How should I convince my mom to let me get a cat?

Question

My boyfriend wants to get me a kitten and I don't think my mom will allow it. We already have a dog that my mom got me for Christmas about 8 years ago, and we share the responsibilities of caring for her between the two of us. I feed her every day and play with her when I come home, but since I almost never take her for walks, my mom doesn't think I'm responsible enough to care for another animal, though I disagree.
I have a job that pays every week and I pay the insurance and gas on my car...assuming I actually get this animal, it will be entirely mine and not a family pet like the dog we have--meaning I will have to pay for food, litter boxes, toys and the like in addition to the other bills I have.
I don't think a kitten will be as demanding as a puppy (though I bet they probably destroy furniture more...), but I don't know what sort of argument to present to my mom to convince her I can handle the responsibility.

What should I say to prove I can handle the extra burden?

Walking the dog isn't something I don't have time for, I just hesitate doing it so often because of the hassle it ensues: My dog is curiosity itself, and though she's almost 9 years old, she still acts like a puppy that pulls on the leash and leads rather than follows. Not to mention, the area where I live is brimming with other dogs who, quite frankly, are not "best friends forever" with Maggie, my dog. So walking her becomes more of a mission to keep my arm in one piece and my dog intact instead of the exercise and fresh air that it should be. If we lived in a less dog-populated area (I might add that many homeowners in my neighborhood tether their dogs on their front lawns while they're out doing yardwork or sitting on the porch), I would probably be more inclined to take her for a whirl around the block.

I completely agree with the the person who answered about walks: Cats do not need nearly the demanding attention that dogs do, especially cats with a more independant personality. They need an entirely different type of attention that is just as important, but in a different manner than dogs--which is the kind of attention I feel I would be better suited to.

Answer 1

I had the same problem. I had a dog for 5 years from Christmas and my mom didn't feel i was responsible enough either. I washed her once a month, and fed her and all that, but that's not the point. I totally sucked up to my mom and told her i would try harder and i proved that i would (all fuel from knowing this may mean a cat). I walked my dog every day. Then after my mom acknowledged that she noticed a difference i confronted her and said-" before you shoot me down i want you to hear me out." i made a powerpoint explaining how i planned to pay the bills, care for it, and things like that. Be sure to include something that you know is your mom's soft spot or something you know will convince her. If your mom is ocd like mine you could even write out a schedule for how you plan to balance things out. like a week plan that you could hang on your fridge and write on.
By the way a kitten does not destroy furniture as bad as a dog. if you have a rowdy cat then i highly suggest de-clawing it. i know some people are against that, but if you leave the back claws in they can still get up trees, and they don't know the difference.

Answer 2

First of all, cats are nothing like dogs and they do not need to be taken for walks. They do not need attention all the time and in the same way as dogs do either. They need food, water, and a clean litter box. They are pretty independent animals. Tell her that if she lets you have the kitten and you don't live up to the responsibility, that you will agree to find it another home.

Answer 3

No time for your dog? THEN NO TIME FOR A CAT!
All that is living needs nurturing. Dogs are larger and need to stretch legs and exercise. Take some of that burden off a family member every so often. Bathing a dog is also a must. Share that burden. All pets need constant observation. Unless an injury is visible or your pet is actually vomiting, how will you know if it's sick. Constantly watching our for personality changes. Is there time for this time consuming observation? Don't forget play time. And cuddle time. Toys are more than for just play. Scratching posts, climbing toys, solid toys, soft toys, furry, toys, and others. Quality of life my friend. Have you time for a shadow that needs your constant attention?

Answer 4

if u dont have enough time for walking a dog, don't get a cat

Answer 5

just get the cat without her permission, she will fall in love with it and she wont have the heart to let it go. she will fall in love with it.

Answer 6

You don't get what you want to demand. You get what you negotiate.