Читать книгу How to Hide Your Cat from the Landlord: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to Living in Harmony with a Compatible Feline in Smaller Spaces - Jasmine Kinnear - Страница 8
ОглавлениеExamining VariousLiving Accommodations
Some tenants are required to hide a feline with whom they have established a long and intimate relationship. In such a situation your greatest advantage is the knowledge of your cat’s personal idiosyncrasies. By sharing a loving relationship you are well aware of their noise and current activity levels. Therefore you may be reasonably certain if they will comfortably adapt to living in relative seclusion.
There are times in life when circumstances dictate a move. The loss of a spouse or of a significant relationship through death or divorce may determine a change in finances. As a result, often during an emotional crisis a change of residence will become a necessity. Confronting such a difficult situation should not have to include losing a beloved cat. Hence many people may be faced with renting for the first time and also being placed in a situation where hiding their cat is a necessity for their emotional health.
Consider your finances. Are you restricted to apartment life? Are you able to purchase a condo or is the rental of a townhouse within your financial budget? We will fully examine both the advantages and disadvantages when residing within these and other types of living accommodations.
Apartments
Apartment living may be a satisfying experience for both feline and owner. Depending on the availability of rental accommodations it need not prove impossible to locate a reasonably priced apartment. Although every city will fluctuate in cost there are solutions for every tenant’s situation.
It may require additional effort to locate the appropriate apartment for residing comfortably with your feline. Over the years it has remained my personal belief that in life “you only keep what you give away.” To keep your precious cat any work and expense required will be well worth your time and effort. When you have been blessed with a loving feline her comforting presence will only continue to enrich your life.
My mother has never quite understood my passion or the great comfort I have realized by living with my cats. Even though she has confided her desire to eventually own a cat she complains she can’t abide the loss of their fur. However, true cat lovers consider a feline’s shedding coat as simply a part of life when residing with cats. I would patiently remind my mother that despite a little more work, grooming my cats was another treasured moment in our daily relationship. It was well worth the time and effort because my attention was returned with their love and affection. Therefore when incurring additional costs to include a beloved cat while renting, consider how much comfort she offers to your life. With everything considered you would still be obligated to manage the cost of renting an apartment had you decided to live without her.
~~How you behave toward cats here below determines your status in Heaven~~ Richard A. Heinlein
Selecting an Apartment
The size of your building may actually provide additional privacy. In a high rise residence with a greater number of tenants you become one of many and your presence is not as noticeable. The placement of your apartment within the building is of the utmost importance as it may have a direct effect on your personal stress level and hence the behavior of your cat.
If you are moving to a new apartment it simply makes sense to rent as far away from the Manager as possible. Do not accept an apartment on the lower floors or at the front of the building. Some larger high rise buildings contain apartments not only on the front and back but more preferably along both sides of the building. If there are no streets on one side of the building those apartments will be rewarded with greater privacy. If such a location is unavailable another preferable location would be facing a parking lot. People returning home from work are seldom looking up into windows. If you are located a good distance from the elevator and situated at the far end of a hall, fewer people will be passing your door. It is also mandatory that you only accept an apartment where the building provides a controlled entrance. Many larger high rise apartments are also equipped with video surveillance for additional security. Tenants are able to view all visitors on their cable television prior to permitting entry into the building.
Choosing to reside at higher levels may allow you to provide your feline with indoor window ledge access. It is best to be aware of street visibility from every window ledge within your suite. It is also mandatory to screen all windows within your apartment to protect your cat. There are many choices of screens available that will not be visible from the street below. A lighter colored cat may be difficult to identify against a lightly colored drape lining. Conversely, a darker colored cat may be more difficult to detect against the darkness of a drapeless window in the evening. Should you be concerned regarding your feline’s visibility from any of your windows place an object approximately the same size and color as your cat on the ledges. Having observed from various positions on the street below you’ll know if other tenants in the building may detect your feline.
