The landlady, known as the "Padrone di casa", enforces a strict no-pets policy at the apartment complex where the Yamada family initially resides. Her rule becomes pivotal when the presence of Chi, the Yamadas' cat, and another tenant's cat named Blackie is discovered. This violation results in Blackie and his owners being evicted, forcing them to move away and severing Chi's bond with her feline companion. Anticipating eviction and determined to keep Chi, the Yamada family chooses to leave the complex, relocating to a new residence that permits pets.