You have an incredibly self righteous point of view, Pogo. Demonizing the older tenants because of two minor issues described by somebody who isn't confident enough to speak up to her roommates and instead seeks help on an internet forum seems downright dumb!

If you feel as though having a cat and allowing friends entry to your house are major issues, I feel bad for when you actually experience real major issues. And before anybody quotes this and goes on the normal "you're arguing just to argue" rant, I don't condone getting a pet before consulting other tenants or disrespecting privacy, however this particular issue is idiotic because it stems more from the thread starter's lack of confidence than the roommate's decisions.