Girlfriend dislikes cats?

Question

So, my girlfriend, who lives with me, greatly dislikes pets. I love pets, my family has always had them in the house while I was growing up, so I'm accustomed to having those little guys running around.

So how can I convince my girlfriend that cats are great pets and that we should get one?

Any suggestions?

(btw, she is mildly allergic to pets, but then again...it seems like 1/2 of humankind has some type of pet allergy...I actually think it's the pet dander, so a clean home might help to prevent that)

Answer 1

I never trust people who dislike animals.

Answer 2

If you take her to a shelter for a "visit" she might find herself attracted to a cat, or maybe a dog if you would like to consider that too.

I realize that not all shelters are "user friendly". And if they have a cat room you could hang out there for a while and meet some of the cats. She would find out quickly whether allergies were going to kick in. It wouldn't be fair to have a cat if she is going to suffer. There are medications and such to get around the allergies and understandably she might not want to do that.

One of the cats might just latch onto her and steal her heart. They have a way of picking out whom they want for owners.

Probably a dog would be a better choice and you are probably aware that the responsibilities for daily exercise are a commitment one or the other of you would have to make. Maybe all those homeless and needy animals would touch her heart and she would want to adopt.

I grew up without any pets (my mother didn't want any) and because of working etc. I was 62 and retired by the time I got my first pair of kittens. I'm so happy I didn't go all my life without the wonder and love I have had in having them. Maybe she will come around to the idea of pets a little later in her life (not till her 60's I would hope.)

Answer 3

First, choose what pet you REALLY want then try exposing her to them. Take her to the puppy breeder or the cat store. Seeing a wee baby whatever is convincing!

Second, washing a dog or similar and then rinsing with Downy Fabric Softener will ease allergies. Trust me. Got that advice from Dear Abbey years ago.

Also, if you want a dog, many dogs don't affect allergies. Yorkies for example. And folks who don't like cats often do like dogs, and vice versa.

Be careful, pushing her may cause trouble in paradise. But think of the problem outside of the pet. Does this girlfriend push you around? Does she make the decisions and not bend 50% for you? Because if she always gets what she wants now, that is only going to get 'worse' as time passes. How folks act in situations like this is a HUGE way to tell what they are like in the relationship as a whole. Maybe you are at fault, trying to push a pet when she is allergic? This is a great time to look at the realationship.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 4

My husband disliked cats when we first got together.
Ever heard the old addage, "Love me, love my cat"? Well, NOW my husband loves cats MORE than I do! It's quite annoying actually (LOL).
Of course, he WASN'T allergic. You're correct about the pet dander. It is VERY difficult to keep a house with a cat in it clean enough that a person with cat allergies could live there completely comfortably. However, there ARE people who love their cats enough to put up with a little discomfort.
The key is to try to get your girlfriend to like the cat. She MAY also be able to take allergy shots (if you can convince her the cat/you is/are worth it).
GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 5

I dumped someone once because they didn't like my cats and claimed to have an allergy to them but never so much as sniffled around them, I think it was an excuse. It would be the same as if I had asked him to give up football, it's part of who you are and what makes you, you. Suggest to her that it would be like asking her to give up something she enjoys (can you think of something as an example?)

I know many people who have pet allergies but they pop a pill and bathe their pets often and don't seem to have too much trouble. There are sprays on the market these days that you can put on the pet to control the allergens.

Take her around to different breeders and try different breeds. There are many that are low allergen producers and she may not be allergic to certain breeds, Siamese and Devon Rex (any of the rexes really) or the sphynx are some that come to mind.

Answer 6

the allergies might be part of the problem - maybe when she was growing up and showing signs of allergies - her parents said stuff to her.. like "cats are making you sick" so that entered her subconcious and now she just doesnt like them.. but doesnt know why...

I like pets too and couldnt imagine not having some around...

short hair, lighter colored, female cats tend to have less allergy causing dander than others... or there are some less allergenic cat breeds (rex, sphynx - but they are $$$)

she could take pills to help lessen her allergies but probably thinks "I dont want a pet why should I take pills"

I would like to say to take her to the SPCA or humane society to look at cats for adoption but the allergins there will overwhelm her.. going to a pet store is a NO NO - you NEVER should get from a pet store (unless there is one in your area that adopts out for the SPCA.. like PetSmart) actually that might be the best call your SPCA and ask if they have cats for adoption in stores.. explain that you need to be in an area where there are fewer cats so not to upset somebodies allergies - then just take her too look

give her time to become accustomed to the idea.. then if and when the right cat comes along she will be more open to the idea.. DONT FORCE A PET ON HER, DONT PRESSURE

good luck - there are THOUSANDS of cats and kittens who need homes... it would be great if you can save one (But NEVER NEVER buy from a pet store or take a "free kitten" - free kittens often have health problems and havent even been vet checked or dewormed so not a good idea to bring one of them home)

Answer 7

Isn't it funny that people who "greatly dislike" pets also claim to be "allergic" to them? I couldn't imagine being with someone who didn't love animals, but I suppose if she grew up in a home without pets she's just not comfortable around them.

I would agree with those who suggeted you visit a shelter with her and see how she is with the cats there. People who say they dislike them often grow to love ones they get to know really well. If she says no pets, period, then it's your call as to whether you really want to sacrifice having companion animals for as long as you're with her.

Answer 8

Mabye You and your gf aren't meant to be. I found out my current bf is allergic to cats and didn't care for them. I already had a cat at the time, and he fell in love with her. He also noticed that she didn't make him allergic. So now he loves cats and we even got another. I knew it was meant to be. If you're an animal lover, and she isn't. That's a problem. I couldn't date someone who didn't like dogs and cats at the least. Keep trying to convince her. She might come around. If not, maybe you should rethink the relationship. Cause that'd be a bummer to never have any pets.

Answer 9

I told someone the other day to get rid of husband so I say to you to get rid of girlfriend. Animals are usually more loving and trustworthy in the long. You can be with a person and still be alone. But with a pet you are never really alone. Good luck.

Answer 10

Just bring a little guy home and tell her you had no choice. She will love it when it is so small! Petco sells a cat bath. They are wipes (like baby wipes) and they take care of the dander and they make the cats coat very shiney. Just get the kitten. It is kitten season so there are so many that need to be adopted. Hell, get two siblings!

Answer 11

If your girlfriend really dislikes pets there is nothing you can say to change her mind.

So the question is, which is more important, the girlfriend or having a pet? Once you answer that question, you will have the answer to the to the other.