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How to Find a Cat-Friendly Apartment

Author: Brent Goodman

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.

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 Soft Claws Nail Caps over your cat's claws to protect 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. The Litter Locker Plus tightly seals waste in a plastic liner to minimize indoor odors until you take out the trash. Pet-Clear Crystals absorb odors and actually eliminate them completely - and they work forever. 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. Use Ear Clens® and Dental Clens® Pads to make sure her ears and teeth are clean.

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.

About the author: Brent Goodman holds degrees in English from Ripon College, a Masters of Fine Arts from Purdue University, and has extensive experience in research communications and educational publishing across various fields of study. He is currently the Senior Copywriter at Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies, the nation's leading online and catalog pet supplier.

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