The Apartment That Became a Cat Colony

This piece is part of our International Bizarre Landlord Stories series. Today’s story was first reported in Canada.

A landlord attending a flat in Ontario for what should have been a routine inspection was met with the sound of meows echoing through the corridor. On opening the door, it became clear why. The tenant had been keeping more than forty cats in the property, with litter trays in every room and claw marks on furniture, walls and doors.

The discovery

The flat had been transformed into a makeshift shelter. Bowls of food lined the kitchen floor and strong odours carried through the stairwell. Neighbours had complained about the smell, but the true scale was only discovered once the landlord gained access with proper notice.

The aftermath

Local animal services were called to remove the cats. Many were in poor health and required veterinary care. The landlord faced thousands in cleaning and repair costs, including complete replacement of flooring and plasterboard. The case was reported in Canadian media and sparked debate about pet ownership rules in rented housing.

Lessons for landlords

• Be clear in tenancy agreements. Set limits on pets, require permission for multiple animals, and enforce conditions consistently.
• Act on neighbour reports quickly. Persistent smells or noise should trigger inspections in line with tenancy law.
• Use professional cleaners. Ammonia odours from cat urine can linger without specialist treatment and equipment.
• Keep detailed records. Written evidence helps support legal or insurance claims if recovery is needed.

Your experience

Have you ever discovered tenants keeping more animals than agreed. How did you manage the situation. Share your experiences below to help others learn.

Series so far

• The Tenant Who Kept a Tiger in a Harlem Apartment
• The Day a Cow Knocked at a Fourth-Floor Flat
• When a Tenant Found a Python in the Toilet
• The Tenants Who Turned a Flat into a Miniature Zoo
• The Room Filled With 200 Bottles of Urine
• The Tenant Who Took the Roof With Them

Background coverage: Global News Canada report.