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Conference misery::feline_v1

Title:Meower Power is Valuing Differences
Notice:FELINE_V1 is moving 1/11/94 5pm PST to MISERY
Moderator:MISERY::VANZUYLEN_RO
Created:Sun Feb 09 1986
Last Modified:Tue Jan 11 1994
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:5089
Total number of notes:60366

4019.0. "ANY ADVICE??" by FRICK::AMCGOWAN () Mon Sep 24 1990 18:54

    Hi Feliners,
    
    I have a very big favor to ask of you.  My husband and I are being
    forced to sell our home.  Reason is kind of personnal.  Anyway, we are
    going to need to find an apartment right away.  The only problem is, we
    have 2 cats and 2 kittens.  It would break my heart to have to get rid
    of my wonderful pets.  Does anyone out there know of someone who has an
    apartment to rent and would allow pets.  We probably should not have
    accepted the kittens but me with my soft heart could not resist.  My
    other two kitties, Jackie who is 7yrs old and Marvin who is 5 yrs old
    are like my best friends.  I can't stand the thought of losing them. 
    Please respond if you have any info or advice.
    
    Thanks a million.
    
    Arlene
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
4019.1VAXWRK::SKALTSISDebMon Sep 24 1990 19:203
    check out note 1435.
    
    Deb
4019.2Where are you?OFFPLS::SPINGLERMon Sep 24 1990 20:2210
    
    Arlene,
    
    Please post your location, It will help.  (Also that way we won't mail
    you info on apartments accross the country from where you are!!)
    
    Feline helpful,
    
    Sue & Panther & Spot
    
4019.3MY CURRENT LOCATIONFRICK::AMCGOWANTue Sep 25 1990 12:085
    Thanks for your reply.  I am currently living in North Chelmsford and
    work in Marlboro.
    
    Thanks again,
    Arlene
4019.4try this hintICS::CUNNIFFTue Sep 25 1990 12:4214
    Another hint is to call the places you want to rent from, whether or
    not they say "No Pets" right in the ad.  If you tell them that you
    have indoor-only cats, and that you'd be willing to either pay more
    ($10-$25 month) or put an additional security deposit down, you might
    find a sympathetic landlord.
    
    Many times, "No Pets" means no dogs, but they don't want to prejudice
    people. I have seen ads saying "No Mammal Pets" - which would allow 
    fish and reptiles, most of which aren't noisy pets... but cats aren't,
    either, for the most part....
    
    just my two cents (but it's worked in the past)
    
    jack
4019.5WILLEE::MERRITTTue Sep 25 1990 12:459
    I agree with Jack's advice....a couple of years ago my sister 
    rented an apartment that said "no Pets" but yet they had four cats.
    I think as long as your willing to pay for any damages...they might
    agree.
    
    Best of Luck...
    
    Sandy
    
4019.6I am in the same boat!SONATA::BERGERONTue Sep 25 1990 13:2517
    Hi Arlene, how are you?
    
    I am in the SAME situation as you.  I have made some phone calls to
    people with ads in the paper and have explained the situation to them.
    Most people don't have a problem with it - like mentioned before -
    they usually mean dogs.  Unfortunately the places I have seen either
    are too small for us (2 adults) or unfit for human...let alone
    animal....existance.
    
    I live in Leominster - and am looking for a place in Leominster,
    Lancaster, Lunenburg...if I find something do you want me to give
    you a call?  Marlboro is about a 20/25 minute ride from Leominster.
    
    What is your DTN?
    
    Marilyn, Otis, Tiffany and Sam
    
4019.719646::CANINEMCIS5::MCDONOUGHTue Sep 25 1990 13:325
     See CANINE notes....#3133 is advertising a half-duplex on the
    Lowell/Tewksbury line that will accept dogs...so cats surely shouldn't
    be a problem...
    
    JM
4019.8WMOIS::H_TAYLORCat lovers are a special breed.Tue Sep 25 1990 13:369
    Oh, I wish I had known!!!  I live in a very nice section of fitchburg
    and the apartment upstairs from us was available up until last weekend!  
    And they allow cats!!!  
    
