Taking rules too literally

Depends on the circumstances.  If you're in social housing or with a housing association you could likely bend the rules somewhat.  If a private rental you might be able to negotiate with your landlord, perhaps pay a small amount on top of your rent for example.

But obviously safest to follow the rules to the letter, especially when it comes to housing.

careful now ( father Ted )

To be honest, I'm sick to death of following the rules. Especially whenever my anxiety is high and I am driving; maintaining 30 mph in that scenario is sheer purgatory.

Great news, I have a pet.

I have found a ladybird on the inside of my bedroom window.

I'm so sorry, that seems extremely unfair. Did you mention you have a disability and support animals are proven to be effective. If you have a formal diagnosis it can sometimes be helpful for getting them to take you seriously. I would also complain that others have pets too. Also, letting agents tend to be less understanding than a landlord if you could contact them directly it might make a difference. 

I'm jealous.  

My other neighbours also have a cat, but I didn't have my camera with me when it was at their window.

Oh yeah, there is no denying there is a cat in that flat! 

I noticed that my neighbours had a cat a couple of months ago when I saw her looking through the window at me.  So I took a snap.

I have never seen this cat outside.

I get SO angry when I see other people not following the rules when I am. Yesterday I saw somebody in their car reverse out onto a road and then stop to look at their phone. There were cars waiting for them to move as they were blocking the road and they just stayed there. I was on foot and merely a bystander but I was angry because it was inconsiderate. I think my biggest problem is bad manners rather than obeying the law specifically. My partner said I need to try not to let things that aren't affecting me directly get to me like that because I end up so stressed. 

The fact that the tenants in your building have pets is really annoying. I wonder if the landlord/letting agents are aware? It is likely that if they find out, these tenants will lose their deposit or even risk eviction.

It isn't the same as a cat but could you get a caged pet or a fish? Most landlords don't accept pets because of the hair/smell and potential damage to the property. 

Another option but this may be difficult if you struggle to leave the house is looking at Borrow My Doggy - I believe it is an app or a website that you sign up to and you are matched with dog owners in your area who are in need of someone to walk or look after their dog.

I understand, a cat needs only one good owner.  And a cat is for life.

When my last cat died, from liver failure/old age, I was heartbroken for months.

My letting agency, on my landlords behalf, have just said no.

Anyway it's not easy getting a stray cat.  I live on the first floor with several steps to the outside, external door.

As a lifetime cat owner, please do not feed a cat or invite in a cat that isn't yours. I confuses the animal and puts it in danger. I had a cat that died crossing the road to visit a woman who frequently fed him even after we asked her not to.

u could persuade a cat u come to u with food ---- ie not your cat 

cats are classified as wild animals ( I believe ) so they may be a grey area there  ( I'll taking about cats that are outside and come in sometimes for food usually )

Thank you for the advice.

I have emailed my landlord regarding keeping pets.  And I am waiting for his reply.

*that was "pet deposit", sorry

You're not a fool for taking your tenancy rules literally, you are contractually obligated to follow them. Other people in your building might have different tenancy arrangements than you or addendums on their contracts. You are totally able to write to your landlord and request a change to your agreement to allow you to have  a pet, I did this and my landlord agreed. Having it in writing protects you from losing your deposit at the end of your tenancy. Also depending on how long you've lived there you have a reasonable right to request this change from your landlord, especially if you offer to pay a per deposit. If your neighbours are ignoring the rules they may well pay the consequences, so keep that in mind when deciding.

With covid rules... they change constantly. I'm a rule follower too and they cause me constant anxiety. It's impossible to be compliant with them at all times especially when they seem to contradict themselves. Talking to your neighbours isn't breaking the rules (if you keep a safe distance and don't enter each others homes). The current advice is to Stay Home other than shopping and exercise, and you can't be fined for breaking these rules unless you meet in large groups or go out when you have been asked by track and trace to isolate or if you test positive. It helped me to understand the spirit of their rules by seeing which parts were enforceable. 

Hope it helps.