Topic: I have to give up all of my animals (Read 8632 times)

Beth · « **Reply #45 on:** January 24, 2009, 18:22:33 PM »

I have an enclosed litter tray using cats best OKO litter in my bedroom and it really doesn't smell at all.

(and the smell of litter tray's was one of the things that put me off having cats for years

)

I hope it goes well, i'm sure the cats and flatmates will adjust really well.

Slightly different but i had to move back in with my mum along with my two dogs, and she is NOT a doggy person, within a few weeks she was inviting them up to her bedroom for cuddles in the morning.

Susanne (urbantigers) · « **Reply #44 on:** January 24, 2009, 18:09:33 PM »

It might be a good idea to sit down with your flatmates at the beginning and have a little chat (and guage their reactions to your cats living with you). Explain that a few things will be trial and error to get right so would they please let you know if there are any problems rather than go to the landlord/agency or just bite their tongue but moan when you're not around. If you can get them on side at the start, things have a better chance of working out for you.

re the litter tray - I have an enclosed litter tray in the living room. It doesn't smell at all. Your bedroom is probably a good place to have a tray because that is your space and therefore your cats' space too. If you ever have to confine them to one room for any reason (eg workmen coming) that would be the logical room so good to have a tray in there.

catalyst · « **Reply #43 on:** January 24, 2009, 17:56:17 PM »

Well the 3rd girl has indicated by text that she is fine with the cats, so looks like its all go!

Buying isnt an option really. Doubt i would get a mortage in this day and age.

Is having the litter trays in my bedroom a bad option do you think? As i say its a huge flat but i dont want to put the trays in the way of the others. The bathroom is too small (i usually put them in the bathroom). The hall is huge....i would probably put a mat down under them, or paper or something. I guess i would need to ask the others if they mind them in the hall. I dont mind them in my bedroom if thats the only option, but id rather not.

Skiddaw · « **Reply #42 on:** January 24, 2009, 16:47:11 PM »

Oh yes- give it a go. Uncle M spent years with me in a succession of shared houses before I settled down with OH and he loved it! Even when he was ancient and grey he wanted to party every night given half a chance. I'm sure it will work out for you and sucks to your parents I say!

tigerbaby · « **Reply #41 on:** January 24, 2009, 16:07:56 PM »

A friend of mine wasn't allowed pets in her rented flat. But she got on well with the landlord, and asked to write a contract between them two, that any damage caused by pets would be paid for by her. The landlord was fine with this.

Feline Costumier · « **Reply #40 on:** January 24, 2009, 10:50:48 AM »

I actually got Chilli whilst in shared accomodation, a huge mansion house with about 13 of us in there! There were already two other cats each with different slaves. Everybody else in the house was completely fine with the cats and most really liked them, Chilli was a huge hit, everyone who came to visit would walk in, pick her up and sit down for a cuddle, consequently she is the best socialised cat ever! Partly why she went missing I think, she's rather fond of wandering into open doors, whether she knows who is behind it or not.

Give it a go, as others have said, when you take on any animals there are always sacrifices to be made, maybe you just won't go on holiday so often. From the sounds of things money will be tight for a while anyway so not a problem you have to deal with yet

Always a positive where there's a negative

madkittyrescue · « **Reply #39 on:** January 24, 2009, 10:18:49 AM »

I would say to you to give it a go. Is buying somewhere of your own not an option?? then you don't have to worry about landlords, etc

At least if you give it a go then you know you have tried. Don't let your parents, etc put you down or put you off. I have family who rent in the edinburgh area in a shared flat and still have their cat. They opt to keep all his bits and pieces in their room.

Don't give up keep at it and as I said before if you need our help just shout!

JackSpratt · « **Reply #38 on:** January 24, 2009, 09:42:48 AM »

Quote from: catalyst on January 24, 2009, 00:04:47 AM

What if i want to go somewhere in the future? Are catteries very expensive.

If anyone that has a cat wants to go anywhere they have that issue; it's not an insurmountable one! I think the people that are being negative aren't helping you at all. It's a difficult enough situation ending a relationship. I think the trial run you mentioned sounds a good idea; see if everyone's happy before you decide.