When provided with an opportunity, have a friend remain in your suite to place your cat on each of the ledges while you watch from the street below. Remain in contact with your friend by cell phone and provide instructions as to the placement of your feline within each window. This exercise should be repeated in daylight and during the dark of night viewing the drapes in both an open and drawn position. If you were in doubt this exercise will prove the deciding factor if your feline may be permitted the luxury of sun bathing on your window ledges. Should you be required to prevent your cat from accessing window ledges consider purchasing a tall scratching pole with sleeping ledges. Place the pole near a window and your cat will have the opportunity to exercise with a safe and private view. Indoor non-toxic potted plants or assorted knick-knacks should occupy your window ledges to both prevent and discourage your feline from gaining access to an off limits area.
The Manager
Apartments may be listed through the internet, in your local newspaper or through rental agencies in your community. It appears professional and less intrusive to make your initial contact with the Manager by telephone. Only arrange for an appointment should there be suites available that appear suitable for your lifestyle and the comfort of your feline.
In selecting your apartment building it is best to be warm and friendly but professional in your initial presentation. When dealing with Managers use your listening skills as their character will become evident if you permit them to speak. Managers or Superintendants have routinely shown apartments and therefore have a tendency to make their initial evaluation within the first ten minutes of your meeting. If you are well spoken and well dressed your character will be assessed as acceptable. Their concern will then center on providing details regarding the various attributes of the building including management’s rules and regulations.
Should you be comfortable with the Manager’s character your concern should then focus on viewing as many suites as are available within the building. If you indicate a preference for apartments on the side or back and on the higher floors they will have an idea of which apartments may interest you. The time of year will usually determine the number of vacancies a building may be trying to fill. Some rentals only provide a month to month tenancy while others may offer a yearly lease agreement. However should you find the perfect building without a suitable apartment inquire of any possible vacancies in the near future and request to be included on their waiting list. When you appear to be a pleasant person whom the Manager believes will create few problems more doors will be opened to you.
Keep a journal in your vehicle to make immediate note of every apartment viewed. Record where you would be most comfortable renting and include your initial impression of the Manager. Your primary concern should be the placement of your apartment and the Manager’s personality. Some of them are difficult while others are simply performing their job with little interest in those tenants who are quiet. It is best to rely on your instincts as a guide regarding the Manager and your final decision whether or not to rent within that building.
If management changes while you are in residence your name should not be mentioned when you have been a pleasant tenant. The atmosphere of a building may fluctuate with much depending on the personality of the new Manager. However as a quiet, respectful tenant that seldom makes demands you will be rewarded with privacy. When providing postdated checks you eliminate any worry of neglecting to pay your rent on time or troubling your Manager with a need to knock on your door.
When attempting to hide your cat’s presence in your apartment you never want to be identified as a cat lover. Therefore even if you have a large collection of cat t-shirts and jewellery it’s best they not be worn in the common areas of your apartment building. It remains mandatory that manage-ment never connects you with felines. Do not display your love for cats by wearing a cat lover’s ensemble of various items. I personally own countless pieces of cat jewellery, sweaters and t-shirts which I always covered with my seasonal coats and hats. It’s simply better to never have your passion for cats be recognized. The less the Manager knows about you the better.
When researching this publication several cat loving Managers were also interviewed. One memorable contact was a married couple providing professional management for an exclusive 30 floor high rise apartment building. For many years they had successfully hidden their two cats from almost nine hundred tenants. Despite the constant interruptions at their front door they were extremely successful and never encountered any problems.
