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Writer's pictureStratastic Inc.

Condo Living with Cats: Our top tips for National Cat Day!


There are some questions that can divide the whole country in two.


Is the dress white or blue? Do you prefer sweet or salty foods? Summer or winter? The beach or the mountain? All valid questions, but perhaps the most important of them all: Are you a dog or a cat person? If you said dog, then you must be thrilled this August, celebrating national dog month.


If you said cat then today is your lucky day, since today is National Cat Day and we're sharing our Top 5 Cat Owner Tips for Condo Living with all you amazing pet parents!


By the way... Isn't it interesting that cats just had to find a way to squeeze into the schedule smack in the middle of dog month? Such a cat thing to do....


Condo living can mean small apartments, and we're lucky that cats seem to not only thrive in tight spaces but actually prefer them! Have you seen them snuggle up in the tiniest boxes? As the saying goes for these four-legged friends... "if I fits, I sits!", and sit they do.


Cats might not have the best rep out there (we're sure its the dog crew ruining their rep!), and especially a particular type of "CAT" might not be loved by everyone, but if you are a cat owner then you know they can also be our best friends. So, how can you effectively and respectfully consider condo living with cats by your side?


Pet ownership has been related to reduction in stress, autonomic responses to cold and cognitive tasks, and need for medical attention associated with life stressors - J Vasc Interv Neurol.

In this blog we bring you some important tips for cat owners in condos to make sure they are happy and safe, and a positive contribution to your condo community - even if they're pretty much always happy to stay in the confines of your condo space!


 

Condo Living with Cats:


Stratastic's Top Five Tips for Responsible Pet Ownership in Condos, Stratas, and HOAs



Cat owners may think that keeping a cat in a condominium is much easier than a dog, and that a cat will have little to no impact on the overall condo community.


Some residents may not even consider whether cats are permitted in their condo - after all, their unit's space is private and cats don't usually enter and exit the common elements for regular walks like dogs do.


However, this may not always be the case, and it's important to note that responsible pet ownership applies to cats in condos, too. So before you relocate fluffy to a new apartment, or consider adding a cat as a roommate to your current condo living conditions, consider the following...


Check Condo / Strata Rules for Pet and Cat Ownership - and Follow It!


Every condominium / strata has specific rules regarding pets... really, every single one. Just because a condo permits pets doesn't mean that there aren't specific rules and regulations about how a pet may be kept, or how many, so be sure to check. And double-check!


These rules are designed to ensure that all residents can enjoy a safe and peaceful living environment. That's why our first tip for cat owners in condo living is to familiarize yourself with these regulations and adhere to them respectfully. This includes limits on the number of pets, restrictions on certain areas, and noise control measures.


If your condo permits pets, be sure to register them with property management. This is especially crucial in cases of emergencies such as leaks, fires, and evacuations!


Being considerate of your neighbors and respecting these rules helps maintain a positive atmosphere in your community, and prevents your condo community from turning from pet-friendly to pet-free!



Dispose of Cat Litter Properly to Avoid Clogged Pipes and Property Damage!


Proper disposal of cat waste is crucial, that's why this tip for new cat owners is so high up the list.


Never flush cat litter down the toilet (even if it claims to be "flushable", as it can cause severe plumbing issues in condo and apartment systems, and harm the environment. If plumbing is clogged by clumping litter, it not only leads to service calls (that costs every condo owner) but it can also lead to pipe bursts and leaks (which costs everyone even more and can lead to damage in your personal unit, common elements, and amenity closures for repairs!).



Instead, use biodegradable bags to dispose of waste and litter changes in designated trash bins. Some condos may have specific waste disposal guidelines, so make sure to follow them to avoid any issues.



Use a Leash or Carrier to Transport your Cat in a Condo's Common Areas.


When transporting your cat through common areas such as hallways, elevators, or lobbies, always use a

carrier, or a leash (if your cat can stand it and be safe for all). This practice ensures your cat’s safety and comfort and prevents any unexpected encounters with other residents or pets. It also minimizes the risk of your cat escaping or getting injured.



Supervise Your Cat on Building Balconies... ALWAYS!


Balconies can be dangerous for cats if left unsupervised, and unfortunately, we've seen the devastating consequences of unsupervised or escaped cats on balconies too many times.


Cats are naturally curious and can easily slip through railings (or slip if trying to jump up on a curved railing), or become distressed by outside stimuli. Always supervise your cat when they are on the balcony.


If your condo permits it, consider installing pet-safe screens or barriers to prevent accidents and keep your feline friend safe. Also check regulations: many condos consider balconies as "exclusive-use common areas"; if so, pets may not be allowed on a balcony altogether (as the same rules as "common areas" may apply).



Create a Stimulating Indoor Environment.


Since condo living often means limited outdoor access, it’s important to create a stimulating indoor environment for your cat. Provide plenty of toys, scratching posts, and climbing structures to keep your cat engaged and active. This not only improves their physical health but also prevents behavioral issues stemming from boredom.


 

By following these tips, we can all enjoy condo living with cats, as well as National Cat Day, while ensuring a safe and respectful community for our furry companions and neighbors alike.


Responsible pet ownership contributes to a harmonious living environment, making our condos a better place for everyone. Let’s celebrate our beloved cats and commit to being the best pet owners we can be!


-Stratastic Inc.


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