Okay, so I really REALLY want a cat. How do I convince my husband to let me have one?

Question

This is an ongoing debate between my husband and myself.

We rent out house from his father who is not the biggest fan of cats (a trait my husband inherited).

We made a bargain, if he let me have an inside/outside cat. He would be allowed to get himself a motorcycle. (Strange exchange, but he wants a MC just as bad as I want a cat.)

He's afraid of the cat getting on his precious car and stratching it, etc. Also, he doesn't like the idea of fur getting everywhere (such as the couch, etc.) I'm not the greatest housekeeper, but I would really try to keep the fur cleaned up.

Also, there is the issue of litter. I would train the cat to go outside, but I also know there are litter box houses for cats.

PLEASE HELP!!!

First of all my husband does not abuse animals. He likes cats to a degree as long as they are someone elses. *grin*

We have two outside dogs. (Our house is relatively small.)

Secondly, I am not igorant about the care of cats. I grew up with them all my life, thus my affection for them. I grew up with inside/outside cats, and they all lived long happy lives. (I live in a rural area, so the likely hood of cat vs car is unlikely.)

In response to "Hush Now...", my husband has said the same thing. He'd rather keep me occupied with a baby. (lol...I want one of those, too.)

Answer 1

The bargain sounds fair enough (except his will cost more!!). Its always better to keep cats strickly indoors , for their health and safety! If he is an indoor cat you won't need to worry about it getting on the car! Get a short-haired cat (or furless sphynx if you like the look of it , I think they are cute but no one else in my family does!) so the fur will be less hassle for you! Train to keep cat out of areas you don't want it to go! AND the litter-box is not bad if you change andclean it often , or get one of those self-cleaners! so you juz throw out the mess and dont need to litterscoop! They are great pets and if hes not allergic then theres no reason why he shouldnt let you get one.!!! Just be sure to spay/neuter right away , and I know I'm gonna hear it but get them declawed if scratching is an issue!! (I know , Ive heard your side of it , those people who think I'm cruel!!!)

Answer 2

Uh-uh - If you're truly, truly a cat lover I'm afraid there's nothing I could say to adequately convince you to reconsider your desire for a cat - but I'll try!

1. Your hubby is right to be a little apprehensive about allowing a cat into your home that you rent from an "anti-cat" person, especially since it's his father. Cats (and any other animal allowed inside) can leave lasting, negative impressions inside the home that can lower their rental or resale value.

2. If your husband agrees to the cat as merely a bargaining tool, he'll quickly resent it, even though he has his precious motorcycle. Are you willing to let an animal come between you?

3. (And the biggest issue for ME) Cats make your house smell, no matter how much you pay for "the good stuff" as far as kitty litter is concerned. Trust me, most people find the smell of a cat very offensive, so you'll quickly narrow your friends down to those who are cat tolerant or have no sense of smell. You've already confessed that your not the greatest housekeeper - fur will be the least of your worries!!

I know you adore your hubby - unless he is a happy cat lover, I'd find another pet that he'd enjoy along with you!!

God bless!

Answer 3

you're in a stressful subject! usually while cats pee everywhere like that exceptionally over the scents of those they dislike, this is an illustration of extreme stress and stress. some cats do no longer take nicely to alter exceptionally their ecosystem. First she strikes right into a sparkling homestead, then she will become an outdoors cat, and now she's on homestead arrest after conflict that left her wounded. I recommend you shop doorways closed to any rooms you do no longer choose her to have get entry to to. shop a water bottle or a can crammed with replace close by...every time she assaults you or shows aggression in the direction of you, spray her or shake the bottle loudly to enhance her habit. you are the grasp of the homestead no longer the cat. As for the peeing there is not any longer plenty you're able to do to give up her in view which you won't be able to watch her 24/7, yet once you do capture her in the act, place her in her muddle field straight away. Her compulsive grooming is likewise an illustration of stress so ask your vet for some drugs to sedate her temper so she's no longer so under pressure. good success

Answer 4

Before forcing a cat on your husband, I would try 'borrowing' a cat for a while. Perhaps you can offer to look after someone's cat when they're away on vacation. You might even pick up a little extra cash along with the chance to get your husband accustomed to the idea. Cats are very good at doing PR for themselves. I know my cats have converted many into cat people. As for the car, if your husband is that worried, he can get a big cover for it at Wal-Mart. They're not that expensive.

Answer 5

You stated you already made the bargain... so you can have your cat. I'm afraid there isn't much more you can do to make your husband "like" the idea of having a cat... other than addressing the fur and litter problems (don't worry about the car scratches, that is a bit anal retentive on his part. A stray cat could scratch his care anywhere...)

Answer 6

If you get a cat, you should make sure it is an inside cat. Outside is dangerous for your kitty. Now, to solve the car debate......make sure the cat is INSIDE only, that way it is not near his precious car. In order to avoid hair everywhere, get a short hair cat and make sure you brush he/her often. This way you avoid major shedding. Now as far as the litter box goes, as long as you KEEP IT CLEAN it will not smell. This means scooping out the mess every day. As long as you do that, it won't be gross and you won't even know there is a cat in the house.

Good luck!

Answer 7

Why don't you just have an indside cat? Then he wouldn't have to worry about the cat scratching up his precious car. And indoor cats live longer on average and are much less prone to diseases and accidents. You're kind of gambling with your cat's life if you let it roam.

I'm sort of speechless here....because it appears you don't know a whole lot about cats or their care. Go and pick up a copy of Cats for Dummies. It's an excellent reference book, covering every aspect of cat health and care that you'll need. Your husband should be encouraged by your willingness to educate yourself on the subject in order to help make everyone healthy and happy.

Answer 8

It is best to have an INSIDE cat. Inside/outside cats are more likely to pick up fleas and diseases. They are also more likely to roam and get hit by a car. Leave it inside only and it won't scratch his car. Brush kitty daily and get a short haired one and you won't have to worry about hair. Buy an automatic cat box and you won't have to worry about litter. They are a bit expensive but you never have to touch the litter and it never smells so it is worth it to me.

Answer 9

I personally am against a situation like yours because the husband will have a tendency to abuse the cat when you're not around. Why should a defenseless animal suffer because of your desire to have a pet?

As for your husband's dislike of felines you are right it was probably learned from his father. Easily influenced men believe that cats are a woman's pet and a dog a man's pet. Of course this is ignorant, but some people are happy in their ignorance.

Save a cat years of misery - have a baby instead.

Answer 10

"save a cat a misery of years, have a baby instead"

now what the heck kind of logic is this? Yes god forbid the cat gets abused, abuse the baby instead. God must be a PETA person