My initial contact was as a consultant to assist the couple in acquiring a purebred registered Sphynx kitten. I seized the opportunity to conduct an interview to fully comprehend the Landlords’ perspective on this sensitive issue. Landlords seldom provide their true feelings regarding responsible tenants hiding cats in their apartments. As the building’s management they were willing to share their experiences and confided their suspicions of several tenants currently hiding their felines. Bob appeared to be more troubled by disruptive and demanding tenants than those quietly living with their cats. In the position of Manager it was his responsibility to uphold the established building policy of “No Pets.” However once he became aware of a good tenant hiding a feline the confidential information remained with him and was never reported. Bob further confirmed that those tenants owning cats provided the least amount of grief to his working day. Although obligated by the Building Corporation to report those not abiding by such regulations, when it came to his good tenants he would remain silent. His wife Joanne also preferred cat owners as their tenancy was usually long-term. It became her experience that tenants residing with cats left their suites in immaculate condition once they vacated the building. She believed it was in unspoken gratitude to the Managers for permitting a beloved feline the privilege of living in a “No Pets” apartment.
I have met several Managers also residing in pet restricted buildings who have further supported this sentiment. Not every Manager will claim to love cats however without exception they all prefer quiet non-demanding tenants who always pay their rent on time.
~~The cat has complete emotional honesty, human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not.~~ Ernest Hemingway
Maintaining Privacy & Security
There are a few simple things everyone should do to ensure their personal security. If a peep hole is not installed in your front door before taking occupancy inquire if the Manager will install one as a security precaution. Once provided with a method to view a visitor it then becomes your prerogative whether or not to permit entry. This will also provide adequate time to remove your cat, all cat toys and any other signs of a feline in residence that may be visible prior to allowing entry into your home.
It also remains a sound security practice to always shred any correspondence displaying your name, address or other pertinent information. Never provide a link to your apartment by placing bank statements, credit card bills or other confidential printed material in your building’s trash or recycling facilities.
The Key to Your Personal Security
Following life in my condominium I eventually moved across town to the top floor of a high rise apartment building. Over a period of five years I rented my one bedroom suite and finally realized a life of total bliss and contentment with my cat Dustin. Although not located in the best area of town the building provided a warm environment in which I felt totally safe and protected. In retrospect, considering my age at the time, I wasn’t overly concerned with safety issues. I loved my home and felt secure by simply practicing the accepted safety precautions of many single young women.
On Friday evenings I would follow a weekly routine of transporting all my laundry downstairs to the basement during the dinner hour. One great advantage of apartment life is living in a large building where you have the use of multiple machines. I timed my laundry duties to coincide with the dinner hour to avoid encountering a busy laundry room.
The only time I left my apartment door unlocked was for the twenty minutes or so it took to transport my clean laundry back upstairs to my suite. With my apartment door locked it was difficult to balance my laundry basket and assorted items on hangers when opening the door. This system had worked for several years and remained the only time my home was left vulnerable with Dustin alone in residence.
On one particular Friday evening I was totally unprepared for a memorable encounter which was to occur behind my unlocked door. I took the elevator to the top floor while balancing a large basket of clean laundry. However, a surprise was waiting for me in my apartment. As the door swung open, I discovered a naked man lying on the floor stretched out in total comfort watching television. We stared at each other speechless in complete shock. I glanced back at the suite number displayed on the door which confirmed this was not my apartment. I quickly realized my error as I had obviously caught the elevator to the wrong floor. Thoughtlessly I intruded on a new neighbor on the floor directly beneath my own apartment who had also left his door unlocked. I stammered an apology and red faced with embarrassment shut the naked man’s door retreating to the safety of my own suite directly above.
That was the last time I ever left my door unlocked for any reason. I’m sure my male neighbor residing in his suite below also learned the same valuable lesson. The moral of this story is to always keep your door locked no matter how short the duration you plan to remain outside your home. Whether getting your mail, doing your laundry or disposing of trash this essential practice should be followed at all times. In addition it is equally important to keep your door locked at all times when you are inside your apartment. This was a lesson well learned and an error in judgement I never repeated.
