ETA-- I know we should not have lied and got ourselves into this- but we did not have another choice. It was either move in here or live in our car, basically.

Thanks for any advice!

[Mama Mko]

That situation is a tough one. Are there no family or friends who could take him for you so you could still see him occasionally?

I would give him to the no kill shelter before I would list him on craigslist. The whole situation sucks. I'm sorry.

[Minky]

I understand the situation because I've been in it before. I've continued hiding a cat after getting "caught" and I see no problem with locking him in your bedroom during the day as long as he gets out in the evening.

Put something on the windowsill that will discourage him from jumping up there, kennel him when there's going to be an inspection (make sure you know when these are going to be) and continue looking for places to live. And don't feel guilty. I think we have the right and responsibility to defy unfairness in housing--we should be accorded affordable housing that allows our pets.

If you do have to get rid of him, I would also go for the shelter before Craigslist, but keep in mind that being locked in a bedroom for most of the day and let out at night is probably better than the conditions at the shelter.

[LeighB]

Thanks for the replies.
We don't have any family he could stay with. Maybe a friend, but I doubt it.

[slimkins]

I think we the room would be fine too as long as the cat was out when you were home. If it is six, they really just lay around during the day anyway.

and a no-kill shelter would be better than craigslist.

[Aries1985]

I found a cat and had him locked in my bedroom with bathroom/ walk in closet and night and when I was gone from my college apartment because my roommate *hated* cats. I didn't trust my roommate to make sure the cat didn't get out or anything either. The cat was out when I was home, and totally fine in my room. It is definitely doable!

[Eman'smom]

Our cat was "hidden" for 5 years, it's very doable and she was very happy, remember they really do sleep most of the day. I'd also keep a casual look-out for other places you never know what you may find.

[Longhairedbeauty]

Like some others, I would definitely hold on to him. Just make sure you know when maintenance people are coming and hide all the 'evidence' (litter box, etc...)

He should be fine in a small space while you are gone for the day- mine is sometimes in exactly the same spot as when I left the apt several hours ago!

Try to find a friend or a kennel to keep him when maintenance people come over (or, if push comes to shove, I'd take the day off work and drive around in the car with him while the maintenance people are there). I would do practically anything to keep my cat!

[LeighB]

Ok, great, this makes me feel better. I was just concerned that it would be cruel to keep him up there. But thinking about it, he really does sleep in the rocking chair most of the day anyway. Maybe we can get him a cat playhouse thingy some day so he'll have more to do.
Thanks all!

[KBinSATX]

I would keep the cat but I would also start looking for another place to live and move as soon as possible. The pet hiding is just so stressful (on the owner more so than the cat).
Good Luck!

[tricia80]

I would actually look at your rental laws... I know in Ontario where we live they cannot throw you out if you have an animal.. unless that animal is causing extreme damage or is unsafe for other renters...

I would keep him and find out my rights...

[Girl In The Fire]

Can you move when your lease is up? Most apartments will not spend the time and money to evict someone because they have an animal, unless it is dangerous. In theory you could just keep the cat and move elsewhere when your lease is up.

[naturegirl7]

Keep him, a large room with large closet is enough to keep most kitties happy - ours stay in our bedroom when we are not home for similiar reasons - remember that most cats sleep during the day anyway! He was probably sleeping in the sun in the window when he ws spotted.
Ours love sleeping in the bed, under the bed, or on DHs shoes in the closet - whether the door is open or not

[phatchristy]

I have friends who have 'hidden' cats in apartments before (actually KNEW someone who hid a cat in a dorm room--no joke). Anyhow, definitely in a room without a window.

[grahamsmom98]

If you want to keep the cat, you need to look for another place to live, NOW. Possibly, if the managers know you are looking for a new residence, they will allow you to keep the cat until you move. Perhaps, too, they will let you out of the lease early, since you wish to keep the cat and it is in violation of the lease agreement.

But, you must actually look for a new home, not just give lip service to the manager, hoping to keep them at bay. Ask them about other apartments they might know of that do accept pets (some places will allow cats and birds, but not dogs). It's worth a try.

I think it is underhanded to knowingly keep an animal when you know it is against the rules (and, have known it was against the rules from before you signed).

Considering they said it isn't an issue unless you keep the cat, they are being pretty reasonable. It's their polite way of saying it's you or the cat.

Knowing how much you obviously care about your cat, try to find another apartment that does allow pets.

If the apartment complex has a rule against this, and you signed a lease in which you agreed to the no-pet rule, you are in violation of your lease. They have the right to kick you out for this. Especially, now that they know you have a cat, they will be checking on you.

...I think we have the right and responsibility to defy unfairness in housing--we should be accorded affordable housing that allows our pets.

But, there are places that allow pets. The OP signed a lease knowing, in advance, that pets are not allowed, and they have a pet anyway. Though I feel for them and their love for their cat, they still violated the terms of the lease. Housing owners/managers have the right to deny housing to pets (just like denying smokers).

People with allergies might love the idea of a pet-free housing policy. Same goes with a no-smoking policy. I don't think it is "unfair" in the least, so long as it is made clear from the beginning (as in the OP's situation).