I really really really want a kitten but my mother said I can't have one because I am only twelve and...?

Question

and...
the last time we had a cat we didn't take care of it but i was not even 5. and she says they shed and they scratch we can buy a scrathing post for it and she says my brothers allergies. he doesn't have it anymore he was in a house for nearly a week with a cant and 3 kittens and he didn't sneeze not once he didn't break out he was playing with them and laughing. then she says it's a big responsibility raising a baby kitten and she doesn't think i can do it . but you'll never know unless she tries right. so would you let your 12 almost 13 year old daughter get a kitten knowing all these facts?

and...
the last time we had a cat we didn't take care of it but i was not even 5. and she says they shed and they scratch we can buy a scrathing post for it and she says my brothers allergies. he doesn't have it anymore he was in a house for nearly a week with a cant and 3 kittens and he didn't sneeze not once he didn't break out he was playing with them and laughing. then she says it's a big responsibility raising a baby kitten and she doesn't think i can do it . but you'll never know unless she tries right. and i have money i babysit and i get around 40 dollars a month and i always thought asking repitetly was the way to get what you want i guess i was wrong. and my mother doesn't like animals she said we could get anything except a dog and a kitten. she is terrified of animals so we can get a rabbit (all they do is sit in a cage or a turtle all they do i swim. so would you let your 12 almost 13 year old daughter get a kitten knowing all these facts?

Answer 1

When I was your age I begged and begged for a kitten, but my parents told me no. I got my first cat when I was 22 - she's 17 now.

While I know you really, really want a kitten, your mum is worried she'll have to do all the work no matter how much you promise. Why not instead go to your local animal shelter and see if you can help out. I'm sure there are lots of kitties there that would love to have you cuddle and pet them, and perhaps if you are very responsible helping out there, your mum will see you'll be able to take care of a kitten at home. I'm not promising anything, but it's worth a try.

Another thing to think about is fostering a cat for the local shelter. Sometimes cats need temporary homes before they can go somewhere permanent. Possibly your mum might agree if it's only short term...and then she can see if you are mature enough to look after one. Again, no promises.

One thing to do is stop bugging and whining - trust me, it never works. :)

Good luck.

Answer 2

Well, I know that so far you may have heard some things you don't want to hear. I know how you feel, I'm a cat lover through and through. However, when Mom puts her foot down it's hard to get her to change her mind. I agree with the person's response near the top who said something along the lines of "whine with wisdom". You need to demonstrate to your mother that you are mature and responisble. Kittens are a lot of work (I'm sure you've heard that from just about everyone, but it's true). You need to consider a lot of things. What is your family's schedule like? Will there be someone at home with the kitten? What does the kitten need and who will be paying for it? You asked if I would let my 12 or 13 year old have I kitten and I say yes, under these conditions- Obviously if she is babysitting she is responsible enough for this kitten. However, since it would be HER kitten I would expect her to be the one to care for it. Before getting a kitten I would encourage her to save up her babysitting money so that she had enough to go to the store and buy all the kitten essentials before bringing the kitty home. She would be in charge of feeding it and cleaning it's litter box and keeping it and the house safe (kitty's gonna scratch stuff). Also, if the cat throws up in the house (and it will at some point) you would be in charge of cleaning it up. The only thing I would agree to pay for are vet bills. Everything else I would leave to my daugher which means she would need to know how to manage her money very well. I know you really want this kitten and I really want you to have it. I hope it works out for you. If not though, don't be too upset. I know it feels like forever but someday your mom wont be the boss of you and you'll be able to have a kitty if you like. Perhaps start with an easier pet to show her how responsible and adult-like you are. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Answer 3

Wow, you really want a cat! After all the times your Mom said no, the only thing I can think of is to show responsibility with chores and things like that around the house. That's just plain weird that she's afraid of animals, like a cat. Since you babysit and get paid for it, you can tell your Mom that if you get this kitten, you can pay for it to be de-clawed. If this is okay, make sure you go to an excellent vet to have this done, but it can cost kind-of a lot, but it's worth it if it would be less thing that your Mom would have to worry about. Offer to pay for the food and everything too, and try to get a steady job as soon as you can so that would be easier. Just show a lot of responsibility around your Mom, and if you DO get the kitten, TAKE GREAT CARE OF IT so Mom will trust you more. Ask a vet about the de-clawing before you do it so you know how old the cat should be when you have it done.

I hope your Mom goes for it!! Good luck! :)

Answer 4

i'm a mother of 3 girls (ages 8 weeks, 3 and 6 years old). We have 2 cats and 2 dogs. We've always had a dog. We got a cat 2 years ago. My oldest daughter has real bad allergies but we got them under control with medicine. You have to listen to your mother because taking care of a pet is alot of responsibility and costs losts of money. Kittens are cute but they do get older. You have to keep taking care of them. Feed and water them every day. Clean the litter every day or so. It's alot of work. My girls help me now but they get bored very easily with it. Maybe some day your mother will let you have a kitten but right now she might not think you're ready for it. Prove it to her by doing other chores around the house on a daily basis and keep it up. Maybe she'll change her mind. Good luck!

Answer 5

It is a lot of responsibility, maybe she would be willing to take you and your brother to the ASPCA, and buy an older cat. they need less care than a kitten, but are still loving and playful, also they will let you be with the cats without a commitment to see if your brother is allergic. Can't hurt to ask and good luck. A cat is a very clean animal and will also keep mice away, so be good and ask nicely, remind your Mom that the cats at the shelter are long term less expensive, they have had their shots and are already fixed.

Answer 6

Try pet sitting for a friend while they are gone. If you prove you are responsible with their pets, maybe your mom will reconsider. I have 19 cats, and 1 dog. I think the 19 cats are easier to take care of then the 1 dog any day! Cats are soo much easier than dogs, and I think easier than any other pet too. Tell you mom that.

Answer 7

Animals are VERY hard to raise. You need a sitter for them when you are away--someone who KNOWS your cat, whom the cat will not run away from. There are food bills, and vet bills. You got the money? Wait till you are on your own, then get what animal and how ever meny you want.

Answer 8

i've been in charge of taking care of my cats since i was 8. you need to stop whining and prove to your mom that you're responsible enough to take care of a kitten...you could try taking care of neighbor's pets when they go on vacation or taking up chores around the house or somethin

Answer 9

Well I would but keep it away from your brother but it is ok i am 10 and i know everything about all animals and you should say mom i will keep it in my room away from my brother and i will take care of it and feed and water it every single day, but you actually have to do that stuff.

Answer 10

You need to have a lot of spare money to afford a cat. You need to pay Vet bills, food, litter, litter box, toys, scratching post... It's really your parents decision. And the more you push them, the more stubborn they'll become.