How can I convince my mom to get me a cat???

Question

Ok. well my mom isn't exactly a fan of cats. she tells me that she is "afraid" of cats! i cant really understand that. I just love cats and I really want to get one. My dad is fine with it, but I need both mom and dad to agree. I dont really know how to convince her, and I have been trying to do so for quite some time now. The only thing she says is "You can get one when you move out." which won't be for another 6 or 7 years. I can't wait that long! Can someone please help me?

Also, I have been taking care of neighbors and friends cats when they go on vacation and my mom knows it. She knows I'm responsible enough to care for a cat, but she still won't let me get one!

Answer 1

Many years ago I wanted a dog. My parents said no way, so I asked if I could have a cat. I explained how cats were self sufficient and were much smaller so they wouldn't be trudging dirt thru the house. My mother was and still is not a fan of cats (especially this one that I had...she was nasty). My parents let me get her with the exception that she had to stay up in my room. I never liked doing that becuase I felt she was too isolated and made her more territorial and nasty, but she was ok with it. All I can advise you to do is tell her you'lll keep the cat in your room and will take care of anything that needs to be done.

Answer 2

Sorry, this does not sound like a situation that you can prove to your mom that she won't end up caring for the cat. She may truely be a afraid of cats. Some people are. She may have been raised in a family that did not have pets and doesn't understand the intricacies of having a pet in the home and that pet owners tend to live longer and healthier and happier lives then non-pet owners.. She may not understand that cats are very clean animals and that the house will not be disease and pest and flea ridden due to getting a cat. Some people were scared by cats, dogs and all types of things as a small child and never get past these fears. Might I suggest that you let her see all the answers to this question that you posed and see if maybe that will help her and get her to allow you to have a cat. She may be worried about taking over the care of the cat when you are at school, work, school activities, or out with friends, She may not understand that cats are generally low-maintenance (daily) animals. Do you want the cat to be an indoor cat or an outdoor cat. Do you have the funds to provide vet care when needed? Will you be able to get the cat to the vet yourself when care is needed? These are all good questions and ones that your mother is concerned about. Will you be able to afford flea treatments so that the house is not invaded with fleas? Will you be able to handle the responsibility of caring for the cat 24-7-365 rather than just for short periods as you did when pet sitting?These are the questions she is answering for herself. You have to honestly answer these questions as full time life long care of a pet is a tremendous undertaking and not to be taken and answered lightly. If you can take care and will take care of the cat and she knows it, then show her these answers and maybe she will see that you are serious about the matter. One other question. Can you afford the litter, and food as well as the vets, and the cost of having to pay someone to care for your pet when you go out of town?

Answer 3

Well, parents sometimes need convincing. Don't bring up the cat subject for a while and show them that you are responsible. After a month or two, try to make a deal with them. Like, if you get all A's can you get a cat. Or something of that sort. It worked with me!
Good Luck!

Answer 4

Kindred spirits! I have the exact same problem. I love cats, but my mom is deathly afraid of the little creatures. The thing is, I don't think you could find a way to convince her. After all, four years trying most of the things I could think of still haven't. Imagine if your mom told you you had to live with the thing you're most afraid of! So I think the best thing to do is just wait until you get a place of your own. I'm biding the time until I go to college. :D

Answer 5

Your mom doesn't like cats. Some people actually have a phobia called Ailurophobia, which is an irrational fear of cats. Do you want your mom to be miserable for the next few years? I hope not. You will just have to accept the fact that you can't have a cat as long as you live in your parents' house.

Answer 6

Find a shelter and then find a sweet cat in need of a home...take your mom down there to meet the cat...people often find soft spots in their hearts for a animal in need of rescue. Your mom may have had a bad experience with cats when she was younger. She this would be serving many purposes...you will get your pet, she can conquer her fear and you will be helping an animal in need...take your dad along for support. Good luck ;)

Answer 7

I love cats. They are relatively easy to take care of.
Can you bring your mom with you when you take care of the neighbor's cats? That would be the best thing, get her around cats. But be careful. Make sure she gets to be around the nice ones and not so much the brats. Does she like animals?

Answer 8

The house belongs to your Mom & Dad. If she doesn't want a cat in her house, she shouldn't have to have one.

Visit the neighbor's cat, or volunteer at the animal shelter. But respect your mother's wishes.

Answer 9

As long as you live at home you have to abide by Mom's rules. Why not volunteer if you are too young to work at a pet store or for a veterinarian. It would be good experience and maybe your Mom would come to realize how serious you are about animals.

Answer 10

Start helping around the house,in school,getting good grades,and who knows,you might get a cat.