SubscribeCaring for Pets in Dorms: Amazing Frat House Adopts Homeless Cat
A group of fraternity brothers open their hearts to a sick, homeless cat needing a forever home to show caring for pets in dorms is possible.
Caring for pets in dorms sounds challenging. College life is busy, filled with the hustle and bustle of classes, studying, and hanging out with friends. So when students from a frat house in Pennsylvania heard about a homeless cat, they wondered if it could work.
The homeless cat is no ordinary feline–she has a chronic respiratory illness that flares with stress. The poor kitty, named Miss Ma’am found temporary shelter at a rescue program in Allegheny Valley. Shelter volunteer Danielle Baughman knew the cat needed a special home, but she never imagined it would be a frat house filled with busy college students.
Don’t Guess When It Comes To Your Pet’s Care
Don’t Guess When It Comes To Your Pet’s Care
How College Students Help A Homeless Cat
Adopting a cat with special needs never crossed the minds of a group of college boys at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. They already had a lot of things on their minds, so how would this even work?
According to Baughman (1), “She was living in a home with three dogs, and the stress was so hard on her that she was living her life constantly sick.”
Sometimes, fate has a way of taking center stage. A college student named Brenden came to the shelter hoping to adopt a cat into their fraternity. Baughman was rightfully hesitant to allow a frat house to adopt an animal. However, as she got to know Brenden, she knew it was the right thing to do.
Caring for Pets in Dorms
One of Baughman’s main concerns was how busy students would take care of a sick cat. She allowed the boys to keep the cat for a short time on a trial basis. Soon, Miss Ma’am became the frat house mama of sorts, getting lots of love and attention.
After a week, Baughman paid a visit to the fraternity–with surprising results. Miss Ma’am was thriving and finally got all the cuddles, affection, and care she deserved. The boys posted a now-viral video on TikTok which shows Miss Ma’am in action.
Commenters shared their adoration and gratitude with comments like:
“She loves her boys.”
“That’s the cutest thing I’ve seen in a long time!”
“Real men in the world who aren’t ashamed of loving a pet. Oh. My. Heart.”
Miss Ma’am loves sleeping in a box near the boys, and they love giving her attention. When new pledges visit the house, Miss Ma’am meets them, too.
“She is living life for the first time ever,” Baughman stated. “She wanted no part of coming back with me. She is a fixture of the frat house…I could not be happier that she went with them.”
Tips For College Students Who Want A Pet
Pets are comforting and stress-busters for college students. They help with anxiety during studies, when prepping for exams, and in adjusting to everyday college life.
If you live in a dorm and are considering a pet, here are some sage tips to help get things started:
- Check with the college administrators or counselors about the official pet policy. Never try to sneak a pet in, as it won’t end well for anyone. Caring for pets in dorms
- Consider that pets are a long-term commitment. Long after your college years, someone will need to care for the pet. Decide who will be taking that responsibility from the start.
- Determine if you have the budget and time to care for a pet (i.e., who will provide food, walks, litterbox changes, veterinary bills, etc.)
- Ensure your roommates are in agreement and don’t have any pet allergies.
- Choose the right pet for your space. That could be a tank of fish or a hamster. You may have the time and space for a cat or small dog. A lower-maintenance pet can also be enjoyable. All pets need food, care, and veterinary support.
- Have a backup plan for emergencies. What if you want to go home for the weekend? What happens if you have much to do and no time to care for the pet? Can someone help? These are all important questions.
- Is there a veterinarian nearby for visits, care, and emergencies? Do you have transportation?
- Will you adopt? What if it doesn’t work out?
- If you are certain that you and your roommates are ready for a pet, the next section offers advice on living with a pet in a smaller space.
How To Live With a Pet In A Small Space
Caring for pets in dorms can be tricky, and not all pets are suitable for smaller spaces. However, with a little ingenuity and planning, here are some pets that tend to do well with less space:
- Hamsters, gerbils, ferrets
- Fish
- Reptiles such as lizards or geckos
- Cats, as long as they have space to explore
- Smaller dogs, as long as you devote the time
Before your pet arrives, here are steps to follow:
- Create a cozy space, including a pet zone, bedding, or habitat.
- Make use of vertical space: Cats love scratching posts and climbing towers.
- Give your pet a place to retreat and hide as their “den.”
- Vacuum, clean the place, and consider an air purifier to keep air fresh.
- Plan the routine. This includes meals, play time, walks or activities, vet care, and more.
- Talk to roommates. Ensure everyone is on board.
- Use space-saving pet products. These include foldable pet beds, collapsible crates, and smaller toys for enrichment.
- Have a pet emergency and first aid kit on hand.
- If you get a pet that requires walks or outdoor potty time, find out what areas are permitted.
- Have a backup plan or someone to care for your pet if you get busy or plans change.
Here are some related articles if you are interested in adopting a new furry friend and caring for pets in dorms:
Adoptable Pet Center to Search
What to Know Before Adopting a Pet
Feature Image by Jill Schafer from Pixabay
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