Maddiesmum · « **Reply #37 on:** January 24, 2009, 07:50:22 AM »

give it a go, it may turn out better than you all expect. I suppose your parents are trying to help in their own way but they can be a pain and put doubts in your head. You make the decision and hopefully things will work out. If not then will be the time for a rethink. Best of luck to you and your cats

catalyst · « **Reply #36 on:** January 24, 2009, 00:04:47 AM »

Its not just my parents saying that i shouldnt have them in the flat. I am so confused. I just dont want to upset the other 2 girls. What if i want to go somewhere in the future? Are catteries very expensve.

I so want to take them. But i guess i need to be practical

Susanne (urbantigers) · « **Reply #35 on:** January 23, 2009, 21:59:14 PM »

Great news

I agree re lots of scratch posts. Different heights, maybe a horizontal one if they like to scratch that way. Trim their claws to minimise any damage. You can get double sided sticky tape (called sticky paws) specially designed to stick on furniture to deter scratching. Might be worth getting some of those to put on the side of the sofa etc to begin with so that if they do take a fancy to it, they will soon decide it's not much fun. Covered litter trays are great and if you find a good litter and clean the tray regularly, there should be no smell.

catalyst · « **Reply #34 on:** January 23, 2009, 21:43:29 PM »

It makes it twice as hard when the people that are supposed to help you seem to hold you back eh. I just want a normal life again. Thanks guys, il let you know how it goes.

blackcat · « **Reply #33 on:** January 23, 2009, 21:03:22 PM »

Their reaction basically explains why you are not good at asking for things for yourself - you are so used to people challenging your ability to think for yourself - good on you for sorting this out and ignore the nay-sayers, they will only bring you down. I still get this from my sister and I am 54 years old - and it still makes me doubt myself - but then I remember I have managed to achieve a heck of a lot for someone who is apparently all that incompetent - You have too. Have graduated your fcourse, you have survived a relationship breakdown and you have had the initiative to go out and seek support from people who can help you. You are more than capable of making your own decisions - so just let them get it off their chests and hold the phone away from your ear, saying mmmm occasionally so they think you are listening ..

And you go right ahead and move into that flat because you can make it work!!! (where's the rah rah emoticon when you need one!!?)

Bonkers Mad!!! · « **Reply #32 on:** January 23, 2009, 20:55:57 PM »

my parents have 2 dogs and 3 cats and they don't get how i feel about my animals either. my dad is always moaning that i can't go down and stay with them because i have so many cats. i wouldnt be able to if i had only one cat so what's the difference?

LesleyW · « **Reply #31 on:** January 23, 2009, 20:47:55 PM »

Your parents sound a bit like mine. I have been rescuing cats for approx 5 years now and they still don't understand.

You're not asking for their help, so in my view their concerns are for them, not you, to worry about. My parents do not understand my animals are part of my family. Just because I have alot of them doesn't mean they don't mean any less to me. Sounds like your parents do not know how much your cats mean to you and when you are going through the trial of life that you are at the moment, your cats are more precious than ever.

I am really pleased for you that you can take your cats with you and I am sure any problems encountered can be overcome. After all, you have already overcome the first hurdle of being able to take them there in the first place, everything else can be sorted as well.

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #30 on:** January 23, 2009, 20:28:22 PM »

to your parents!

Whenever I've lived in rented places I've always got 100% of my deposit back so obviously my cats caused no more damage than allowable human wear and tear.

When you were living with your BF you'd have had to pay for the cats to go in the cattery when yu went away so there's no difference there. If you get on really well with your housemates they might look after them for you or you could offer to pay a small amount for them to feed them / clean the trays out which would be cheaper than a cat sitter or cattery.

catalyst · « **Reply #29 on:** January 23, 2009, 20:19:14 PM »

Why is there always someone who tries to bring you down!! I told my parents that i might be able to take the cats with me to the flat. Instead of saying, thats great and youl have company, they start on about how its such a bad idea.

They say that i wont be able to afford it, that they will be really messy and that il need to pay loads for damage, that the other flat mates wont like it, what if i need to go away, i cant expect the other girls to look after them when i am not there. What if i want to go away in the future, what will i do with them then.

