Cat dilemma... to allow or not to allow

[Maria G.]

Hello,

I know there are many opinions, but I still want to hear them. I have so far not allowed cats in one of my properties (condo) but there is a seemingly good couple who has applied and has an indoor cat, so I'm debating what to do. I was even invited to see their current apartment and I met the cat. I sensed that the cat was scared or in some way problematic because they kept him in their arms and they warned me when I pet him. I am a cat lover and it was all good, but I sensed something was not quite right (the breed listed on the application is "Maine coon tabby mix"). I am not worried about cat pee because the cat is already 8 years old, but I am afraid of having the cat scratch the kitchen cabinets and the walls. Did you ever face that problem? Also, they currently live on the second floor, but this condo (with upstairs and downstairs) has a patio, so I wonder if the cat will really not go out...

In a SFH, I allowed a cat and aside from a small frayed area of the carpet, it was OK (my other property has only vinyl and tile, no carpet). The tenants were particularly good maintaining the house.

I've been reading a thread that suggests to require the following in order to allow a cat:

1. Resume/Biography for the cat (including vaccinations).

2. Declawed and Neutralized

3. Letter from previous Landlord that the cat never damaged anything in the house in 3 years.

It sounded reasonable other than "declawed," which sounds cruel to me. 

Other than that, the couple seems fine (and their financial situation is very good, but taking them means facing these risks and not taking them means waiting to have another application come in.

Thanks!