By Whisker Wonders,
I was hunting for a pet-friendly house in Nairobi strictly with a compound, after Billy’s dramatic apartment chronicles (yes, the meowing, the stair patrols, and those ceiling expeditions).
So when I finally found a this nice place with a garden and friendly vibes, I knew I had to come clean with the landlady before signing the tenancy agreement.
“I have two cats, just two. They’re quiet, clean, and fully indoor.”
She paused. “Okay, but only two, eh?” I nodded. Deal.
For a While, Things Were Calm
My two cats settled in quite well. They’d bask in sunbeams, roll across the tiled floor, and perch by the window watching birds flutter through the garden. Occasionally, the landlady would spot them lounging and smile.
“They’re so well-behaved,” she’d say.
That was… until they started climbing onto her car and leaving tiny paw prints all over the bonnet.
To make matters worse, they discovered her open windows and began strolling into her house. She eventually had to keep her windows shut at all times, just to keep my feline explorers out.
A Soft Spot for Cats
Despite this, over time, her tone softened too. She’d show up with a piece of chicken now and then:
“Wape hawa paka wako kidogo.”
And when I travelled, she was happy to cat-sit, making sure they were fed and secure. She even joked once:
“This compound is now completely rat-free, thanks to those small, silent soldiers!”
Her heart was softening but her house rules hadn’t changed. Only two cats. That was still the deal.
The Unofficial Cat Census Begins
Then came the whirlwind.
My cat and dog rescue and rehoming work started picking up. Friends called. Strays showed up. And a mama cat I was fostering gave birth to three energetic kittens. Slowly but surely, my household grew.
I had five cats: my two adults and the mama with her babies.
The landlady? As sharp as ever.
“Cess… I said two. But now I see them in the shamba, the garden, the fence. Everywhere I look, there’s a cat… Are you turning this into a zoo?”
I’d flash my best innocent smile.
“They’re on their way to new homes. Just temporary.”
But I could tell she was mentally tallying every tail she saw.
Then Came Luna
One day, a friend called in distress. She had to travel urgently and asked if I could take in two orphaned kittens, barely two weeks old. Their mother had abandoned them.
I said yes. Of course I did.
Sadly, one kitten passed away after a short illness, but the other—Luna—survived.
Luna was gentle. Calm. Observant. Her quiet manners, tidy habits, and soulful stares melted everyone’s heart including the landlady’s.
So I tried my luck.
“Can I please keep Luna permanently? She’s different. Very composed.”
The landlady looked at her and sighed.
“Fine. But now that’s it. Three cats, maximum. No more negotiations.”
But then… Came Lucky, the rescued cat who migrated her four kittens to the landlady’s ceiling.
Read the Ceiling Kittens Story only on Whisker Wonders Kenya.
🐾 Whisker Wonders Reflections
Moving with pets in Kenya isn’t just about finding a house it’s about building trust. From paw prints on bonnets to surprise ceiling kittens, I’ve learned that with patience and a bit of charm, even strict landlords can grow fond of whiskers.
