Moving to London soon with my cat and looking for cat loving housemates

[Giulia]

Hello everyone! I am new to this forum, and will soon be new to England!
I'll be moving to London in a few weeks, for work within a charity, and have started looking for a house. I would like to share, not only to keep costs down but most of all because I have to find a solution to a problem... my work will require me to travel extensively, which means I cannot take Mimi (my cat who already moved continents with me once) with me to England, unless I find friendly and cat-loving housemates who could take care of her when I am away. I think a household where there are a few other cats would be the best solution, so that Mimi would not be too much of an extra burden, and I would of course return the favor when needed.
I have been looking on regular house rental websites, and posting adverts including my specific need, but thought that a community of cat lovers might help solve the problem.
If you know anyone who fits the above description and is renting a room, or if you have any other advice, please don't hesitate!

[MarySkater]

Forgive me if I'm stating the obvious, but if you are moving from outside the UK, have you checked the regulations about importing cats? There was a time when an animal would have had to go into quarantine for 6 months. Nowadays, with the right documents, pet passport, vaccination certificates etc, quarantine can be avoided, but do make sure you have the paperwork right.

Good luck with your house hunt. Many rental properties don't allow pets, so again, make sure of all the right documentation before you arrive.

[Janey]

Hi and welcome,

I know that you are looking for a flat share due to your circumstances but you may also find the information below helpful:

The Dog’s Trust "Lets With Pets" site has excellent advice and information for Pet Owners, Landlords and Letting Agents: http://www.letswithpets.org.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There are some great tips here when negotiating with landlords: Top 10 Tips for finding accommodation with your pet: http://www.letswithpets.org.uk/pet-owne ... p-ten-tips" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hope that helps.

[meriad]

Giulia, the links that Janey posted are very good, so do have a look at them.

Do you know where in London your job is and what area of London you want to live. I probably would find out about a good cattery (close to where you think you want to live) and book Mimi in there for a month so it gives you a bit of time to find the perfect home for both you and her. And it's a lot easier when you are here in person as you can then see the house, flat mate, bedroom etc for yourself

I am assuming you're coming over from somewhere in Europe - so Mimi should have a pet passport?

If you have any more ideas re area of London we can maybe help by suggesting estate agents, websites or catteries.

[Giulia]

Hi everyone,
thank you very much for the suggestions, I will definitely check the websites!

Yes, my cat has all necessary papers (actually she has already travelled from Central America to Europe with me), although I was quite shocked to learn that animals are not allowed in the airplane cabin entering the UK! I will have to figure out another way because I have no intention whatsoever to put her with the luggage... Which is why I will first come alone (found someone who'll keep her for me for one/two months).

Still, if any of you hears of a cat-loving owner in search for a renter, do let me know! The ideal area for my job would be North/East London, but I can make an extra commuting effort as long as I can bring Mimi

[evuschak]

Hi Giulia

I don't know if you're still looking for a place or when you need to move, but I wanted to say that I am in a similar situation, relocating to London in about 5 weeks for work, with my two cats.
I would be happy to discuss flatsharing with you if your cat would be fine with the situation? - mine are both neutered, healthy and well behaved, and as my job doesnt require travelling, I am happy to care for all 3 cats as it is no difference really

The question is: how to find a pet friendly place? I have been turned down by every landlord so far.

Let me know if you want to chat.

Eva

[evuschak]

Sorry I didn't read properly (I am a bit stressed by the whole flathunting experience!) - I see now that you do want someone with cats, in which case it would be perfect! Let me know and let's see what we can do together.