my mom thinks cats shed alot and are dirty?

Question

any ways i can convince her there not?

Answer 1

They aren't dirty, but they sure do shed a lot. That can be managed with regular brushing and vacuuming though.

Answer 2

Well, technically, your mom is correct in that cats do shed a lot.

Perhaps her thoughts that cats are dirty stems from the fact that they are animals, can't "sanitize" themselves the way we humans can - with soap and water and such.

Plus, their kitty-pans are hard to keep clean, etc. - the smell and the fact that pregnant/nursing women should not maintain the kitty-pan etc. can add to the thought that cats are dirty.

Finally, culturally, there is the early Christian belief that cats are dirty because they represented the Pagan goddess of fertility, Fraea. As a means of advancing Christianity, cats were considered unclean by the early Church - which eventually evolved into the modern idea that cats are dirty.

How to convince a parent that cats are a good pet? Don't ask me. I always allowed pets of all kinds - including serpants, spiders and snapping turtles! Except that my then husband is allergic to cats, we'd have allowed them in the house too.

What you can do is get professional advice on how t maintain a cat - let's go with the American shorthair - standard tabby - from your local vet. Perhaps even contact the CFA - and a local shelter to at least give your Mom the opportunity to learn from professionals and devotees.

BUT - now this is important, so please pay attention - BUT - if your mom insists that there will be no cats, please accept that answer without complaint. She's the parent so please respect her.

Just know that when you're grown and on your own, you can indeed have a cat as a pet.

Good things are worth waiting for.

Answer 3

Well, they do shed a lot. You need to focus on discussing with your mom how you will care for a cat if she lets you have one. Regular brushing will help reduce hair around the house, reduce hairballs for your cat and be a relaxing and bonding time with you and your cat.

As far as being dirty, cats are basically clean animals-or they prefer to be. When we keep them in an enclosed environment like our homes it is up to us to provide them clean litter boxes and places to play. I have had cats many years. The only time they have had "accidents" is when I fell behind in my litter box duties. So it really was my fault, not my cats. My cats are not permitted on tables or counters, and I put a towel on the couple of favorite spots they do like to sleep on. That way I just toss the towel in the wash and that keeps my couch and chairs clean.

Good luck, and if you do get a cat, please consider visiting a local shelter and adopt!