Cats: The Good the Bad and the Ugly

[Joe Splitrock]

We have never accepted cats in our properties. The main reason being that we have heard nightmares about cats spraying all over homes and many people are allergic to cats. We purchased a home that had cat pee soaked carpet, covered up by scented candles when we viewed the property. That is our only real (bad) experience. We know many people who own cats and seem to love them. As we continue to review our policies to make our properties rent faster, we are asking ourselves if not allowing cats is causing our properties to rent slower or at lower rates.

I am interested in hearing from people who rent to cat owners or who did this in the past and had troubles. I am not looking for a passionate plea from a cat lover, just the real facts about damage and cleaning issues caused by cats. Including if it makes it difficult to rent to people with allergies after a cat has been in there. 

[Anastasia Jordan]

I have many cats but they all live outside.

Damage cats do inside: wood baseboards become clawing posts. Will claw through all the wood.

Will claw up carpet if left locked in a room away from people.

Will decimate blinds. 

Will eat cable cords.