Love cats? Here’s where you’ll want to buy a home

The nation’s most cat-friendly cities

Have a cat? Want to buy a home? Then make your way to the West Coast. According to a new ranking, Oregon and Washington are home to the two most cat-friendly housing markets in the nation.

The top spot for cat owners

According to Redfin’s Most Cat-friendly Cities of 2019 list, Corvallis, Oregon is the best place for cat owners to buy a home. Sixteen percent of homes for sale in the city have what Redfin calls “cat-friendly” features.

These include things like high ceilings for climbing, an extra bathroom for litter boxes and “catios.”

Cynthia Chomos, founder of Catio Spaces, explains, “A catio provides feline safety and enrichment outdoors. Bored indoor cats may demand a taste of the outdoors by misbehaving or acting out. Many cat owners let their cats outside due to guilt, but the consequences of unsupervised outdoor time can be traumatic and stressful with vet visits.”

Spokane, Washington took second place on Redfin’s list, with 15 percent of its for-sale homes being “cat-friendly.”

Rounding out the top 10 were Orlando, Florida; Bellingham, Washington; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Raleigh, North Carolina; New York City; Dayton, Ohio; Clarksville, Tennessee; and San Antonio, Texas.

Most affordable pet-friendly cities: 79 metros ranked by FIDO score

Cat-friendly runner-ups

Corvallis and other cities high on Redfin’s list also boast good access to cat-specific clinics, shelters and hospitals and are low on environmental hazards that could harm a feline’s health.

According to Daryl Fairweather, Redfin’s chief economist, these factors play a big role in the homebuying process for pet owners.

“When choosing a home and neighborhood, homebuyers tend to consider the needs and wants of everyone who will be living in the home, and of course, that includes pets,” she said. “Certain homes are better suited to cats, with spaces for the furry family member to lounge and play, and nearby facilities to maintain your cat’s health. Whether you have a cat or not, get to know your neighborhood and look for a home that you, your family, and your pets will be happy in for years to come.”

Millennials are buying homes with their pets in mind

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