Written by Rene Knapp, long time TICA member and dedicated cat lover.

Finding Cat-Friendly Rentals

Looking for a rental property that allows pets can be challenging, especially the more you have. At TICA, we get it; finding a place that works for both you and your cats isn’t always easy. That’s why we put together this guide with helpful tips for renting with cats.

Whether you’re moving with one cat or a whole crew, we’ve got advice to help you find the right place and make the process as smooth as possible.

Let’s go over the common cat policies and restrictions you may encounter, prepping for the pet application and any fees you may need to pay, and how to maintain the property once you’ve moved in.

If you’ve just started looking for a new place, here are some tips on finding a cat-friendly rental and making a great impression as a cat owner.

• Start your search using rental websites that let you filter for pet-friendly places along with filters for your budget and other details. It’s an easy way to narrow down your options and make sure you’re only looking at properties that will fit your lifestyle. That said, if you see a home you’re interested in that doesn’t specify if cats are allowed, don’t be afraid to reach out to the property management or landlord; it never hurts to ask. 
• Reach out to local property management companies and landlords that advertise pet-friendly homes even if they don’t have any listings that catch your eye, they might have listings that aren’t online yet.
• Check out any local social media housing groups or community boards to get a better sense of the companies and landlords in your area that are known for being pet-friendly.
• Read the fine print; some places say they’re pet-friendly but have stringent rules about the number or size of pets, so make sure your cat(s) will be allowed and confirm with the landlord before submitting an application.
• Give yourself plenty of time to search. Starting early means less stress and more chances to find the perfect fit for you and your cat companion(s).

Understanding Pet Policies and Restrictions

When you’re looking for a new place to live with your cat, it’s important to know what kinds of pet restrictions or rules you might run into. Every rental is different, and some landlords have specific policies in place to protect their property or keep things consistent for all tenants.

Knowing what to expect can help you ask the right questions during your search and avoid surprises down the road. Here are some common cat-related restrictions and requirements you might come across:

Types of Restrictions

• Number of Pets: Some properties limit the number of pets per household to one or two pets total, no matter the type.
• Breed Restrictions: While usually aimed at dogs, certain rentals might have policies against specific cat breeds or larger cats.
  • Property managers can disallow certain breeds, especially hyperactive breeds like Savannahs, or cats known to have caused severe damage in previous homes.
  • While unlikely, there may still be a weight limit to follow for cat owners, which may be a barrier for Maine Coon and other big cat breed owners.
• Pet deposits or monthly fees: You may need to pay a refundable deposit and/or a non-refundable fee with your application or upon signing a lease, as well as possibly paying monthly pet rent for the duration of your lease.
• Spay/neuter and vaccination requirements: Many landlords ask for proof that your cat is spayed or neutered as well as up-to-date on their vaccines, so be sure to keep their medical records on hand. If they’ve not yet been given their vaccines or have yet to be spayed/neutered, schedule these as early as you can to avoid any conflicts or last-minute issues before you’re allowed to move in.
• Indoor-only rules: Some rentals require that cats stay indoors at all times.
• Age restrictions: Kittens may not be allowed in some properties due to concerns about damage or litter box training.
• Pet agreements: Most leases include a pet addendum that outlines your responsibilities and the rules for keeping pets in the unit, including cleaning, what to do in the event of a pet getting lost, or if you’re allowed to petsit while occupying the property.

Understanding these policies upfront will help you find a home that’s not just cat-friendly, but truly a good fit for both of you and your feline companions.

Preparing Your Cat for the Rental Application

When you apply for a rental with a cat, it helps to show landlords that your cat is well-behaved and cared for. A great way to do this is by creating a simple “cat resume.” This can include your cat’s name, breed, personality traits, training, certifications, or any routines you’ve established at home. In this document you can also mention if your cat uses a scratching post, stays indoors, or has lived successfully in other rentals. These details help show that your cat will be a respectful addition to the property.

Some landlords or property managers may also ask you to fill out a pet profile as part of the application process. This is a more formal way for them to gather information about your cat, so it’s a good idea to have everything ready ahead of time. Keep recent photos of your cat on hand along with basic details about their daily habits. Clear, friendly photos can go a long way in helping a landlord feel more at ease.

It’s also smart to keep your cat’s medical records easily accessible. Landlords may ask for proof of vaccinations, spay or neuter status, or other health-related information. Having this ready to go can make the process quicker and show that you’re a responsible and prepared cat owner. The more organized and proactive you are, the more confident a landlord will feel about renting to your and your cat(s).

Building a Positive Relationship with Your Landlord

Building a good relationship with a potential landlord starts with open and honest communication. When you’re renting with cats, it’s important to be upfront about how many you have and how you care for them. Let the landlord know that your cats are part of your family and that you’re committed to keeping their property clean and damage-free.

Being proactive shows that you take their concerns serious and are willing to work together. If a landlord seems unsure about allowing cats, take the opportunity to address their concerns directly. Offer to provide references from previous landlords who can speak to your responsibility as a tenant with cats. You can also share details about your cleaning routine and any steps you’ve taken to prevent damage in previous rentals, such as using scratching posts or discouraging cats from playing with blinds.

Once you’ve moved in, continue to build that trust by keeping the lines of communication open. Let your landlord know right away if anything related to your cats changes, and be willing to provide updates if they ask. Showing that you’re responsive and respectful goes a long way toward maintaining a positive relationship and helping future landlords feel confident in renting to you.

Tips for Maintaining a Cat-Friendly Rental

To keep your rental pet-friendly, ensure that you regularly clean, address any damages promptly, and adhere to any rules outlined in your lease. Here are some tips for keeping your cat-friendly rental clean.

Cleaning Tips

• Vacuuming frequently is key to controlling cat hair, especially on carpets, rugs, and furniture
• Use lint rollers for quick cleanups on fabric surfaces like couches and curtains
• Choose pet-safe cleaning products to tackle stains and odors without harming your cat
• Scoop the litter box daily and clean it regularly with mild soap in water, or invest in a few Ten Second Litterboxes
• Place a mat under the litterbox to catch stray litter and reduce tracking
• Provide scratching posts and pads to protect furniture and redirect natural scratching behavior
• Use cordless or reinforced blinds to prevent damage from climbing or chewing, or tie cords out of reach
• Clean outdoor areas if your cat goes outside or uses a patio or balcony
• Address accidents or damage early to prevent stains, odors, or worsening issues
• Check for signs of trouble like scratching in the wrong spots or inappropriate urination, and act quickly to correct them

Bringing Your Cat-Friendly Rental Search Together

Finding the right home for you and your cats takes time, patience, and preparation, but it’s absolutely possible with the right approach. By knowing what to look for in a cat-friendly rental, understanding common policies, and showing that you’re a responsible and caring cat owner, you can make a strong case to any landlord. Clear communication, good organization, and regular maintenance all go a long way toward keeping both your cats and your landlord happy.

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, these tips on how to rent with cats will help you navigate the process with confidence. With a little extra effort, you can find a home where your cats feel safe, comfortable, and welcome—and where you can enjoy your new space without worry.