The population of the world can be easily divided up into two camps: those that like pets and those that don’t. There are people out there that have a veritable zoo in their home, with lizards, cats, hamsters and birds all co existing. Other people refuse to even babysit a goldfish. If you have found yourself in a roommate relationship with someone who has a pet, here are a few survival tips.

First off, you need to determine if you have an allergy to the pet that has been introduced. If you do have an allergy problem, you have the right to either terminate the roommate relationship on the spot or demand that the pet be removed. People believe that they can only have an allergy to a cat or a dog, but allergies exist to almost any kind of animal and they can make life miserable.

Next, you need to be sure that any responsibilities for the pet are given to the owner and not you. There may be times when you are asked to scoop a cat box or clean out a fish tank if your roommate is on vacation, but you should never be given those tasks as part of housekeeping duties. The pet belongs to your roommate and it is his or her responsibility to take care of.

If the animal misbehaves or does anything to damage your belongings, there should be no quarrels as far as replacing it goes. Kittens love to scratch things and small dogs sometimes can’t wait to go out side to go to the bathroom, so you should be prepared for these kinds of things to happen.

If you have had a pet introduced into your living environment by a roommate without your permission, it is probably a sign that you nee to look for a new roommate as soon as possible.

If you could make a top ten list of the most traumatic events of your life, moving would be at or near the top of that list. No one likes moving expect for moving companies. However, as traumatic as moving is for you, it is a hundred times worse for your pet. As far as your cat is concerned, your last place was their universe. This is especially true if you own an inside cat. Here are a few things you can do to help make the move a bit easier to take for your pet.

Your cat will probably figure out something is up when you start packing and cardboard boxes begin piling up everywhere. You’ll notice that their behaviour will change and they will seem more animated and nervous. There isn’t a whole lot you can do other than simply paying more attention to them. Offer more affection, more play time and simply keep an eye on them.

On moving day, try to get them out of the way early. If you can, move them first and keep them in a bathroom with the door closed along with food, water, toys and, of course, the cat box. If that doesn’t work, give them to a friend for the day so they are away from the noise and the commotion. As soon as you are moved in, make sure Fluffy has everything she needs and then go get her.

The first week or so at the new place or new apartment is going to be tough. Expect to be woken up in the middle of the night be howls and meows and you might even find a present or two on the carpet when you wake up in the morning. Try to wade through this tough period. Offer all of the love and affection you can and make sure you play with your cat during this time, as well. You may even want to up the amount of treats and catnip you normally give. Moving is stressful for pets but there are things you can do to make it better.