Hello All,
I see all the wonderful answers in the forum, so I've built some high expectations...
We (Our small family) are planing to relocate to Zurich at Dec.
Our small family includes two cats (alley tomcats;not spoiled) which are with us for 10 years.
I've heard (from rumors), that cats are very unpopular when it comes to renting an apartment. The owners simply don't like people with cats.
Is that true? Have you bumped into people who had problems to rent an apartment because of cats? Or is it that the Swiss are simply agnostic to cats?
Many thanks,
Ariel

As an owner of two dogs and a cat, I can safely say that the dogs were much more of an issue when looking for places to rent. Compared with the US, at least, finding a place that allows pets here is far easier.

They do, however, seem to prefer indoor cats over those allowed to venture outside. Which was fine with us, our cat is a strict indoor cat anyhow.

Thanks Principia,
My cats are so spoiled.. the max is to step into the balcony.. lucky me...
So, what then do you see as a bottom line? should I take them with me and just take the risk?
Somehow I'm afraid from the flat owners reaction and the from reducing my chances on the race to the flat... I hope I'm not exaggerating...

Cheers,
Ariel

Interesting! I was just saying how wonderfully easy it was to find a place that allows dogs . But then, compared to London, everything about finding a place in Zurich has been a breeze.

Ariel - there are lots of listings on the property websites that will specifically say that pets are allowed. But beyond that, the one we are going to rent did not say that, but we just called and asked and they said our two small dogs were no problem. Another one we inquired about didn't allow them, but it doesn't hurt to ask. So if you find a place you really like, don't rule it out just because it doesn't say "pets allowed."

You shouldn't have much trouble at all finding an apartment that allows cats. You will probably have to sign a form they have for pet owners (for damage) and possibly pay an extra deposit, but no problems really. Just make sure that where you rent allows pets and you're fine. Most places, in my experience, do allow small pets. Animals have a well-loved status here for the most part. Any antagonism you may hear towards cats would be people who don't like them using their yard or garden as a litter box. Indoor cats are well accepted.

They also sell cat nets for your balcony, so you can leave the cats outside on the balcony to enjoy the fresh air and "kitty tv" (aka - nature flying around outside them). Ours find this to be perfect for them, and now only enjoy hunting the occasional moth that comes in.

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I can testify to that. I do like cats, but to be honest I'm not chuffed when I see my neighbours cats using my garden rather than their own (further from their home territory I guess) as their litter tray. I used to use that garden area for BBQs in the summer, but can't really justify having guests standing or sitting on the 70% of the lawn that seems to be affected. Of course there's nothing I can do about it, so I don't complain. But it does irritate me mightily.

Sorry, didn't mean this to become a thread hijack or degenerate into a discussion of the toilet habits of cats - it's just that the garden as a litterbox comment hit a nerve.

Are cats independent here like they are in UK ? You are reponsible for the actions of your dog, but cats are "independent" and so you legally cannot be held to account.

Personally I take an Edgar Allan Poe attitude to cats, but thats another thread. Generally speaking dogs and cats are welcomed and appreciated here.

dave

[quote=mark]Of course there's nothing I can do about it, so I don't complain. But it does irritate me mightily.

quote]

What's the EA Poe attitude to cats? I'd dearly like to know. Also, what is the idea behind cats being 'independent'? It raises interesting philosophical implications...

You might want to look into insurance to cover any damage the cats might do - depending on your insurer, it many be covered in standard liabilty coverage, or you might need a separate policy.

Our landlord wanted us to pay for a new wood floor (five figures ) when we moved out, citing scratch marks left by the dogs - not that I could see any, but you know the white glove handover inspection... . The insurance took care of everything - including fighting with the landlord. I think they settled for polishing the entryway a second time.

I was very glad to have had the insurance policy - it could have been very expensive, as I don't think we could have convinced the landlord to back down on our own.

From http://www.llrx.com/features/catlaw.htm with my highlighting :
"In the quintessential “cat and the canary” case of McDonald v. Jodrey 8 Pa. C.C. 142 (Pa. Com. Pl. 1890) the court stated that the owner of a cat is not responsible for the “predatory” habits of the species, only for the known “mischievous tendencies” of the animal. See also the landmark case of Buckle v. Holmes [1926] 2 K.B. 125 from the English Court of Appeals (Civil Division) which held that an owner of a cat is not liable for the damage caused when the cat trespasses. At the time of the decision this case aroused quite a bit of interest in the law of cats on both sides of the Atlantic."

Edgar Allan Poe wrote a classic story call "The Black Cat".

dave

I found some really weird web pages when I looked this up (for example should Christians keep cats). Strange...

I noticed some cat repellent spray for outdoor use in Qualipet not too long ago. Also, there are some household things you can use ... I'm sure there are many hints on the web.


~ Nanda.

I must be honest and say that I didn't expected this amount of information. Thank you all.
And now for my last question; And I promise it's the last one (for this thread at least )...
This one is more question related to the high standards of noise pollution .... and cats

One of my two cats is a male.. without some major parts, if you know what I mean
So he is surely fells like the king of the castle, which means LOUD voices in unusual hours (e.g. 5 AM).

Should I then expect some angry neighbours knocking on my door? Is that considered a major problem?
Thanks again,

My tip would be to claim you don't have a cat on the application and then say you just got it if asked. It's what I've done with my dogs thus far... on the other hand Zürich is one of those cities where every neighbor, janitor and passer-by will stick his/her nose in your business including looking through your windows, watching when you come and go and listening at the door... tough terrain for a newcomer...

As for the noise, yeah... that's gonna be a problem, do yourself and your cat a favor and have him neutered (my opinion without knowing your cat or situation well). There's too many strays around as it is, and it's gotta be torture for him to get the urge and not be able to do anything about it.

Know this is late but maybe someone is interested?

Cheers

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Hi,

Do your boys not spray? I would be really surprised if they didn't as entire boys. I have just had my two boys done before coming out later this year.It definitely makes them more sociable lol.

I wish you well anyway, Im sure you will be fine.We have started keeping our young male in so he gets used to the confinement of an apartment but i am also working on harness training so I can take him out for some fresh air.

Best of luck.

Joanne

Is that your norweigens or the maine coons? Or have you swapped again? I loose track so easily, sorry!

wat she swapped her cats? wat did she swap them for?

She had Norweigen Forest cats before - I've posted the full story here: http://www.englishforum.ch/daily-lif...tml#post263744