Routine issues and renting issues

[Myaew18]

My schedule has changed a lot lately and it’s stressing me and the cats out along with rent issues. My work schedule was 6:30-3:30 from January to July, I left about 5:30 to go to work, got back at around 4:30. Then my schedule changed from 8:30-5:30 or 8:15-5:15 in August to current. I had a few days last week where I was 6:30-3:30 schedule. This screwed up the cats feeding schedule as I went to bed earlier so they got fed earlier. Now they think anytime is me giving them food and it doesn’t help that they are bored. I’m in a situation where I have to keep the cats in my room when I’m not home due them clawing my landlord couch and her training her dog to chase them. Along she has let one of them out three times so I don’t trust that she won’t let them out when I’m not home. My lease is almost up and I’m trying to find a new place

 

[Margot Lane]

That’s a lot to deal with. A timed feeder helped my cat a lot. (Though with multiple cats I don’t know). Can you lock the door where the cats are? I don’t blame you for trying to find a new place. If all else fails, there’s a website called Intentional Communities which might help.

 

[Cat McCannon]

I would tell your landlord your lease agreement does not include terrorizing and torturing you and your cats; that you wish to be released from your lease that you may find a safe place to live. Is would go so far as to consult with a lawyer. Document what your landlord has done and keep record moving forward.

Don’t let your landlord gaslight you.

 

[Alldara]

I would tell your landlord your lease agreement does not include terrorizing and torturing you and your cats; that you wish to be released from your lease that you may find a safe place to live. Is would go so far as to consult with a lawyer. Document what your landlord has done and keep record moving forward.

Don’t let your landlord gaslight you.

OP would have to be careful. In my area if you share space with your landlord they can go as far as to tell you "no pets". OP should definitely speak to a legal professional before making any moves.

 

[PMousse]

I agree a timed feeder is a great option to keep the cats fed at the same time every day even when your work schedule changes. I have two cats and they don't like to share the same food bowl, and I found a timed feeders with two bowls. It's working out for them.

When you're away, you can put on calming cat music (search "David Teie" or simply "calming music for cats"). You can even put on bird TV (search "TV for cats" on Youtube) and keep that on for them.

Does your room have a window that looks out? You can consider a window hammock that your cats can hop on to look outside, or even a credenza or their cat tree near the window so they can hop on and watch the outside.

Another trick is to rotate their toys.

 

[Furballsmom]

You might offer to buy her one of these;
Amazon.com : cat protectors for couches

I'm not sure if this would be worth it or useful but can you set up a camera in your room that you can watch on your phone?

 

[Meowmee]

My schedule has changed a lot lately and it’s stressing me and the cats out along with rent issues. My work schedule was 6:30-3:30 from January to July, I left about 5:30 to go to work, got back at around 4:30. Then my schedule changed from 8:30-5:30 or 8:15-5:15 in August to current. I had a few days last week where I was 6:30-3:30 schedule. This screwed up the cats feeding schedule as I went to bed earlier so they got fed earlier. Now they think anytime is me giving them food and it doesn’t help that they are bored. I’m in a situation where I have to keep the cats in my room when I’m not home due them clawing my landlord couch and her training her dog to chase them. Along she has let one of them out three times so I don’t trust that she won’t let them out when I’m not home. My lease is almost up and I’m trying to find a new place

Your landlord is crazy imo. I would definitely leave there as soon as you can. In the meantime, can you lock your room where your cats are so she can’t let them out and get her dog to chase them? Try putting on some cat TV and have some interactive toys as well as the timed feeders for your cats in the meantime.

And you can clip their claws if you don’t and get them cardboard scratchers etc. - that will cut down on the scratching if the ll lets them out. Also, like someone suggested you could buy some of that plastic stuff to stick on the couch, assuming the landlord agrees to that.

 

[di and bob]

If they like to scratch, get those cheap large corrugated scratching pads at Walmart. My cats absolutrely love them. it may keep them busy. If she lets your cats out, she should be responsible fro any damage.

 

[GranolaLouise]

suggestions that work for me when i am away from mine ; timed feeder. simple mice toys, a huge lawn/leaf bag on its side is a fave,a blink camera for my peace of mind, cat scratchers, and top of the list is which they will watch for hours. CLICK THE WATCH ON YOUTUBE LINK.... some videos on cat tv are 8 or 10 hrs uninterrupted. l choose those. and,lock her out and just remember....cats sleep around 16 hrs a day