Aw man!

While I realize a smaller apartment and fridge is not ideal, it is at least a roof over you and the kitties heads.

Perhaps in this case, actions speak louder than words. By being a good tenant and proof that it is YOU living in the apartment and you're not sub-letting or just plain letting someone else stay there, then perhaps they would be more willing to bump you up to the larger place.

I agree that talking face to face would be best in this situation. Hope everything works out!