Question:
I have been through an awful year and I need to get away ... my cat, Sabrina, I promised I would never ...?
anonymous
2008-06-08 23:40:40 UTC
... leave her.

I adopted her when she was a teacup kitten when she was just ten weeks old, almost ten years ago.

She is ten years old now and I have to get away from my home city because if I don't I'll go crazy.

I broke up with someone and there is no question that I am going to go traveling.

Sabrina just came up and leapt onto my lap and I know that she will be heartbroken if I leave.

I promised myself when I adopted her that it was 'womb to tomb' in other words that I would never, ever abandon her.

Do cats orientate quickly to a new home?
Ten answers:
anonymous
2008-06-08 23:44:55 UTC
Aww poor kitty.
buaya_guy
2008-06-09 06:48:26 UTC
Generally they do, yes. Now *getting* them there might be a slight bit traumatic (really depends on the cat...they could be very quiet or yowl the entire way there...you'll never know until you try it!)



During Katrina when we had to evacuate, we brought our 2 cats with us...one was very quiet, the other one (in *my* car, of course....) yowled most of the way there.



Once we got to Baton Rouge (and then Houston a little over a week later!) The cats were let out in their new house, and they immediately went exploring. They were pretty comfortable with the layout within an hour or two.



Three months later we came back to our house in New Orleans, and the cats remembered it immediately, no problems at all!
Peek prays for the U.S.A
2008-06-09 07:37:29 UTC
not at that age. They will suffer deep pain emotionally. She will be put in a cage and stared at by many people if a rescue grp takes her...or she is old and would probably be put down.



You know how many homeless cats there are..you will make her a statistic.

you cannot run away from your problems no one is worth that. NO ONE! ::IF"" YOU must take the cat she will adjust .Get a BIG cat ort dog carrier for the room and put her in the car when you run. Get her chipped in case.



She would rather be with you and be in a cage in a car listening to you sing your way to happiness if you can find it. You will need a friend and she has always been therefor you , you be there for her in her old age..or put her down.
anonymous
2008-06-09 06:46:46 UTC
I understand ur situation but i dont think they do when they r that old. How long ru going to travel for? Kennel is only 6 dollars a day some places. If u have money to travel im sure you could afford to kennel the cat
lightningcow
2008-06-09 09:34:40 UTC
The best thing to do is to find a place you are allowed to keep your cat depending on how long you are leaving (move or vacation)



Move: Either find a cat-safe neighborhood where she will be comfortable or find a cat-allowing apartment building which will make it harder for her to escape



Vacation: FInd a neighbor or service to watch her while you are gone. Make sure it is near your home.
rosemary151
2008-06-09 09:15:35 UTC
If you really need to leave, then she will end up somewhere else no matter what, and a move would certainly be easier for both of you if you still have each other. You must take her with you and find somewhere to stay that allows cats.
CSF
2008-06-09 06:44:17 UTC
Why don't you just move to a new place and take her with you. I feel so bad for your kitty. You made a comitment, please keep it. The last thing we need is another animal with no home.



Sorry if I'm putting a guilt trip on you but thats my point of view.
Wolf Grrl
2008-06-09 07:00:07 UTC
You took on the responsibilty of a forever home for your cat.

You know how crappy it made you feel to get dumped, how do you think your cat will feel after she gets dumped.
anonymous
2008-06-09 06:51:57 UTC
Unfortuantly cat can adapt to new homes, but not easy-AND they often ESCAPE and try and find the original owners, when you get a kitten, its your for life, not something to give away like a piece opf clothing.Also there a high chance that if you surrender kitty to the shelter, she may NOT be adopted and have to be PUT DOWN. Being 10yrs old, she has very little chance of being adopted at a shelter. Cats 5yrs+ rarely get rehomed.



A few exeption say if someone beat you, daily and you have to give her away, i would probably understand in this circumstance. Even though i could NEVER give up a pet in this situation



My friend was a victim of domesetic and has put her life back on track, she such a loving and sweet lady, how anyone can hurt someone like her?



why can't you take kitty with you?



there a pet friendly rentals

http://www.petvacationhomes.com/



http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/renting_with_pets_the_online_resource_for_rental_managers_and_pet_owners/

http://www.dogfriendly.com/mysearchp/mysearch.cgi?category=Apartments



http://www.petrescue.com.au/rehoming_your_pet/



http://www.nolo.com/article.cfm/objectId/5970573B-9578-49A2-92CD2EF29FCABEE6/catID/5F6E6230-A8FA-41AA-887CA22C004F6C4D/213/178/187/ART/



So, do you really have to give up your pet?

Be honest with yourself as to whether you are giving up your pet because you have to, or because you want to. Most problems with behaviour or circumstance can be overcome, so you should be able to keep your pet if you put in a little effort.



http://www.peoplewithpets.com/



1. Give yourself enough time. No one likes the hassles involved with moving, much less finding rental housing that accepts pets. If possible, start to check ads and contact real estate agents and rental agencies at least six weeks before you plan to move.