    Oh well.  sorry I couldn't be of more help.  I'll keep my ears open for
    you, though!
    
    Holly (who has also been in the exact SAME situation!!!)
    
4019.9I'll double the damage deposit!CONFG5::WELCHTue Sep 25 1990 17:2710
    My former landlady in White River Junction, Vermont, had a no-pet
    policy, but when one prospective tenant said right away, "Of course
    I'll pay a double damage deposit,"  her objections were swept away!
    
    I was very impressed with the applicant's ingenuity because I had never
    thought about this option.  "Double" may be excessive, but $100 or $200
    might do it!
    
    Briana Walker
    (oops, I forgot, I'm in my boss' account!)
4019.10YO MARILYN!!FRICK::AMCGOWANTue Sep 25 1990 17:4610
    Hey Marilyn,
    
    How ARE you??  Guess that you can see I got my "3rd" kitty.  Yes, by
    all means let me know.  My DTN is 297-2334.  I can't tell you how much
    better I feel since reading these replies.  I checked out the 1435 note
    and printed out names and addresses of places that allow cats.
    
    Good hearing from you and lots of luck!!
    
    Arlene
4019.11it never hurts to ask.....FRAGLE::PELUSOPAINTS; color your corralTue Sep 25 1990 18:1010
    in the real estate notesfile 19.9504 is in Lancaster/Leominster Area. 
    They mioght accept cats.....
    
    
    when I went through this excersise, I got the local Sunday paper
    and called *everybody* on the list.  Even those who said no pets.
    I got more maybes and let me meet the cat than no's.....
    
    Remember times are tough for everyone and I'll bet $$ that a landlord
    would rather rent to someone w/ a cat than no one at all......
4019.12CRUISE::NDCPutiput Scottish Folds - DTN: 297-2313Wed Sep 26 1990 11:2112
    Definitely call the "no pets" apartments and ask about indoor-only,
    claws trimmed, neutered cats. (Make sure you specify all those things)
    I believe charging extra rent for pets is illegal in Mass but an
    extra security deposit is legal. 
    
    BTW - I was always able to get the landlord to put "cats ok" in 
    writing in the lease.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  And, I
    had more trouble finding a place that would accept the waterbed than
    3 cats.  
    
    Keep us posted.
      Nancy DC
4019.13I may be able to supply some info!NRADM::TRIPPLThu Sep 27 1990 19:1416
    This may sound kind of like generic advise, but as the former owner of
    an apt type condo in Northboro I'd suggest treking to the developments,
    finding out who the management company is and contact them.  I know the
    management company who had ours also had several others in Worcester
    County.  They may have knowledge of "investment" owners who would be
    willing to rent.  Some of these might even do a rent with the option. 
    
    If either of you would touch base with me I can tell you of a DEC
    couple who had an appt in the complex, I understand they were trying to
    either sell or rent with an option, if that might help either of you.
    I also know of two delvelopments in my current home town that allow
    pets. (234-4558, but only until tommorow 9/28) I'm off to DECtag
    reasignment land!!
    
    Lyn
    
4019.14worth a try...CSS::RUSSOThu Sep 27 1990 19:3911
    There is a very nice appartment building that they are currently
    building or finished in North Chelmford.  They are almost directly
    across the street from Williamsburg condominiums.  They are called
    Williamsburg Estates or something like that.  I just noticed a for
    rent banner go up a couple of days ago.  At first we thought they
    were condos.  With so many new units available to rent, they may be
    lenient about cats.  If your interested, I can try to get the number.
    I think it is on the banner.
    
    					Mary
     
4019.15A Condo Complex WarningCSSE::ROWENThu Sep 27 1990 19:589
    Be careful at a condo complex.  My situation was:  I signed a lease
    specifying I could have a cat, when the board of trustee's discovered
    I had a cat, they informed me of the "No Pets" rule.  My landlord
    (the owner) claims she was unaware, after months of "fighting" with
    them (I'd have never taken the place without Max) they won, either
    I move or find arrangements for Max.  I decided to keep Max (at
    a low profile).  Now he's gone (he ran away) must not have felt
    wanted.  Poor baby, I miss him.
    
