Convince Your Parents to Get You a Cat
Cats are the favorite pet of millions of people worldwide, and for good reason. They are lovable companions, and quite entertaining. However, if your parents are against keeping a cat as a pet, you may be able to persuade them to consider the possibility of getting a cat provided you show you are responsible enough.
Contents
Steps
Doing Your Background Research
- Find out why your parents don't want you to get a cat. Is somebody in your family allergic? There are many problems that may arise, but that's all okay. It is all going to turn out fine, as long as both you and your parents are willing to work around them.
- Is somebody in your family allergic to cats? Don't worry, there are actually some hypo-allergenic cats out there! Research where you can find hypo-allergic cats in your area and go visit them. Bring along the person in your family that is allergic to them, so that you can see if they have an allergic reaction or not. If they don't, great! If they do, keep looking for other kinds of hypo-allergenic cats.
- Does your landlord not allow pets? If this is the case, sadly, you're pretty much stuck. However, you can still get the cat owner experience, with someone else's cat. Be a Pet Sitter/Dog Walker and look after other people's cats. Or, you could volunteer at animal shelters and work with the cats there. It's a win-win for both you and your parents, although not quite as good as really owning a cat.
- Is a cat too much money? You've seen those pet store prices, and they can be pretty high. However, you can save a little money on the initial purchase of your kitty by going to your local animal shelter/rescue group. There are many great cats there that need a great home like yours. Because these animals need to be adopted, the prices for them are several hundred dollars lower than those pricey pet stores. If your parents decide that getting a shelter cat would be a good choice for your family, congratulations! You'll get the kitty of your dreams while being a cat-saver. Be warned that you'll need to pay for more than just the cat. You'll also need to buy its food, toys, vet bills, etc., which can rack up to a large sum of money.
- Do your parents consider cats to be dangerous to the wildlife and birds? If so, suggest a cat run to keep the cat away from the wildlife and living indoors mostly.
- Do your parents not want to deal with the litter box, and if you have other pets, such as dogs, are worried that they will get into it? Tell your parents you will keep it in your room and keep your door closed. Now this may seem like a bad idea because of the smell, but if you clean it daily, you shouldn't have too much of a problem.
- Ask a friend that has a cat to tell you all the good things about having a cat. Put this together in a talk to help explain these things to your parents. Hopefully, they will be convinced that getting a cat is a good idea.
Convincing Your Parents of the Value of a Having a Cat
- Sit down with your parents and have a talk with them. Tell them you will care for the cat, and you will use your own money to buy what is needed for the cat. If your parents say no, no means no. Quit bugging them and stop asking.
- Show your maturity. If your parents don't think you're responsible or mature enough for a cat, try your best to prove them wrong. Do extra chores around the house. Look after your neighbor's pets while they're away on vacation. This will teach you a lot about animal care in the process, too. Look after your younger siblings/family members to show your guardian that you're responsible enough for a cat.
- Respect your parents and help out around the house. For example, help wash the dishes, help clean up around the house, etc. Doing this may make your parents think that you are responsible enough to care for a cat.
- Take care of the pets you already have. If you can't even take care of the pets you already have, then there's no reason why you should expect your parents to get you a cat.
- Save up. If your parents decide that your financial situation isn't suitable for a cat at the moment, you might just have to wait a few years until you can afford a cat. Do odd jobs and save up your money to show that you're truly dedicated to this outcome.
- Be nice to your parents.
- Prepare an agreement. If all else fails, write your parents a letter or make up a contract saying that you'll be fully responsible for the cat and that you'll take full care of it. Only do this if you are very serious about getting a cat.
Tips
- Talk to your parents about a cat when they're in a good mood. Pick key moments to ask your parents for a cat, such as after you've had a good report card, or before your birthday or Christmas.
- If you constantly "henpeck" your parents about getting you a cat, the more they will be tempted to refuse. If they already say no about it, drop the topic for a while, and maybe they will change their mind later. Don't blackmail them or pull a guilt trip. Parents usually see through those tactics.
- If you have other siblings, get them on board too. The more people wanting a cat, the more convincing your argument becomes.
- Make sure you are responsible and serious enough to care for the cat. Your parents might return it to the shelter if you don't care for it.
- If you want a cat, don't ask your parents for them every second. They will get really mad.
- Show subtle hints that you want a cat. For example, draw cats and leave drawings around the house, talk casually about cat facts and wear clothing with cat symbols.
- Show cute pictures of cats, and explain lots of good interesting cat facts like how clean they are or how many different breeds there are. Be careful not to go overboard, though, as they could depict this as annoying.
- If your parents have bad memories about cats, you'll need to talk about this and not avoid it.
- Write up a presentation with pictures and a contract. However, only do this if this type of approach appeals to your parents. Some parents might find this boring or too intense.
- Try volunteering at a shelter. If your parents won't allow you to have a cat, this is still a way to care for cats - and if your parents see you doing a good job, they may be more convinced.
- If you already have a dog or other pet that may not like cats, make sure it is comfortable around different temperaments (personalities) of cats. If your dog hates cats, you may want to wait until it has become old enough to not care or has passed. It may take lots of patience to convince your parents to get you a cat.
- Offer to pay for all or some of the cats needs. It will show you are willing to sacrifice for a cat.
- Try to see things from your parents point of view. It might help you understand maybe why they do not want you to get a cat for your benefit.
- Ask for a cat before important events like your birthday or Christmas. Do your chores and show your parents you are responsible enough to have it and take care of it. Don't beg or cry; that shows that you are immature.
Warnings
- Don't whine, cry, beg, blackmail, or bribe them to get you a cat. This shows a huge lack of maturity.
- Don't ask your parents for a cat every five minutes! They'll be annoyed with you and your chances of getting a cat will get lower every time you ask.
- Don't ask this within the past few months after a pet in your family has died. Your parents may get mad and teary.
Related Articles
- Convince Your Parents That You're Mature Enough to Own Your Own Pet
- Get Your Parents to Buy You a Pet
- Be Responsible when You Have a Cat
