It is getting more and more difficult these days to find an apartment that allows cats. Even condo associations are now figuring out ways to include clauses in their leases to exclude pets, as well. This has left many with no other option than sneaking a cat or small dog into their apartment. It is extremely important that the reader understands that this behaviour will likely result in an instant eviction when you are caught. However, if you are going to go ahead and try it, here are a few tips.

First, you can’t have a cat that meows a lot or one that scratches the front door. You will likely have neighbors that will love nothing more than ratting you out, so if you have a pet that makes noise, don’t even try to sneak them into your place.

Make sure you have the cat box and other items somewhat hidden from view. Chances are, you are going to prop your front door open at one point or another to carry something big and bulky inside and you don’t want your cat box or cat toys visible to anyone who may be passing by.

If you do get caught with an animal, you need to have some kind of built in excuse ready to go. Say you are cat-sitting or your sister is fumigating and you are watching her cat for her until the end of the week. You’ll likely still get in some kind of trouble but you won’t get evicted.

You should also have some kind of concrete plan in place for what you plan on doing with the pet if you get caught. Simply dropping it at the SPCA isn’t acceptable. Make sure you have a friend that will agree to take it before you even consider hiding it in your apartment.