So my #1 choice college allows pet’s in dorms, which was something that I loved because I couldn’t stand to leave my cat at home. I’m now having an issue with single or double dorms, as I’m worried about her escaping by a roommate not noticing her slip out. While I would love to have a double, since I’m a rather chatty person (and I’d hate to be the crazy lady who talks to only her cat at night), I’m extremely concerned about the well being of my cat. Does anybody know any measures that I could take if I were to stay in a double to prevent her from slipping out, other than caging her up or telling my roommate to be on guard? Or would I just be safer chosing a single?
The price, I should note, isn’t much of an issue, as there’s not a scary difference at this college.
Also, I apologize if this is in the wrong area, as I’m fairly new to the site.
Agree with a single. No one wants to have to put up with a litter box for a cat that’s not even theirs. Although, in my opinion, if you really love you cat, you won’t force her to live in a tiny dorm room. You’ll be taking her away from what she knows as her home and shoving her in a small, crowded space in which she’ll be alone for most the time. It seems a terribly sad life for a pet.
Eckerd? I’m assuming any college that allows pets also makes sure to pair roommates so no is in room with pets that doesn’t want to be.
That said, if you are already thinking how devastated you will be if your roommate is not as conscientious as you are about the cat escaping, the chances of nitpicking and alienating your roommate is high. I’d recommend a double OR your cat, not both. Good luck & aloha.
I would also choose a single unless your roommate has had a cat before. Having lived with a cat in my apartment this year, while I in theory like cats, it’s a whole different story in a dorm room where they are living with you, and will, by definition, get into your stuff, bother you when you’re studying, wake you up (again, for a cat that isn’t mine)-- and the only way to keep that from happening, I assume, is caging, which is not ideal. I had to keep my door to my room closed at all times this semester (for a friend who loves her cats), and it was a hassle.
For the love of all that is good “pet’s” is not the same as “pets.” “Pet’s” means either “pet is” or shows possession. The word you’re looking for is “pets.”
With that said, if your college does allow pets, you should probably get a single. I love animals but even I don’t want to share a room with a cat and its litter box…
Unless the cat has issues with the rest of your family, I too recommend leaving the cat at home. A dorm room is almost certainly a significant downgrade in space for it and if it has any sort of relationship with your parents (and siblings?) You’re also removing several important people from it’s life vs. just 1 (you). Additionally, if either of your parents are home most of the day, the cat will also now have to adjust to being alone for longer periods of time. You can handle the change of scenery and separation better than it can.
Is there an option of leaving your cat at home? I think it is selfish to take your cat out of its home environment just because your school allows you to have pets. I think your cat will be happier at home and not trapped in a tiny dorm room all day while you will be at class, hanging with friends, joining clubs, and having a social life. If I were you I would highly reconsider taking your cat to college. My roommate brought her cat to our townhouse apartment and the cat hated it and the size of the place is way bigger than a tiny dorm room. The cat missed its comforts of home and your cat will be trapped in a smaller place, but again this is your choice. Eventually, my roommate brought her cat back home because she could see how unhappy it was.
If you do take the cat, then I highly recommend the single. Don’t force another person to live with the cat because some people don’t like animals in their personal spaces. Just remember you will be in close quarters with your cat. In the meantime, maybe attempt locking your cat, its litter box and yourself in your bedroom at home for lengths of time so you can see what it will feel like when you bring your cat to school.
There isn’t much of an option to leave her home. My mother would be the only one there, and she’s counting on getting a dog when I leave, as she’s not a fan of cats. And anyone who I would happen to be living with would be consenting to a cat, since its a pet building.
And my cat doesn’t leave my room, as my mother is deaf and rather loud in everything she does. She (the cat) is a gentle soul and doesn’t take to well to noise.
There are plenty of dogs that get along just fine with cats. Especially a cat that typically hangs out in one bedroom. You likely had the conversation about having a cat in the home before you brought it in, so mom must have consented at some point… How long have you had the cat?
Any college that allows you to bring a pet will only pair you with a roommate who is fine with a pet and either has no pet themselves or a compatible pet. Before college I had never had a pet (and still have never had a cat), but I would’ve been thrilled to share a room with someone with a cat and would’ve been pretty conscientious to keep the cat in the room. I like cats. I’m sure there are other college students who feel the same way - either they can’t bring their own cat, or they always wanted one but can’t have one, or are fine with cats.
However, if you are worried you can still be a chatty student with a single - just visit other people on your hall or invite your friends over to your single to relax.
Cats stay indoors all day long anyway - where do we think the cat is while OP is in school? Some cats don’t take well to moving but some cats would rather move with their owner than stay where they are. Every cat is different.
Honestly, it sounds as though this is your cat. So you need to find a solution that works for the other people in your life- your mom, your roommate. You knew you would be going to college at some point… what was the plan?
I know most colleges allow fish. I wish there were colleges that allow dogs, why only cats?
Anyways, are there any colleges that you go to locally? Then you can see your cat everyday.
If this is Eckerd, just call or email and ask them about the roommate situation. It’s a single dorm building, I believe, that allows pets so most people who live there has a pet or wants to live with one. I don’t think taking your cat there will be an issue.