They are just always so negative!! Through out this whole thing (splitting up with bf) they always kept on about how i cant do that or that and that i should do as they say as its best.

Sure im pushing it by moving into a flat. The rent is more and il have bills to pay. Sure i need to feed the cats. But i am not as stupid as they think i am. I am aware of the situation. I know how much money i have.

But i feel this is the right thing to do. I am a bit wary about having the cats. Mainly becuse its a rented flat, but its what i want and need. If it doesnt work out then i can consider rehoming again.

And they wonder why i then dont tell them things!

(sorry for rant

)

Feline Costumier · « **Reply #28 on:** January 23, 2009, 19:41:54 PM »

Quote from: Kirst on January 23, 2009, 19:30:24 PM

A hooded tray would solve that one , an a good litter mat!

What she said!

Kirst · « **Reply #27 on:** January 23, 2009, 19:30:24 PM »

A hooded tray would solve that one , an a good litter mat!

catalyst · « **Reply #26 on:** January 23, 2009, 18:23:24 PM »

I used the Best Cat Litter in the World for ages and it was great but Milo especially likes to scrape at it so much it goes everywhere! He doesnt do it so much with the wood pellets. But i like the other kind for smells so i need to sort his tendancy to fling the cat litter about!

JackSpratt · « **Reply #25 on:** January 23, 2009, 18:02:48 PM »

Yesssss -

I am so pleased for you. Definitely invest in a good scratchpost/activity centre. And purchase pet behave spray from Pets at Home and squirt things the cats aren't supposed to scratch.

Sam (Fussy_Furball) · « **Reply #24 on:** January 23, 2009, 17:55:43 PM »

Just caught up with this thread ... so pleased you are able to keep you babies. I'm sure your other flat mate (that thinks cats are messy!) probably just hasn't lived with cats before and once she meets your babies and they work their feline magic on her (which you know they will do) she will be won over.

Feline Costumier · « **Reply #23 on:** January 23, 2009, 17:47:17 PM »

You need to get the mack daddy of all scratching posts, if they haven't got a good vacuum cleaner which copes with pet hair get one, get those sticky roller thingies for soft furnishings and an enclosed litter tray with a super low odour cat litter (I'd recommend Cats Best OKO). If she really is quite fussy then do your best to keep most cat related things in your room.

Otherwise, good luck!

Bonkers Mad!!! · « **Reply #22 on:** January 23, 2009, 17:44:18 PM »

that's brilliant news, hope the other flatmate is ok about it.

catalyst · « **Reply #21 on:** January 23, 2009, 17:43:07 PM »

Well the owner said i can have the cats in the flat!!! They are going to make a clause in the lease saying i am responsible for any damage they do. The flat mate iv spoken to said that its all fine and she is happy for them to stay. The other flat mate doesnt know yet so i stll have to wait for her. The flat mate i have spoken to said that she knows her and she should be ok with it but il wait and see.

So i am going ot need all the tips i can get to keep the flat clean as can be and to stop them clawing the furniture!!!!! :D

CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls · « **Reply #20 on:** January 22, 2009, 01:47:07 AM »

With the council there is actually a homeless housing list, which is given priority over the rest, homeless people get homed first. And they would consider you homeless as you dont have your own home, even though you are living with your sister.

sylvie · « **Reply #19 on:** January 21, 2009, 18:09:37 PM »

keep my fingers crossing for you and your cats...

madkittyrescue · « **Reply #18 on:** January 21, 2009, 17:13:51 PM »

(sorry but only just read this post)

I hope that you have managed to sort things out with the new landlord. If you do need any local cat related help then please get in touch.

fingers crossed

JackSpratt · « **Reply #17 on:** January 21, 2009, 16:06:35 PM »

Good luck. Could you let the housemate visit your home to let her see that the cats don't make it smell?

