Cats and roommates: making it work
The litter box determines whether many cat arrangements succeed. Put it in a ventilated, agreed-upon place; clean it on a fixed schedule; and keep odor control, litter, and a mat on hand. The cat’s owner should own the task.
Set boundaries for bedrooms, counters, plants, windows, and exterior doors. A roommate who dislikes cats should not have to negotiate every closed door, and a cat should not be able to slip out when someone brings in groceries.
Talk plainly about allergies and overnight guests. Offer a fur-management plan—vacuuming, brushing, washable covers—before someone has to complain. Small routines make a cat easy to live with.