Years later I was informed by a client who had purchased two kittens from my cattery that she had also made this classic error. After leaving her apartment door unlocked for several minutes her two beloved six-month-old kittens were stolen from her suite. The whereabouts of the Persians were never discovered and the theft became an inconsolable and devastating loss to their owner. The story of these dear kittens was passed on whenever I sold to anyone living in an apartment or condominium. I would warn those buyers how quickly kittens or adult cats can be taken from a suite when the door has been left unlocked. Therefore for your own safety and the safety of your feline, the most valuable key to your personal security is to always use your key.
Purchasing & Transporting Feline Supplies
In order to maintain your privacy consistent care is also necessary when transporting feline supplies into your suite. Should your apartment provide adequate storage space, litter need not prove too difficult a challenge. Once purchased but prior to transporting home, place the cat litter bag within a non-transparent larger bag to be transferred privately to your suite. Although larger quantities of cat litter are economical they are also heavy and more difficult to handle. It should prove easier to manage the weight of litter with the use of a collapsible shopping cart. By using a shopping cart with wheels litter may then be safely transported from the car to your apartment. With the convenience of maintaining a larger supply of cat litter at home there would be fewer trips transporting it through the common areas of your building. The same cart may then serve a dual purpose as the ideal storage space for holding cat litter in your suite when kept within a closet. In place of a shopping cart I have also used a large suitcase as it could easily hold a large bag of cat litter. As the suitcase was equipped with wheels and a strong pull strap there was little difficulty transporting the contents privately to my apartment.
Although more costly you may prefer to purchase litter in more convenient smaller sizes. You will then be able to transport your cat’s litter supplies through the common areas of the building with discretion. To avoid frequent trips to your pet store purchase several smaller bags of litter each time you require supplies. By enclosing these smaller bags within durable cloth shopping bags all contents will remain hidden. Ensure the contents are not visible and completely disguised while you are transporting the enclosed bags into your apartment. The same precautions should be employed when transporting cat food into your suite.
Disposal Methods
Care should also be employed when disposing of all soiled cat litter and cat food containers including bags, pails, tins, etc. The correct method used will depend on your building’s refuse facilities. If you have purchased cat food and litter in paper bags or cardboard boxes then these should be shredded. Should you be unable to shred these bags or boxes then they could be reversed and used as trash bags or placed in recycling bins where facilities exist. Likewise, if you purchase litter in heavy duty plastic bags these too should be reversed and may be used as trash bags. Some companies use plastic containers for litter or dried cat food. Labels should be removed and shredded. Then place the plastic containers with your regular household waste or recycling for disposal. Similarly, when disposing of rinsed cat food tins simply remove and shred the cat identifying label then place the tins with your regular household waste or in the recycling bin.
Dispose of soiled litter frequently to prevent the bag from breaking due to the concentrated weight. Maintain a supply of standard paper bags which can be reinforced by placing them within plastic grocery bags. Both are provided when purchasing groceries and offer additional protection for litter disposal. However should your pet store supply a brand name cat litter that is flushable you may be spared additional work and not require your building’s refuse facilities. Please note that it is essential to request at time of purchase if the store will guarantee that their disposible litter will not create plumbing hazards in your apartment suite.
Catnip Corner
Take time to prepare a special area of isolation for your cat that may be used should the Manager unexpectantly arrive at your door. It is best to own two cat carriers. One should be stored in the trunk of your car and a second that never leaves your bedroom closet. As the cat carrier in your closet is never used for transportation to the vet, you will not be stressing your feline with an environment that is associated with change and fear. The carrier in your bedroom closet should be a place of comfort associated with pleasant memories. Catnip should be placed in the carrier infrequently to encourage your cat to associate that area as part of their personal territory. Some felines are attracted to a quiet dark area where they are able to rest and will frequently retreat to the peace and quiet of their carriers.
