Indoor Cat left out by ? Apartment Staff or Management? or else used telepathic powers to escape its

I am so  mad.. not even sure what forum to post this in, or what good sharing this will do, but if anyone has advice or has dealt with this before, please let me know your thoughts.

We live in an apartment.  We have a special needs cat... she is deaf, and has some chronic sinus issues, allergies, and skin issues.  She doesn't care for strangers, and certain doesn't run to greet them.  She is a rescue, and was found abandoned at the lake so she has suffered previous trauma from being lost outdoors.  We have had her just over a year.  I came home last night to find this sweet baby outside in the dark, freezing cold weather... When I got out of my car, she came around the corner of a fence to look at me, (I was wearing my driving glasses which I never wear in the apartment, and I had my hands full of papers from work, coffee cup, purse, etc.).  I called to her, but she is deaf so that didn't do any good.. and when I put my hand out to her, she turned and ran.... poor thing was terrified.

This cat is strictly indoors... She was indoors when I left for work in the morning at 7:50 a.m.  When my daughter got home from work in the afternoon around 3:00, she could not find the cat anywhere, which was a little odd since she usually comes out looking for a treat or a tickle, but not totally unheard of as the cats have many hidely holes and like to nap in the afternoon... but as the day progressed... First thing she tells me when I walk in the door is "I can't find Snowy".  I tell her, I know where Snowy is, she is outside!.  I put my things down, and grab a coat and one of our other cats and go back outside to look for her.  We finally got her back, but I am so ANGRY I am still shaking.

We had no indication that apartment management or maintenance would be entering our apartment, and they left no note or appology or explanation of why they had been in our apartment, or that our cat had escaped, or anything.

What would you do?

I thought unless it was an emergency they had to give reasonable notice.  Having lived in a place where management took care of all maintenance they would put a flier on each door and request you confine your pets that day if no one would be home.

Check your lease.

Call the management , unless they were in there to stop a gas / water leak or a fire there aren't many exceptions to entering without notice.

If it was some type of monthly pest control you should have notice to make sure your pets are not exposed to toxic substances.

Depending on the response you might be able to file a written complaint against whoever went into your home or if you really feel there was no justification and you get blown off most cities have an easily accessed landlord tenant court that uses mediation.

I'm glad you found her safe.

First off, I'm glad that you found her and that she is OK.

I would go down to the office and have a face to face with the manager. I would ask who had been in my apartment and why. They are supposed to give you notice if they are going in for repairs or something.

After that I would let her know that the cat is an indoor only cat , that she is deaf with other medical issues and under NO circumstances is she to be let outside. I would also put a note on the inside of the door in case they decide to go in the apartment again without telling you first.

On the note, I'd have a picture of her at the top with something like this underneath

This is (name)

(Name) is an indoor only cat. She is on medication and is deaf. Therefore she cannot be outside. If you are coming into or going out of this apartment, please DO NOT LET HER OUT. Please watch the door when opening or closing it to make sure she does not get out.

I would also ask the manager to keep it in your file that you have an indoor only cat who cannot be let out in case anyone else in her office has to let someone in.

I would be LIVID but I would take some time to compose myself and try to explain to her as nicely as possible why your cat can't be outside.

Good luck.

Thank you all for your input. I am working on the composure part.  I know you catch more flies with honey, etc.  They have been in my apartment before and it seems to be their policy not to give any notice.  I don't want to make too big of an issue out of it since we actually have 4 cats, which is one more than city ordinance allows.  The pets are listed on my lease though.  For instance, if you reqeust to have your carpets shampooed, the only thing they will tell you is that the carpet shampooer is there on Thursdays. It might be a week, it might be a month, or longer; they will get to you when they get to you.  The first couple of years I would get a note on my door that they were going to inspect chimneys or whatever, but I haven't even gotten that the last 7 years.  They do not treat for pests inside your apartment unless you request it.  If you file a request for maintenance, same thing, they come when they feel like it, be it a week, or over the course of several weeks - with no notice they will be entering your premises.  They come one day to look at your leaky faucet, then sometime two weeks later they may show up to fix it.  There are issues with the heat, which I didn't  report... but that issue was not fixed, so I don't even think that is why they came in. 

I just need to move.  I want a house.  Send good vibes that my kitties can get a real home!

We have had a similar experience with maintenance leaving the door open while working. We were lucky enough to get home soon after they got there before the cats got out. I am blessed to not work during the week so when I do leave I aim for early in the morning before maintenance would come or late in the day after they have quit for the day. When I do have to go out during the day I put my poor babies in the bathroom with a note on the door and aim to be back asap. We live in a small mom n pop apartment complex and they don't really follow all the rules. It has its good and bad points.

Although management is aware that you have a pet, it is an awfully good idea to talk with them and make sure they understand that you have a special needs animal that MUST remain indoors.  Do take the time to check on your state's statutes regarding landlord/tenant issues, and what notice is required for entry.  Now, it could be that requested maintenance is considered automatic permission to enter at their convenience, but you said that the issue was not recitified.  Should you find that they are in violation of state or city ordinances, very gently remind them that you do need (state requred notification) to make sure your  special needs animal is secure.  I'd almost make it a request, but one that tells management that you are aware of your rights.  If you get any hint that the manager would be adverse to this...DON'T DO IT!  I had one manager, many years ago, who was a real...well...let's say "lady-dog," and who went out of her way to make my life miserable following a polite request to not enter without prior notice.

Sorry that was so scrambled.  My blood sugar is getting low, and I'm trying to finish up on TCS before I go cook.  This is a stupid thing to do.  Candy canes left from Christmas...that'll do it...

I'm so glad that you got Snowy back inside and she's OK. It disgusts me how utterly disrespectful contractors are of people's pets and property when they've come to do work. It's like they go out of their way to be offensive. I've seen it so much that yes, I am going to brand all contractors the same. Respectful workman are the exception, not the norm. It's not just in apartments either, they can be like that when going into people's houses, although there seems to be a prevailing attitude about "it's just an apartment" so they don't give a crap about being respectful that it's someone's home.
I wish you good luck on being able to move out soon.

Are you sure it was management and not a break in?

Are you sure the kitty didn't slip out between your legs when you left the apartment? That has happened to me and I had no idea my cat ran out when I was exiting my place.

I am not sure that it was management and not a break in, which is one of the many reasons it would be nice if they had at least left a note.  However, apartment staff has walked in on my daughter without so much as a warning knock on other occasions during the day (she works overnights and I don't think they thought anyone would be there. 

Yes, I am sure that she did not sneak out between my legs.  Now if had been Tatiana that got out, I would consider the possibility... she longs for the outdoors and if she hears you coming, she will be sitting at the door waiting for you and will try to get out. But not Snowy. 

We put in an offer on a house this weekend.  Hope we get it and I just don't have to worry about things like this anymore!

MollyBlue said:

I am not sure that it was management and not a break in, which is one of the many reasons it would be nice if they had at least left a note.  However, apartment staff has walked in on my daughter without so much as a warning knock on other occasions during the day (she works overnights and I don't think they thought anyone would be there. 

Yes, I am sure that she did not sneak out between my legs.  Now if had been Tatiana that got out, I would consider the possibility... she longs for the outdoors and if she hears you coming, she will be sitting at the door waiting for you and will try to get out. But not Snowy. 

We put in an offer on a house this weekend.  Hope we get it and I just don't have to worry about things like this anymore!

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That's great!! Vibes out that you get it!

The most important thing is that Snowy is home, safe and well.