4019.16WILLEE::MERRITTThu Sep 27 1990 20:1318
    Something to think about...
    
    A couple of years ago I was in a similiar situation renting an
    apartment...I love my kitties and refuse to give them up. Me and
    my Hubby didn't have enough money saved to buy a one family home...so
    our solution was to jointly buy a two family home with my sister.
    We split all costs two ways....
    
    Well we found a two family (it took 2 years) on a dead-end road
    that was great for our kitties.  By splitting the mortage in
    half...we both pay a little over $550 a month.  We have our own
    place....and we can get as many kitties, dogs, birds as we want.
                                                                    
    It's worked out great....I'm sure not everyone can do this...but
    it's something to think about.
                                        
    Sandy
         
4019.17Found a Victorian Cottage!SONATA::BERGERONFri Sep 28 1990 14:5734
    I had good luck - hope you do too.
    
    I called Real Estate Agents - got the Worcester Telegram every morning
    and the Leominster Sentinal/Enterprise every night.  I looked in
    Classified - Feline and Real_Estate Notesfiles and I finally found a 
    place.
    
    It's a beautiful Victorian Cottage (attached to the main house)
    3 bedrooms, kitchen, living room, dining room (with a built-in china
    cabinet) entry hall, solid oak staircase, pantry, storage room, 
    sunporch (winterized), full basement (for my washer and dryer),
    fabulous windows and little nooks and crannies to stick plants and
    little antique tables - a driveway, full bath and a small front porch
    - all for $600 a month.  And BEST of all is that I can bring the 
    cats with us.  When I was shown the place the present tenant had 
    a beautiful golden tabby who 'showed' me the house (she was so
    cute)!  I am thrilled.
    
    I have always wanted a Victorian home and I am fortunate enough
    to have found one.  I was afraid that the only way I would get
    to live in one would be either to buy one (which I will NEVER be
    able to afford) or having to move into a Retirement Home at the age 
    of 83.
    
    Hang in there Arlene - there are a lot of people out there that
    WANT to rent their apartments/condos.  It's a buyers/renters 
    market and I was able to really pick and choose as to where I
    wanted to live.  It's nice to know you have choices.
    
    If I can help in ANY way - please let me know.
    
    Marilyn (Otis Tiffany and Sam...who will LOVE all the little hiding
             places in their new home)
    
4019.18CRUISE::NDCPutiput Scottish Folds - DTN: 297-2313Mon Oct 01 1990 10:291
    re: .17 - what wonderful news!!!  The place sounds lovely
4019.19WILLEE::MERRITTMon Oct 01 1990 11:085
    That's great Marlyln....I'm sure you and the kitties will be
    very happy.  I love Victorian houses!
    
    Sandy
    
4019.20He eat's everything in sightAYOV18::TWASONWed Nov 07 1990 11:3521
    This has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the previous notes,
    but since it is advice I am looking for I thought I would put it
    in here.
    
    Well, Murphy is now roughly 3 months old and getting bigger by the
    day.  What John (my husband) and I have been noticing recently is,
    that before and after eating Murphy does this little kind'a rain
    dance - he walks roundabout scratchng the floor.  We think this
    is really cute and very funny, we don't feel there is anything wrong
    but would be interested to know if anyone has any ideas why cats
    do this.  
    
    thanx
    Tracy
    
    p.s. My sister was round visiting the other day and went into kinks
    of laughter when Murphy did this, "You want to know why he does
    that?" she said "Because the thinks the food you give him tastes
    like s**t, and that's him trying to bury it."  
    