Should you have a visitor at your door never attempt to keep your cat occupied by using catnip. This product should be used infrequently and only to associate the carrier as a feline friendly environment. Cats often become more aggressive when they are provided with catnip. With time and as your feline ages you will be better able to interpret your cat’s expected behavior while he is under the influence. It should also be noted that kittens may not show any interest in catnip and some adult cats are only mildly stimulated by it’s effects.
Many felines become lethargic and will sleep when they have been fed pure chicken or beef baby food in their secluded carriers. Make the carrier as comfortable as possible with a pillow and an article of your own clothing. Due to heat during certain times of the year, the placement of the carrier may need to be changed if the bedroom closet is deemed inappropriate. If you utilize a fan and quietly play music behind the closed bedroom door it will provide additional background noise. In fact your visitor may quickly leave as it might be assumed you are entertaining a guest in the room.
There may be circumstances when your feline must remain quietly entertained in their carrier for a short period of time. I have found it most effective to keep a sealed jar of pure meat baby food with a spoon and plate right in the bedroom where the carrier is kept. If the baby food is sealed and has never been opened, it can be safely stored in your bedroom for the appropriate time when it will be needed. Once opened should your cat not finish the food it must be refrigerated or safely discarded. There are assorted flavors of baby food with many including vegetables and meat. It is important to only purchase the pure meat variety of baby food selecting either chicken or beef according to your cat’s personal preference. This food should be considered as a special treat and only opened to keep the cat occupied in his carrier while you are dealing with any unexpected company. Empty the entire jar of baby food on a plate and place it in the carrier with your cat. Keep the carrier door closed, leave the closet door ajar and close the door to your bedroom. Providing comforting music in the room will soothe the feline and also provide a background distraction to hide any sounds the cat may make in their enclosed carrier.
Chicken or beef baby food is such a pure source of meat it truly is a seductive food for cats. If only provided when you require them to be quiet they usually remain preoccupied while consuming their treat. It may be wise to practice several times to ascertain exactly how long your cat will remain quiet and if the baby food is an appropriate distraction to amuse your cat.
You may discover that the catnip corner is not an appropriate distraction for your cat. There are some felines that remain more content when they are placed and carried within their owner’s favorite handbag. Even with an unexpected visitor’s presence some felines are perfectly content and will stay quiet in an oversized handbag while their owner carries the bag over one shoulder. By leaving the top of the bag open and stroking their cat’s fur through the unzipped opening many felines remain content with a minimal amount of contact. Caterina, my Seal Point Himalayan was always quiet as long as I had my hand inside the bag and was stroking her. Such a large handbag can also be used to quietly transport your feline through the common areas of your building to a vehicle when you both must leave the apartment. The best method employed will depend entirely on the personality and age of your feline.
Moving in with a Roommate
If you are able to move next door to a trustworthy friend there will be a safe haven for your cat should your apartment need repairs beyond your own capabilities. It can be a mutually advantageous relationship when you both have cats and are able to emotionally support one another. Should you both be seeking kittens and live side by side in the same building it is best to select litter mates who will grow and play together on a regular basis.
Try keeping the kittens in the same apartment for company during the day while you are both working. This eliminates boredom as they will adapt to each home when you rotate between the two apartments on a regular basis. By adopting this practice neither cat will become territorial and will be company for each other as they accept the other’s scent and presence. Although trust is a necessity for this arrangement to succeed good friends are able to enjoy the best of both worlds. The cats will provide company for each other and not be lonely during the day. In the evenings each cat will desire their owner’s presence in their own apartment. When you have a feline friendly second apartment you can share the responsibility of hiding your cat in a moment’s notice.
If you are involved in a relationship or residing with a roommate then hiding your cat may prove to be less stressful. Your feline can always be removed from your suite in the event the Landlord’s services are required. When an apartment is shared, prior to the purchase or adoption of a feline it is best to first ascertain the legal ownership of the pet. To avoid any complications should the relationship end or the living arrangements change, the ownership of your cat will have been agreed upon in writing and therefore be legally established. Many friendships have been permanently damaged over the love of a cat. As with all possessions and treasured items in your shared home, the ownership of your feline should be finalized before any problems surface.
