A woman renting an apartment is grappling with a growing dilemma after her boyfriend—who unofficially lives with her six days a week—now wants to move his cat into the space, despite her concerns about the animal’s behavior and the apartment’s limited size.
In a Reddit post, the woman explained that while her boyfriend plans to contribute to rent once he’s “more financially stable,” he currently pays nothing. Now, his parents—who had been housing the cat—say they can no longer keep the pet due to allergies, leaving the animal in need of an immediate home.
Feral Cat, Limited Space Raise Concerns
The woman noted that the cat was originally feral and lived outdoors for seven to eight years before recently being kept indoors. Though she acknowledges the cat is “part of his family,” she expressed worries about its untrained behavior.
“It scratches furniture, isn’t trained, and I’m afraid it will destroy my tiny apartment,” she wrote. Additionally, she questioned where she could place a litter box in her cramped living space, which consists of a combined living room, kitchen, and laundry area, plus a bathroom.
“I grew up with two cats, so I know how the smell can travel if not contained in a separate room,” she added. While she isn’t opposed to having a cat in the future, she feels the current situation is far from ideal.
Boyfriend Offers to Cover Costs, But Redditors Side With Tenant
Her boyfriend has offered to pay the pet deposit and monthly fees, but she remains uneasy about potential damage to the apartment.
Reddit users largely sided with the woman, criticizing the boyfriend for what they see as irresponsible pet ownership.
“If he can’t properly care for his pet, then he shouldn’t be a pet owner,” one commenter wrote. “He hasn’t trained it, can’t pay for it, can’t house it on his own dime. Does he even have pet insurance?”
Another added, “Just say no. He doesn’t even live there yet or pay rent, but he feels comfortable enough to bring in an unapproved pet? He’s taking liberties that aren’t his to take.”
Some went further, suggesting she reconsider allowing him to move in at all until he’s financially stable and ready to contribute.
The situation highlights the challenges of blending living arrangements—and pets—when one partner isn’t yet fully established as a tenant. For now, the woman remains hesitant, weighing the risks of accommodating the cat against her boyfriend’s insistence.
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