    Maybe she hit the nail on the head ;-))))
4019.21Dance, dance, do the water danceJUPITR::KAGNOI'm51%Pussycat,49%Bitch-Don'tPush it!Wed Nov 07 1990 11:5319
    This behavior was discussed before in a previous note which I started. 
    My Ragdoll cat, Kelsey, has been doing the water dance since he was a
    kitten.  I have noticed that his water fetish has increased
    tremendously since he was a baby.  He dances around his water dish so
    hard that he sometimes tips it over!!
    
    It has reached the point where he now refuses to drink out of a water
    dish.  Kelsey has always watched me drink water the "pig way" by
    turning on the faucet and sticking my mouth under it.  Well, very
    recently while I was doing that Kelsey was bent over the sink watching
    and all of a sudden he mimiced my actions.  Now, he insists that we
    turn on the sink when he's thirsty so he can take a drink.  He goes
    into the bathrooms or jumps on the kitchen counter and cries until we
    turn the water on for him.  This is going to get darn expensive!!
    
    In the Water Dance note I started last year, some folks replied with
    reasons why cats do this.  I'm not sure if there is a keyword for that
    note but maybe someone can point you to it.
    
4019.22ESIS::FEASEAndrea Midtmoen FeaseWed Nov 07 1990 15:385
         Loki drinks water out of the sink too, just like Kelsey!  He tried
    to teach Bigfoot, but the best Bigfoot could do was lap the water near
    the drain; he couldn't catch the water as it came down ;-) .
    
         And Midnight's too small to get up there ... yet ... 8-) 
4019.23CRUISE::NDCPutiput Scottish Folds DTN:297-2313Wed Nov 07 1990 16:098
    
    Bumpy insists on "burying" unfinished cat food to keep it safe for
    later.  It doesn't seem to phase her that she's scratching at the stove
    or dishwasher which is failing to accomplish her goal.  
    
    But then, this is the same cat who "burys" her "doodles" by scratching
    the cover of the cat box.  What's worse, she's taught this to Bonnie!
    
4019.24JJLIET::JUDYI put highbeams on my Xmas tree lightsWed Nov 07 1990 17:037
    
    	Our Audrey has taken great delight in becoming a 'water baby'
    	like big sis Sasha.  Drinks outta the sink.  The minute she
    	sees Sasha up there she hightails it right up to her.
    
    	so cute!
    
4019.25Hey !!, Water-boyWMOIS::HIGGINS_GThe Jungle VIPThu Nov 08 1990 11:3439
    
     This is kinda along the same lines as the other "water" stories in
    here so I'll call this -
    
      Episode I   -  Bijou And The Bowl
    
         A normal morning has begun at the Higgins household. Alarm goes
       off, the bedroom door is opened, and it's hello good morning to 
       you from both Bogey and Bijou. As ma & dad start to wake up Bijou
       is playing his favorite game of "chase my tail" on the comforter.
       This morning it's dad's turn to get the bathroom first. As usual
       Bij(ou) is at my side sitting on the rug next to me looking up as
       to say, " But father, why not now the breakfast ?? ". He'll grow
       up soon won't he ??
    
         Being the good little Aby he is, he stays to keep dad company.
       Well first things first. Morning usually requires bladder relief
       (remember, you've got another male in here) for both kitties and
       humans so I go over to the toilet to lift the cover and seat. As
       I stand there preparing (sounds like I'm going to cook doesn't it)
       I notice Bijou over by the door squating low to the ground, ears up
       and ready to pounce. I stand there for a second wondering what he
       has his sights on. The next thing I know, my blue bombadier takes
       off toward me and three feet away leaps high into the air and.....
    
    
      SWISH !!!!!!!!! A three point shot !!! The Celtics win the game !!!
    
      No.. It's Bijou in the toilet bowl, scurrying like a wild dervish.
      His little arms and legs were moving so fast he looked like he had
      eight arms. Yep my little Octa(pus)cat had become a fairly efficient
      hovercraft keeping his head out of the water.... Laugh my _ss off I
      did. This was my little guys first big experience with water. I
      wonder if he got as much enjoyment out of it as I did ??? 8^) So
      I guess this means Bijou can be considered a novice water baby...
    
    George