If you are purchasing a kitten, domestic or purebred, ensure that the paperwork is in the owner’s name and as the owner you assume full responsibility for all feline expenses including veterinarian costs. When purchasing a domestic kitten from a pet store or local animal shelter they will issue a receipt stating the legal owner. If you obtain a baby from a home where a litter of domestic kittens have been born it is essential that the veterinarian record of vaccinations and eventual altering clearly state the name of the legal owner.
The Balcony
Apartments and condominiums usually include balconies for the enjoyment of their tenants. However a decision must be made whether that enjoyment should also be extended to your cat. When selecting an apartment it is best to ensure that you have privacy and have solved any possible safety issues if your feline is to be permitted outside balcony access. When I lived with my cats in a twelve-storey high rise apartment building I had never heard of ‘High Rise Syndrome’ or HRS. HRS had yet to be acknowledged nor its obvious connection to apartment dwelling felines. Although this condition is presently well documented unfortunately it still occurs with alarming frequency. I believe I was spared this heartbreak through a matter of good fortune and the art of fine feline balance. I realize now that it could easily have happened to any one of my three cats.
Thomas, Dustin’s companion cat, loved to sit on the outside ledge of my balcony perched directly above the street, twelve floors away from certain death. He loved the incredible view and the privacy realized on the ledge that was only large enough for his solitary moments of quiet contemplation. I kept my litter boxes on the balcony during the Summer months and therefore could not control his movements while I was away working. When home I would lure him back onto the main balcony with his favorite treats and would then prevent his access to the smaller eight-inch square ledge.
I must stress again that I permitted my cats balcony access before any information was available on the important subject of High Rise Syndrome. It is best to be aware of any situation that could lead to sudden death or danger for your beloved cat. Both the American Humane Association (AHA) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) have written extensively on this topic. I wish to acknowledge these sources for the following passages that appear in italics:
High Rise Syndrome
Your apartment is a terrific home for your feline friend. High above the busy streets, your cat will be safe from speeding cars, dangerous diseases and cruel people. However, living in an apartment might not protect your cat from serious injury. Balconies, terraces, fire escapes and open windows can be unseen enemies if you do not take precautions.
While High Rise Syndrome is primarily a problem of city cats, even suburban and country cat owners need to take heed. Although cats usually land on their feet, depending on the distance of the fall and the kind of surface they land on, they can sustain severe injuries and/or death. Cats appear to like perching in dangerous, high places and have little fear of heights. Many owners believe they will not fall. However thousands of them do fall each year from balconies, open windows and rooftops. Sometimes a cat who has been watching a bird will become so focused, he or she may step out into thin air. Likewise, sometimes a cat chasing a moth indoors can sail right out an open unscreened window.
A determined cat can wiggle through the smallest opening of any window or glass sliding door. Tiny balcony ledges are a particular hazard for cats living in high rises. A comfortable body harness and leash held by you is the best protection against any falls.
ASPCA president and CEO Dr. Larry Hawk says, “Pet owners need to know that this syndrome is 100% preventable if they install full window screens and take other simple precautions.” When cats fall from high places they don’t land squarely on their feet. Instead, they land with their feet slightly splayed apart which can cause severe head and pelvis injuries. It is a misconception that cats won’t be injured if they fall from one or two story buildings. They may actually be at greater risk for injury when falling shorter distances than by falling from mid-range or higher altitudes. Shorter distances do not give them enough time to adjust their body posture to fall correctly.
There is a 90% survival rate for cats that are high rise victims if they receive immediate and appropriate medical attention. Cat owners should also make sure they keep their cats indoors to protect them from additional dangers such as cars, other animals, disease or getting lost. People that want to give their cats outdoor stimulation can look into full screen enclosures for backyards and terraces.
