Seeking: pet-friendly landlord
Sarah Baker looks at the obstacles that face pet owners when contemplating rented accommodation
44 The Cat  Summer 2010
Photo: CP Library/Richard Stroud
E
ngland is allegedly a nation of cat lovers with over half the population owning over seven million domestic felines between them. We love cats so much that they have become part of the family, but at the same time there are many issues which arise that can threaten the homes of our beloved felines. Despite all our love for them, a vast number of people living or moving into rented accommodation may be forced to rehome their cats. With nearly half of the rental market being pet owners, the struggle to find a home where pets are allowed is more pressing than ever. The most sought-after properties are, of course, the garden flats and houses which allow pets the freedom of outdoors but these will also be snapped up by families wanting space for children or people who just want a piece of outside to call their own. But what if your cat is indoors only? Whereas some may think that this will make the house hunt easier, it may provide more of a hindrance. Landlords are concerned enough about outdoor cats spending some time indoors, an indoor cat can potentially be a landlord’s biggest nightmare. Indeed some indoors cats may be badly behaved, but one naughty cat should not be allowed to tarnish the reputation of all others.