Renting With a Cat: What You Need to Know

The short answer

Finding a cat-friendly apartment is easier than finding a dog-friendly one — but it still requires preparation. Here is how to navigate cat policies and pet deposits.

Renting With a Cat: What You Need to Know

Cats are the easier of the two common pet types in rental situations — but "cat-friendly" apartments still require some navigation. Here is what to know.

Why Cats Are Easier Than Dogs

Most landlords are more willing to accept cats than dogs because:

• Cats are quieter (no barking complaints)
• Cats are smaller (less physical impact on the space)
• Cats do not require outdoor space or walks that might impact shared areas
• Liability concerns (bites) are significantly lower

However, cats present their own concerns:

• Litter boxes if not managed properly
• Scratching of floors, carpets, and trim
• Cat urine odors if not maintained (extremely difficult to fully remove)
• Dander (allergies for future tenants)

Finding Cat-Friendly Rentals

Cats are accepted in a much higher percentage of rentals than dogs, but still not all. To find cat-friendly listings:

• Use the "cats allowed" filter on Zillow, Apartments.com, and Trulia
• Search Craigslist for "cats ok"
• On Facebook Marketplace, most individual landlords accept cats if asked
• Ask directly when inquiring about any listing — many "no pets" policies are negotiable for cats

The Financial Reality

What to expect:

• Pet deposit: $150-400 (refundable; applied toward any cat-related damage at move-out)
• Pet fee: $100-300 (non-refundable one-time charge)
• Pet rent: $15-40/month per cat (less common for cats than dogs)

Negotiate. If you have a strong application otherwise, some landlords will waive the pet fee for a larger deposit.

Disclosing Your Cat

Always disclose your cat. Trying to hide a pet is a lease violation that can result in eviction. Even if you are nervous the landlord will say no, honesty is the only viable long-term approach.

If the landlord says no after honest disclosure, that is a landlord you did not want anyway — one who would eventually discover the undisclosed pet.

Building Your Cat Case

For hesitant landlords:

• Photo of your cat: Cute goes a long way. Seriously.
• Confirmation that the cat is spayed/neutered: Reduces yowling and spraying
• Age: Older cats are generally less destructive than kittens
• Prior landlord confirmation: "My prior landlord can confirm there was no damage related to the cat" is very persuasive
• Offer to clean professionally at move-out: Address the odor/dander concern directly

Managing Cat-Related Damage

The primary concerns landlords have — scratching and odor — are manageable:

• Scratching: Provide scratching posts (many, in multiple rooms). Cat trees redirect scratching behavior. Cover the base of sofas and carpet edges temporarily if needed.
• Litter management: Daily scooping, monthly full litter changes, enclosed boxes with carbon filters. Odor should be undetectable in a well-managed litter setup.
• Carpet protection: Place cat-proof mats under furniture legs. Enzymatic cleaners (Nature's Miracle) remove accidents completely when used immediately.

At Move-Out

• Have the unit professionally cleaned, including upholstery and carpets
• Use an enzymatic odor neutralizer throughout the unit
• Document the condition with photos
• Address any scratch marks in flooring or trim before final walkthrough

Whether you have a cat or plan to get one, a Settl Verified Passport gives you a verified profile that makes any landlord more comfortable saying yes to your application.

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