If Your Cat Should Fall...
• Never assume that your cat has been killed, even if you look down and see him/her lying lifeless.
• Do not give up looking should your cat disappear after a fall. It is not uncommon for cats to hide in bushes or creep into buildings if the fall has upset or frightened them.
• Call your veterinarian immediately.
Prior to my understanding of HRS I had maintained an open balcony policy and permitted my three cats free liberty. Had I been aware of High Rise Syndrome they would have remained strictly indoors unless I was on the balcony with them. I would have hung planters to prevent any high wire feline acrobatics such as my cats running across the long balcony ledges. I would also have removed all balcony furniture unless I was outside with them. Thomas, my most adventurous wanderer would have been trained to use a cat harness. He never would have discovered the tiny ledge on the outside of my balcony with the spectacular private view which lay before him at free will.
For those residing with enclosed glass screened balconies your feline is offered the best of both worlds. Your home not only provides additional space, but your cat is given the luxury of fresh air without the dangers outside cats are subjected to on a daily basis. Many condominiums offer completely enclosed balconies that provide felines with a wonderfully fulfilling life. However even those dwelling in apartments are able to extend a limited amount of fresh air to their cats as well. It’s not the enclosed outside spaces that are important but rather the love a cat receives and the treasured space they occupy within their owner’s heart that truly matters.
~~Time spent with cats is never wasted.~~ May Sarton
Condominium Living
Whether you are renting or have the opportunity to purchase a condo you will be presented with unique and varied challenges. Condo rentals can sometimes be obtained from professionals earning higher incomes who often purchase quality units as yearly tax write-offs. Some professionals will consider their investment as simply a short-term holding property. Others will view their purchase as a longer term retirement investment opportunity. Should you locate the perfect condo consider the age of the professional in determining their true intentions. If you wish a longer term rental it is best to ascertain the owner’s commitment of holding the condo as a short or long-term investment. Professionals owning condos are usually concerned with acquiring a responsible tenant to provide income to satisfy annual property taxes and monthly condo fees. Physicians are more inclined to handle their own condo rentals to avoid incurring fees. Conversely, legal professionals desiring their privacy will pay to utilize a rental management company to handle all contact with their tenants.
If you are renting directly from the owner you will have the benefit of additional information prior to committing to a rental agreement. A physician handling their own tenancy requirements will be consumed with maintaining a growing medical practice. They work long hours with their practices requiring time for both business and travel. Many physicians prefer to protect their income and become an incorporated company holding diversified interests. Their condominium concerns will simply be in acquiring a responsible tenant who will care for the property during their many absenses. Once a physician is satisfied they have found a good tenant you may then expect limited contact with the owner. Unless you initiate the contact you may only expect to receive the standard annual rental increases by mail.
Should you be dealing with a rental management company you may have limited information regarding the owner of your suite. If you indicate your preference for a long-term tenancy it is best to not rely on the accuracy of the information provided. The rental management company is only aware of details as provided by their client or the investment company listed as the registered owner of the suite.
The option of renting a condo may be a possibility depending on your area. The deciding factor will be determined by your personal preference and desired length of tenancy. Should the owner wish a yearly lease you may only have the option to rent the suite for that limited period of time. Do not rely on a verbal commitment from an owner despite any confirmation stating they intend to hold the property as a longer term investment. Once the condo has been sold, you will be requested to vacate as more often than not the new owners intend to live in the suite themselves.
Condos may be more costly to rent but will provide a superior living environment. Balconies are often enclosed offering greater privacy and safety for your feline. Sound proofing is usually superior and generally the suites are more spacious. Many condos are provided with personal laundry facilities further eliminating the need to leave the privacy of your suite. Condos are basically self contained units and you will not necessarily experience the same interaction with a Manager or Superintendent as you would in an apartment building. However an appointed Building Committee of condo owners will be present for any problems occurring within the common areas of the building. As you do not own your rental suite you may be spared excessive contact with the Building Committee and will not be required to attend meetings for voting purposes.
