CatDog - All Things Cats and Dogs - When looking for a place to live

One of the biggest challenges cat owners face when relocating is finding a landlord who hasn't had a bad experience with destructive or malodorous pets. But before you cross out any listing in the paper that reads "NO PETS!", consider these tips for improving your chances of you and your feline finding a new apartment or house.

• Ask your current landlord or rental association to provide a letter of reference explaining how your pet was never a problem to any of the tenants and that your cat caused no damage to the property.

• Supply documentation that your pet has been spayed or neutered and has had rabies vaccinations. Landlords see spayed or neutered cats as less likely to be a nuisance to neighbors or exhibit problem behavior.

• Reassure the potential landlord you've found a safe alternative to de-clawing your cat by providing an appropriate surface to scratch upon, such as a Cat tree or by placing claw protective covers to protect furniture surfaces.

• Consider odor-reducing litter accessories. Let your potential rental manager know that your cat faithfully uses a litter box, and you dispose of your pet's waste properly. Placing them in a lock tight or re-sealable plastic bag will minimise indoor odors until you take out the trash. Litter crystals absorb odors and actually eliminate them almost completely. A litter box bench both hides your litter box and makes a great climbing, lounging piece of furniture - its carpet covering keeps odors hidden so well you can keep it in the open.

• Introduce your pet to the property manager. A well-groomed, well-behaved cat makes a very good impression. Try using a waterless shampoo to bathe your pet before the meeting, and brush her coat to remove loose hair. Make sure her ears and teeth are clean - your vet can advise you on how best to clean these areas and with what.

• Offer to pay a little more in security deposit or in monthly rent. Remind the landlord that it is very difficult for pet owners to find housing, and that you are committed to stay if she accepts you. This means dollars and cents to landlords, for they will be spared the cost and inconvenience of turnovers and damage.

If you give yourself plenty of time, do some homework, and adhere to the cat supplies tips above, you'll probably be successful at finding a cat-friendly apartment.

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The Basset hound made famous in the Hush Puppies shoe commercials was officially known as: Jasonian of Westchester, CDX (a.k.a. Jason, 1979-1990).

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3.23 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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