The connection between humans and animals is undeniable, but housing restrictions can leave students with unaffectionate pets or a sneaky life style. Rebecca Morales, RHA National Communications coordinator, explained that according to the Residential Life Policy only aquatic pets — fish, turtles, frogs and other marine life — are permitted in the residence halls. The animals must be kept in an aquarium no larger than 20 gallons, and no mammals or birds are allowed in on-campus housing.”Larger pets are really just a safety issue,” Morales said. “In a dorm, there’s not much space to keep dog or cat. It’s a fire hazard.”Despite the rules and regulations some students still house illegal pets in their dorm or on-campus apartment.Two freshmen students, who wished to remain anonymous to avoid repercussions from RHA, let their love for animals triumph over the law. The students sheltered a kitten, Todd, in their east campus dorm between the months of October and December.The roommates visited Petland in early October just to look at the animals. However, after seeing the two-month-old kitten they instantly fell in love and adopted the feline.They explained it wasn’t difficult to keep the cat hidden in the dorm.”Todd would meow a lot,” said one of the students. “So we just kept our TV really loud.”The students went further to explain that they had to frequently change the litter box so the house keeping would not smell it. While they were in class, Todd played with many toys they purchased him and explored the room. The roommates said the small dorm and all of its content made a suitable obstacle course for the cat. The duo explained that in addition to the extra company and happiness that comes along with owning a cat, it also comes with extra responsibilities. They said that having to buy the cat food, toys and cat litter along with having to clean up after the animal was expensive and a pain.”It was extremely hard to care for Todd,” said one of the roommates. “Especially as a kitten he needed a lot of care and love.”Todd received shots and medications from the University’s veterinary school. After Todd contracted ringworm at the end of the semester, the students felt the need to find him a more stable home.Ashley Miller, family and consumer science freshmen, keeps a permitted beta fish in her dorm.The fish was given to her as going away present from her little sisters. She explained that the fish reminds her of her family and she likes having it around. Miller said even caring for a  simple pet is difficult when living the hectic college life style.”Half the time I forget to feed it, and the tank gets really nasty really fast,” Miller said.She further explained the extra effort needed to care for a pet that does nothing but float in place is not really worth it. “I would rather have a pet that can respond to me and show love,” Miller said.Veterinarian Brett Berryhill feels owning a pet adds to the stress levels of college students. “A pet is a responsibility and a luxury,” Berryhill said. He said most students buy pets on impulse and do not consider the financial responsibility, time consumption, medical needs and living situation that some pets require. Students must also take into account returning home for the holidays, potential internships and frequent residential moves before taking in a pet.—-Contact Lindsay Nunez at [email protected]