Bryony84 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 21, 2009, 14:17:34 PM »

I would definitely say to speak to the landlord, preferably in person, but through the other flatmates if need be. My flat was advertised as no pets but I asked the landlord nicely, signed an extra clause in the contract promising to have the carpets steam cleaned before we leave and that was that!

catalyst · « **Reply #15 on:** January 21, 2009, 13:03:33 PM »

i had a word with one of the other flat mates and she said she isnt very keen to have cats as she feels they are messy. She said she wouldnt mind, so i need to convnce her that they are clean and dont smell. If it turns out that i can have cats and the flat mates are ok with it i need to make all attempt to make it clean and non smelly!!!

Topsy Turvey · « **Reply #14 on:** January 21, 2009, 12:30:40 PM »

Sorry to hear about this honey. Good luck with the decision on Friday

Dawn F · « **Reply #13 on:** January 21, 2009, 12:26:30 PM »

fingers crossed for Friday!

catalyst · « **Reply #12 on:** January 21, 2009, 12:22:27 PM »

Quote from: Susanne (urbantigers) on January 20, 2009, 22:46:15 PM

Do you have any friends/family who could lend you enough to offer a larger deposit? Often it's just the fear of damage that puts landlords off accepting pets, and sometimes it's just a routine clause in the tenancy offered by agencies but the actual landlord has not stipulated no pets. So it's definitely worth asking specifically and seeing if offering an additional deposit would be sufficient to let you keep your furbabies with you. I hope you can work something out and keep them

This has made me hopful! Thing is i am not 100% destitute. I am staying with my sister just now and have a large graduate overdraft that i am willing to dip in to if needs be. I have actually found a flat with 2 girls that is huuuuge!! I have asked the agents to ask the owner about cats. Il find out on Friday!! Fingers crossed. I am not so good when it comes to having to break the rules as such. As in ask for somethng that isnt already put out there.

The thing with council housing is that there is usualy a large waiting list. Also i would feel guilty as its not like i am completely homeless. I have my sister and my parents live down south so if needs be i could go to them.

CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls · « **Reply #11 on:** January 20, 2009, 23:58:40 PM »

Yes the local council will take priority as your homeless, and i have lots of pets and living in council myself. Giving my pets up would make me sick too.

Indys Mamma · « **Reply #10 on:** January 20, 2009, 22:47:49 PM »

also contact your local council about housing, if considered an emergancy you may get something...

is your ex living in the house (the way you say he doesn't want to go near the house? I am not sure)

if he isn't maybe you can rent it from him? and on jobseekers you are eligable for housing benefits

Susanne (urbantigers) · « **Reply #9 on:** January 20, 2009, 22:46:15 PM »

Do you have any friends/family who could lend you enough to offer a larger deposit? Often it's just the fear of damage that puts landlords off accepting pets, and sometimes it's just a routine clause in the tenancy offered by agencies but the actual landlord has not stipulated no pets. So it's definitely worth asking specifically and seeing if offering an additional deposit would be sufficient to let you keep your furbabies with you. I hope you can work something out and keep them

catalyst · « **Reply #8 on:** January 20, 2009, 22:39:17 PM »

Yeah i could try that. The only thing is that i am really very skint. I graduated recently and i was relying on my OH for suporting me until i found a job. I have applied for every job imaginable. I am on the job seekers allowance. So choice of flat is very limited.

summerleft · « **Reply #7 on:** January 20, 2009, 22:25:58 PM »

Have you tried approaching landlords, agencies in a different way?

Offer a little more on the deposit or even £10 per month more? it is difficult but it can be done, or you could just take a couple of the animals get moved in then ask to have the others? landlords tend to be more accomodating that way

Hope you get it sorted

JackSpratt · « **Reply #6 on:** January 20, 2009, 22:25:17 PM »

Have you tried offering an extra bit of money on the bond to people letting flats? Seriously, sometimes that's what it takes. You said Milo had been an indoor cat before and Pagan looks very young (I looked at your previous posts) so maybe they would be OK as indoor only if that's another thing you're worried about.

I've said this on other threads; two out of the three rented properties I've lived in stated no pets. After I talked to representatives or the landlord they changed their minds. It's worth asking, surely?

EDIT: Sorry, Indys Mamma gave similiar advice!

Author Topic: I have to give up all of my animals (Read 8632 times)