Would it be silly to buy an imperfect property when we could live rent free, just because of my cat?

Bluebell1000

We have recently introduced a kitten to our household, and had a Feliway diffuser running. I think it probably did help. It was also useful that the kitten is very chilled out, and was really happy to meet our 2 adult cats. The adult cats were less sure but seemed to accept him within a week.
We had intended for those 2 cats to be allowed outdoors as they had both had outdoor access in our old house. 3 years later and they are still inside! They can adapt quite quickly! Though as we are harness training kitten, one of the older cats is showing an interest so I think we will try him with it too. Might your cat be ok on a lead for an outdoor walk?

Monsternextdoor

How many of the cars belong to the property that you are buying ? 

Would you not be taking their spots ?

Personally I wouldn't give up a pet for rent free housing, Id possibly look at binning the BF who suggested that it was ok tho.

sammyjammy

I haven't read the whole thread so apologies if this has been said but some rescue charities would consider fostering your cat for a period of time, I couldn't do it myself but if the only other option is rehoming.....

sheramber

Your cat will have less space and be totally inside in a cattery. It would also be in  strange place with strange people.

My sister's cat did not eat and lost a lot of weight when in a cattery for a week. A friend who runs a cattery told me that ofetn happens.

My son adopted two cats that came for the same housEhold.  They didn't like each other but co existed with the occasional fight.

However, if one got into a fight outside the other would run to their defence. When one of them went blind he would get disorientated outside and start to yell . The other would hear him and go to him and lead him home.

It was a love/hate relationship.

 

Thrugelmir

Keep on looking. Most importantly maintain an open mind. A home is ultimately what you make it. Perfect houses always seem out of reach. 

KxMx

I volunteer with a national animal charity and I'm very dubious that many would take your pet on temporarily.

Usually unless ill or fleeing domestic violence you would be expected to surrender your pet which the charity would then rehome.

There are so many animals to help already that are surrendered, strays and abandoned that there just isn't capacity for charities to take in pets temporarily then give them back. They are there (the vast majority of time) to rehome not to act as a kennel/cattery for owned pets. 

Explore the possibility by all means but in my opinion it isn't at all likely. 

Juzza12

Pet Remedy also do various calming products.

Lavendyr

AdrianC said:

sb03 said:

I have no idea when it will be repossessed due to the nature of the situation, but if that happens then I guess I would have to rent until she did?

Good luck finding a rental that will allow pets.

It's challenging but not impossible. We rented for a year with 2 cats in a lovely house. Often cats will be more readily accepted than other pets and there are a lot of professional cleaning companies who will do an end of tenancy clean to include a pet clean (treating of carpets etc). After the year we paid £300 for our professional clean on a very large 2 bed house and our deposit was returned in full.

mabbit said:

It is misguided to become emotionally attached to a pet. 

Pets owners believe their pets to have emotions, but they don't. When you look at your pet, you are simply seeing your own emotions reflected back at you. 

Clearly you are not a pet owner. What a lot of nonsense. 

OP - the house you are looking at doesn't sound ideal honestly. I'd really look at renting and finding a rental which will accept cats. As an alternative, our local cattery had long-term feline residents due to a similar situation recently. They closed off an entire "wing" of their cattery (4 rooms plus safety corridor) for those cats so that they had much more space and while it's not ideal, I think it's better than rehoming your cats due to your situation. The cats' owners visited regularly and spent time with the cats. If you take them to a rescue, there is no guarantee the cat would be rehomed quickly meaning it would be in a cattery-type environment for a period of time anyway. 

I think it's important to find a home with your cat in mind as well, especially if it's a cat that goes outdoors. If there is a lot of traffic on the road then it may not be the best place to live long-term for your cat's sake.

Just a few more thoughts

WiseOwl00

I'm a dog-person myself, but I'm sure the same principles apply. Personally, I would never give my dog up in order to live rent-free. That would absolutely not be an option for me. Pets are for life, and we make a commitment to them when we get them. 

Also, awkward parking stresses me out so I wouldn't buy that house. I'd look for temporary accommodation (i.e renting) for the time-being whilst the search continues. Or see if there is a way both cats can live under one roof.