Elite and prosperous condominiums may have 24 hour security patrols throughout the building. It is best to be aware that security will be passing your door on a regular basis both night and day. Therefore careful attention should be taken when selecting your Feline by Design as you are seeking the Perfect Condo Kitty for quiet companionship. Please refer to page 56 for our Perfect Condo Kitty Guide.
~~The ideal of calm exists in a sitting cat.~~ Jules Reynard
Townhouses
There are many cat lovers who own their own condo or townhouse but are denied the pleasure of owning a cat. If you are living in a townhouse and can easily enter and exit through your own garage, it becomes easier to keep your feline’s presence from the Complex Committee. Also your home is not usually subject to inspection unless there is a major structural problem.
Townhouses are often individually purchased although some complexes are owned by corporations and remain available for rent. If a townhouse is a consideration, your feline may be permitted enclosed balcony access. Townhouses usually consist of two levels and provide adequate space for a feline to explore. Should your townhouse contain an enclosed patio, prior to permitting your cat outside access, consider all safety issues including your cat’s visiblity from other suites. When living in a townhouse your cat will have ample space to explore and depending on their activity level should receive adequate exercise. Always supply a scratching pole with sleeping ledges to provide your cat with a private space for rest and observation. You will be encouraging your cat to remain active and such felines seldom scratch furniture when introduced to a quality pole as kittens. Townhouses with two floors totally delight cats as they are drawn to stairs for playful exercise encounters.
If you own your townhouse and your cat is discovered you may be subject to considerable financial fines and penalties. However there is a rarely known clause in many townhouse bylaws that will permit a cat to live within an owner’s suite.
One couple interviewed for this publication provided a letter from the wife’s physician stating that she had to own a cat due to her emotional instability. With medical documentation the Committee quickly approved the request and permitted the wife to adopt a single cat. The couple had owned their felines for many years but once the Committee approved her request the wife no longer experienced anxiety due to the fear of having her hidden cats discovered. These smart cat lovers had adopted two identically colored cats when originally pur-chasing their townhouse. Although the Committee had only approved the adoption of a single cat she was able to keep them both and no one ever discovered that she in fact cherished two feline treasures.
~~To me, the best holistic remedy for high blood pressure is a purring cat on your lap~~ Kathrine Palmer Peterson
Duplexes and Smaller Homes
My rented home was a duplex with approximately 900 square feet upstairs and included an unfinished basement of the same size. Although it sounds like a home of adequate size, much of the space was not utilized due to a large staircase which lead from the front door to the living area upstairs or down to the basement. It was an older house with smaller rooms but it remained our home for twenty years and the size did not impede the success of my cattery.
Many rental houses resemble our duplex. Renting such a home is more costly and also carries the responsibility of yard work and maintaining flower beds. However there are additional benefits when not residing close to the property owner. One primary advantage being the reduced stress from concealing your cat’s presence. With a semi-detached home such as our duplex you will be sharing a common wall with a neighbor. It is vitally important to keep the peace and maintain a good relationship with all family members. We were blessed to have lived next door to the Curtis family for the entire length of our tenancy. They were aware of my cattery but never disclosed any feline information to our Landlord. I adored Ginger their affectionate and beautiful dog who I always enjoyed caring for while they were away on holidays. It was an ideal situation which does not always occur when duplexes are rented to unrelated families.
If you are considering the rental of a smaller home your cats may be restricted to indoor access only as few smaller houses have balconies or patios. An annual increase in your rent should be a consideration as the Landlord must cope with rising taxes. When residing as a tenant in a house there are also the responsibilities of additional repairs. For many years I was certain my plumbing was held together with yards of duct tape despite the number of repairs by tradesmen. Although the costs can be much higher than residing in an apartment the added benefits are well worth the expense.
