Spokane tenant rescues a stray cat, but landlord demands they rehome the baby or face a hefty feline fine for breaking their no-pet lease: 'They can't just give you a single day notice'

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Blake Seidel • Managing Editor & Brand Manager
Oct 6, 2025 11:00 AM EDT

Unfurtunately for us, not everyone follows the rules of the Cat Distribution System. Some people are even unaware that it even exists! These people don't understand that these kitties are brought to us fur a reason and we must follow them or else face the wrath of Basement Cat. 

You won't believe this, but the people who don't know about the Cat Distribution System also don't believe in Basement Cat - can you even imagine such a purrfectly clawful existence? Their lives must be missing some feline flair, but nevertheless, when they are your landlord, you can't go around preaching about the CDS when it comes to your no-pet lease.

After rescuing a stray cat and taking them in, one tenant from Spokane, Washington, is finding themselves in the middle of quite a cat-astrophic conundrum. Their landlord found out about their recently saved stray, and is only giving them one day to rehome the cat or face a hefty feline fine for breaking their no-pet contract. Through the power of the internet, they were able to find the sweet stray a home, and make them homeless no more. We would like to give this heartless landlord a piece of our minds, though!

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  • 01
    Cheezburger Image 10560796928
    via Major_Salamander7720
  • 02
    Hello all, I found a stray a few days ago and took him in. Landlord found out and said I need to get rid of the cat by tomorrow, can anybody take this fella and give her a home/rehome him?
    via Major_Salamander7720
  • 03
    Both the nearby shelters are full ATM. She is very cuddly and vocal. Super gentle and rarely uses her claws.
    via Major_Salamander7720
  • 04
    Cheezburger Image 10560797696
    via Major_Salamander7720

  • She looks like an absolute sweetheart. Look at those snuggly poses - she was purractically meant for indoor life! We hope she finds a home with someone who loves to cuddle because she looks like she's going to be the velcro-iest velcro cat that ever existed.

  • 05
    Unknown if spayed, does not have a microchip. Unsure how old she is, would be surprised if older than a year.
    via Major_Salamander7720
  • 06
    Can afford to drive to somebody to find her a home. Have put up a missing report on pawboost, nobody seems to have a match.
    via Major_Salamander7720
  • 07
    UltraGear AT WANT
    via Major_Salamander7720
  • 08
    Let me know if you know the owner. In Spokane, WA area, USA. UPDATE: The baby is going to be let outside to comply with my landlord's demands.
    via Major_Salamander7720
  • 09
    I'll keep her fed and will still make sure to call the shelters when they are open.
    via Major_Salamander7720

  • A day is not a lot of time, but if we've learned one thing about the cat community in our time at I Can Has Cheezburger, it's to not underestimate it. Cat lovers are prepurred to jump through flaming hoops for cats in need, so we're sure she'll find a home in no time.

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    Cheezburger Image 10560797184
    via Major_Salamander7720
  • 11
    Thank you for all the comments, sorry I could not get to them all, I am sick.
    via Major_Salamander7720
  • 12
    The critter still does not have a home. Feel free to DM if you are nearby and willing to take her.
    via Major_Salamander7720
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    Cheezburger Image 10560796672
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  • 14
    Downy... 1d ago Edited 1d ago What an a of a landlord. I used to live in Spokane and there are lots of great people out there so I'm betting you'll find someone. ALSO, look up RCW 59.18.190
    via DownvotedForThinking
  • 15
    As I understand it the landlord is required to give you 10 days to come into lease compliance for minor violations such as pets, they can't just give you a single day notice.
    via DownvotedForThinking
  • 16
    ZOOYORKJOHN • 1d ago Awe, sh. I was just there and would have taken him. He looks like my cat
    via ZOOYORKJOHN
  • 17
    Upper_Guava5067 · 1d ago How did the landlord find out? Maybe negotiate with the landlord lord? Pet rent of $25 a month?
    via Upper_Guava5067
  • 18
    Riley-Says 1d ago Id hide the baby until you can find a home. I found my babies outside when started. Nobody wanted 2kittens & I couldn't separate them. Then, when I did find someone, she wanted 2breed them. I got too attached & kept them. They still sleep together on my bed every night
    via Riley-Says
  • 19
    Talk to your landlord and ask for up to 10 days to find a home. That seems reasonable.
    via Riley-Says
  • 20
    getdownsaber • 1d ago Please look to repost on the Spokane subreddit!
    via getdownsaber
  • 21
    No-Consideration-858 • 21h ago post this to Spokane and Washington subreddits. Also distribute flyers, if possible, at local veterinary offices. You can even ask them if one of their staff can foster her while you look for a permanent home.
    via No-Consideration-858
  • 22
    You can post on your local next- door on Facebook. Please charge $50 rehoming fee to deter bad people. This is vital. Do you have a friend, relative or colleague who might be willing to foster?
    via No-Consideration-858
  • 23
    Although not ideal, you might be able to board her for a few days so you have a little more time to find her home. You'll get a huge audience by doing these things. Thank you for helping her.
    via No-Consideration-858
  • 24
    Major_Salamander7720 OP 1d ago • Commenting for visibility, thank you for the legal advice but it is unfortunately a no-pet lease. Was given a notice to get rid of the cat by tomorrow or recieve a fine/be unable to renew the lease.
    via Major_Salamander7720
  • 25
    frecklednewt • 1d ago Ahh thank you for helping this baby! Hope You find someone!
    via frecklednewt
  • 26
    OG-Giligadi. 1d ago Man, she reminds me of my familiar, and I'm away from her today. Good luck finding a place for her.
    via OG-Giligadi
  • 27
    • awalkinthepark1111 · 1d ago If you register a pet as an emotional support animal they are protected in any housing, regardless rules or signed contracts.
    via awalkinthepark1111
  • 28
    You can tell him the baby will be legally protected and send him the laws about it. If that isn't something you want to do; find a rescue that is reputable to take the baby to.
    via awalkinthepark1111
  • 29
    UPDATE 2: She found a home!! Thank you to everybody who reached out to offer help/give advice, it gave me hope to keep looking.
    via Major_Salamander7720
  • 30
    Will post an update photo with pictures soon (I hope).
    via Major_Salamander7720

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stray cats landlord fine tenant animal rescue please rehome feline cat rescue forever home Cats loving animals rescue
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