2. Understand why many housing communities reject pets. Put yourself in the shoes of a landlord, housing manager, property owner, or condominium association board member for a moment: They may have had bad experiences with irresponsible pet owners who didn't safely confine their animals or pick up their feces, sneaked pets in, or left ruined carpets and drapes when they moved out. They may be worried about complaints from neighbors about barking dogs and wonder how they are going to deal effectively with pet owners if problems arise. All these concerns are legitimate.



That's why people looking for an apartment, house, or condominium to rent must be able to sell themselves as responsible pet owners, who are committed to providing responsible pet care and being responsible neighbors.



3. Make use of available resources. Contact the humane society or animal care and control agency serving the area into which you are moving; the agency may be able to provide you with a list of apartment communities that allow pets. If you know any real estate agents, rental agents, or resident managers who own pets themselves or who share your love of animals, ask them for leads. Look for a community apartment guidebook at the supermarket or near newspaper distribution boxes on the street. The guide may indicate which apartment communities allow pets and may list any restrictions, such as species allowed or weight limits. In addition, be sure to check local newspapers. Finally, take a look at our links to sites that list animal-friendly apartments.



4. Recognize that it may be futile to try to sell yourself and your pet to a large rental community with a no-pets policy. You're more likely to be successful if you focus on places that allow most pets, allow certain pets (for example, cats or dogs weighing less than 20 pounds), or that don't say, "Sorry, no pets." Individual home and condominium owners may be easiest to persuade. Ideally, look for a community with appropriate pet-keeping guidelines that specify resident obligations. That's the kind of place that's ideal for pet owners because you'll know that other pet caregivers there also are committed to being responsible residents.



5. Gather proof that you're responsible. The more documentation you can provide attesting to your conscientiousness as a pet owner, the more convincing your appeal will be to your future landlord. Compile the following documents:



A letter of reference from your current landlord or condominium association verifying that you are a responsible pet owner.

Written proof that your adult dog has completed a training class, or that your puppy is enrolled in one.

A letter from your veterinarian stating that you have been diligent in your pet's medical care. Supply documentation that your pet has been spayed or neutered and vaccinated against rabies. (Sterilized pets are healthier, calmer, and far less likely to be a nuisance to neighbors.) Most veterinarians routinely fulfill such requests for their clients.

6. Make your request to the individual or group with the ultimate authority to grant your request. Usually this will be the owner of the house or apartment. The owner may, however, delegate the decision to a property manager or resident manager. Check to see if, in addition to obtaining the landlord's approval, you must also submit a written request to the building's board of directors (or association, in the case of a condominium community).



7. If you encounter a no-pets policy, ask if it is the result of a negative experience with a previous resident. Addressing your landlord's prior experience may show you how to present your own request most effectively.



8. Let the landlord, manager, or condominium board know that you share any concerns about cleanliness. Point out that your pet is housetrained or litter-box trained. Emphasize that you always clean up after your dog outdoors and that you always properly dispose of your pet's waste.



9. Promote yourself. Responsible pet owners make excellent residents. Because they must search harder for a place to live, pet caregivers are more likely to stay put. Lower vacancy rates mean lower costs and fewer headaches for landlords and real estate agents. Let prospective landlords and managers know that you understand that living with a companion animal is a privilege, not a right.



10. Promote your pet. Offer to bring your pet to meet the owner or property manager, or invite the landlord to visit you and your pet in your current home. A freshly groomed, well-behaved pet will speak volumes. Emphasize that the same pride you take in caring for your pet extends to taking care of your home. Many landlords are concerned about fleas, so be sure to let your prospective landlord know that you maintain an active flea-control program for your pet and home. Provide written proof that your pet is spayed or neutered and is, therefore, healthier, calmer, and less likely to be a nuisance.



Make it clear to the landlord, manager, or condominium board that you keep your cat inside and your dog under control at all times and that you understand the health and safety benefits of doing so.



If you can't arrange for a meeting, consider making a short scrapbook with photos of your pampered pet in his or her current home, and/or draw up a résumé for your pet. Scrapbooks and résumés are unique ideas that are guaranteed to make a strong, yet positive, impression.



11. Be willing to pay a little extra. Tell your prospective landlord or resident manager that you are willing to pay an extra security deposit to cover any damages your pet might make to the property.



12. Get it in writing. Once you have been given permission by a landlord, manager, or condominium committee to have a pet, be sure to get it in writing. Sign a pet addendum to your rental agreement. Comprehensive agreements protect people, property, and the pets themselves. If your lease has a no-pets clause, verbal approval won't be enough. The no-pets clause should be removed from the lease (or crossed out and initialed) before you sign it. Be sure it has been removed from or crossed out on your landlord's copy, too.



You may be required to pay a pet deposit, some or all of which may be nonrefundable. Be sure to discuss deposits and monthly pet-related fees in advance. And have these fees put into writing, too. Request a copy of any house rules pertaining to pets. Let the landlord know that you will abide by the rules set for the broader community and respect the concerns of residents who do not own pets.



13. Be honest. Don't try to sneak your pet in. Keeping an animal in violation of a no-pets rule contributes to the general inclination of landlords not to allow pets. You also may be subject to possible eviction or other legal action.
imnickdell
2008-06-09 06:49:10 UTC
are you serious????

its a cat....c'mon


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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