I have a cat and the apartment I live in says I have to pay for the cat. What should I do?

Question

I really like our cat but the apartments want 375 USD for us to keep it. What should you think I should do? I’m thinking of keeping it at a neighbor for like 2 weeks and tell the apartment we got rid of it and get it back after 2 weeks after things have cooled.

Answer 1

It is impossible to hide a cat if it has free range of your apt. They love to sit in windows, or on back of couch in front of the window. The point is cats can be seen from outside. They are asking for a damage deposit. Cats can do a lot of damage with their claws. You should keep them clipped, or have front ones removed. Get a scratching post in either case. With or without claws, cats habitually scratch. "Theoretically" if there is no damage when you move out, landlord would refund it, or take "part" for extra cleaning of drapes (cat hairs) and rug. Takes extra shampooing to get rid of hair. If you decide to keep the cat, pay up. You can inquire if it is a flat fee, or if it is a "refundable damage deposit type fee. Maybe they would take installments if you are short on $$$. I wouldn't plan on getting any of it back, however.

Answer 2

Don't do something stupid like sneaking it in again, they can confiscate it because they already offered you the option and you 'declined' it.

Ask if the $375 is refundable when you move out -- many places use it as a security deposit for the pet, not a 'fee' you never get back.

I was right up front every time I moved, that I had pet cats. Some wanted a deposit, some didn't need one. I always had them returned when I moved out. If you have renters insurance you can have the cat in it for coverage as well (it doesn't usually add anything to the total), and tell your landlord that the cat is also covered with the insurance you've got on your apartment. This shows a lot of responsibility and anyone waffling over the idea of pets in your building will be a lot more lenient when dealing with you.

If you fake it and bring the cat in later, they'll know you're not up front on anything else either, and that can really go against you. Cats like to sit in windows, it's not like they'll not see him at some point.

Answer 3

First I would read your rental agreement/lease. If it states that there is a pet deposit then you are required to pay the deposit. I wouldn't take the animal somewhere else for a short time then try to bring it back, if you get caught it will only be worse on the animal (such as you having to find a new home for it, or apt mgr wont let you pay deposit). Be a responsible adult and pay the deposit. Cats can do quite a bit of damage to an apartment if not entertained enough. Be sure the animal has lots of stimulation while it's young.

Answer 4

Every apartment complex requires a fee for cats and dogs, it's not just your apartment. I would pay the fee, and just get that out of the way, your not hiding anything like in your plan.
If the fee is a problem, keep your cat at a friends house until you are able to come up with the money for the fee. Once you have the money go pay the fee and everything will be fine!

Hope i helped

Answer 5

You arew going to have to make a decision...pay the charge, and get to keep the cat in your new home, give the cat away without having to pay the charge and stay in the new home, or move to a place where pets are allowed free. Usually you want to make sure the place you are moving into allows pets for free! And also, it probably will only make thew apartment owners angry that you lied about getting rid of the cat...Hope this helps, and good luck

Answer 6

Pay the deposit. Most complexes will let you split it up over a couple months. And, if it doesn't tear up the apartment or ruin the carpets, you'll get it back after you move.
If you love your home and you love your pet, this shouldn't be a tough decision.
Getting caught by hiding the cat will cost you the apartment, a bad rating, and possibly your furrbaby. It's not worth it.

Answer 7

I am in property management and people sneak pets in all the time. Unless they have said something to you about it, don't worry, they really have better things to do than to see if your sneaking a cat in. It is really sad that they have to charge so much-when there are so many unwanted pets in this world-people that can barely afford these high extra costs. No wonder we have such a high number of pets that are put to sleep needlessly- If they say something just do what you said you would do-take it to a friends house when they come to do an inspection-If it ruins the carpet that will be your only expense.

Answer 8

No, don't do that. Your cat will eventually show his head through the window and you can be evicted. Pay the money. Ask the landlord if you can pay so much each month until it is paid in full. I'm sure you knew the rules about pets. Be a responsible pet owner,

Answer 9

they want $375 just for you to have the cat at the apartment? thats ridiculous if they want that much just so you can keep your cat. dont go against their rules by getting rid of the cat then getting it back without them knowing, you will mostly get caught and kicked out of your apartment.

find a new apartment that allows cats

Answer 10

That might work, but chances are that it won't. When I lived in an apartment, the maintenance people would always write on their sheet if they saw pets when they came in to do work. Luckily one of my cats always hides, so they only ever saw one cat (I didn't want to pay 2 pet deposits!)
Anyway, I'd say suck it up and pay the fee. Hopefully it's refundable when you move out!