Okay, I come here with hope that someone can help my sister-in-law and brother give a good home to a 4 year-old cat from the SPCA in North Carolina. They moved into their apartment maybe 4 years ago or so with 2 cats and a dog (3 animals) and a couple of years ago, the dog became sick and they had to put her down. That brought them down to 2 pets total. Now, they have fallen in love with a 4-year old cat at the SPCA, and were ready to bring him home and take excellent care of him, but were told at the last minute the apartment complex "must have changed the lease" and they no longer allow more than 2 pets max. My SIL is heart-broken, because she knows that older cats are not as easily adoptable as kittens, and did everything to prove to the SPCA that her other two cats had all their shots, etc. just to find out the landlord has supposedly changed the pet clause in the lease. It sucks, because I know this cat would have a good home and be well cared for....So, I was wondering if there is anyone who has any knowledge of a group that helps people and cats in this position. Obviously, it appears we are trying to get around the "rules", but it just sucks because you know this cat probably would not be adopted (he's been there three months already!) and I know that my brother and sister-in-law would be awesome pet parents. I know why the SPCA is so picky with who they let adopt, but in this case, the "rules" are really benefiting no one. This cat would live indoors in a huge 3-bedroom apartment with two loving "pet parents" and two big "sisters" who are very easy going and would probably get along with him no problem.....Sorry for such the long question with all the details, but I am just so heartbroken to see my SIL so heartbroken, and to see this cat probably have to be put to sleep and NOT because no one wants him. Is there ANY way around the SPCA's guidelines, or any special circumstances that will change the landlord's mind? It is an apartment complex, my brother and SIL are VERY good and loving people and are huge animal lovers, so it just really is upsetting to see the "system" work against people like them.Any suggestions?I guess I was "lucky". I have 4 indoor cats, and they were all rescues. My husband and I own our townhouse, and really never had to go through any of these rules (except for my first cat who I adopted at the SPCA and my landlord wrote a letter saying he allowed it) and I always say that if I am ever to be re-incarnated, I want to come back as one of MY cats. Indoor, well fed, and lots of love and clean litterboxes!Oh, and we all don't believe in de-clawing. None of my cats are, and none of theirs were or will be. I'm sure their landlord probably has been screwed in the past with pet damage and irresponsible pet owners. The lease issue is interesting....I spoke to my brother, and he doesn't feel like the leasing office was being too honest with him. But what happened is the SPCA called the landlord/leasing office this morning and notified my brother and SIL that they would not be allowed to adopt the cat now. I'm thinking that this lease "change" needs to be investigated a bit more, good point. I just wish I could go down there and "catnap" the cat for them, I feel so helpless. Also, I am assuming that the shelter is a "kill shelter" because it doesn't advertise on its website it is "no kill". And in my experience, no kill shelters like to advertise that, it makes them seem more humane or what have you. So, I am assuming that part based on experience. Thanks for your answers!

In this situation I think your white lie is acceptable. Why don't you pretend to be the landlord? Go white out his name and number and photocopy it and have your relatives sign it again. Sometimes ya gotta break the rules to do the right thing.BTW- anyone who has cats knows that there ain't much difference between 2 and 3 and the odds of the landlord finding out are very slim.Go for it.EDIT: I'm kind of laughing at what I just said. I know that shelter rules are there for a reason. I'm just wondering how many people have done this to us? Oh well, I'm still for it in your situation.EDIT 2: This is a kill shelter??? Heck with the landlord. Go do what I said and go get that cat!

This is a toughie. My guess is that they wont be able adopt her as sad as it is. The best thing I could suggest to you is to have your sister in law talk to her landlord and explain the situation. Maybe she can put an extra deposit down for the third cat. That is the best idea and probably the only solution that will work because in the end no matter what, it's up to her landlord.Good luck and god bless your sister for taking care of pets who need loving homes!

Have they actually tried talking to their landlord?They've been there 4 years and if they are good tenants the landlord might make an exception. Often leases are changed by owners not really for the current tenants but for the incoming ones because they don't want things getting out of hand with new people. The landlord might be willing to write them a letter of exception.

If nothing else maybe they could pay a pet deposit to get the third cat. I don't agree with the lying and trying to fake out the SPCA, you could always get caught and then they would have you in thier records as someone who lied. I agree it is sad, but have them work with the landlord to see about paying or be grandfathered in. Also I believe there is supposed to be a thirty day written notice for changes to an existing lease.

Did they ever get a copy of the "revised" lease? If not then they need to either tell the landlord he needs to give them one and ask other people in the complex if they recieved one also so it's not just him giving them one to prevent them from a cat, or tell the landlord to let them get the cat since they have no legal paperwork saying they can't, or just bring their copy of the lease with them when they go to adopt to show the adoption place. I hate it when landlords try to be slick and "change" rules without telling you or giving you anything to make it legal....

HEY! Hi Syl! How are you! Anywhoo.....is there any way your SIL can just keep the cat? No reason the landlord needs to know if she has 2 or 3 kitties. Right? Is that a possibility?? As an owner of an older "unadoptable" dog, I can understand how your SIL feels. I think she should just "sneak" the cat in.