How to persuade my parents to let me adopt a cat?

Hiraki: How to persuade my parents to let me adopt a cat?
I’ve tried for years to convince them, but they always come up with some sort of reason.

I’ve done my homework on taking care of cats, grooming, supplies, litter, litter box, food, costs, etc.

I already have a goldfish at home and I do a good job taking care of it.

The only two reasons (IMO) my parents don’t want to adopt a cat is because they’re afraid of how depressed I’ll be when it dies and the costs.

My parents have owned pets before in their childhood lives, such as dogs, cats, fish, birds, and turtles.

I nearly “bombarded” my dad with information on taking care of cats and the supplies needed. He seemed very interested and said that he didn’t care about the costs. My mom is the tough one.

Any ideas on how to convince them, especially my mom?
I help around the house a lot. I fold my laundry, do all of my homework, make my bed, wash dishes, set up/ clean the dinner table, vacuum my room, and occasionally mop/ sweep the floor.

Plus, my parents do not make deals.
(Tried it, very bad idea.)

Answers and Views:

Answer by seething13
This question has already been answered, see link below:

Answer by I♥MyFamily:)
start proving to her how responsible you are… so she will know YOU are actually gonna be the one to care for the cat.

Good choice picking a cat over a dog, they are alot less maintance…. Just a bit of advice, when you do get a cat, get a kitten not some old cat raised be someone else that is set in it’s ways…

Answer by kittyluv
Show your parents that you know lots about cats. Show them you are a responsible person. I know what it feels like. I have tried to convince my parents to get a dog and I never got one. Even if I ask for one for my birthday. Cats are easier to persuade your parents.

Answer by Simply_Sambo
Let them know how grown up you have become, cats can live for alot of years if well taken care of. Most cats are independent and smart so they dont require alot of attention. Death is a natural part of life. It is bound to happen sometime and every one has to face it one day or another. good luck

Answer by greeneyes_bjb
Most parents are hesitant to allow their children to get pets because they know that they (the parents) will end up stuck with doing most of the work to care for the pets. A cat requires much more time and effort than a goldfish (as I’m sure you’ve learned from your reading). Your parents might need proof that you are able to make a long-term commitment to caring for a cat. Ask them if you can make a deal with them – if you are able to keep your room clean, your laundry clean and folded, your bed made, and all of your homework done for six months straight, will they let you get a cat at the end of the six months? This way, they’d see that you’re able to make a long-term commitment to putting in effort for caring for an animal. If you aren’t able to do those things for six months, then you (and they) will know that you aren’t ready for a cat afterall.

Answer by SpotsB4myeyes
A healthy indoor cat will usually live for 15 years or more provided it is given proper nutrition, exercise and veterinary care.

How are you with helping around the house and your homework? Nothing shows maturity like being pleasant and taking responsibility.

Find out where the local rescues are holding adoptions. Sometimes they will be at a local mall on a Saturday. If you can hold – and get her to hold – a kitten, it is much easier to say yes when that little fur ball is cuddling, and not just some distant idea.

Good luck.

Answer by Amaranth
I don’t want to sound overly negative, but as an animal rights advocate, I feel like I have to play “devil’s advocate” for a moment and provide another perspective.

I caution any one who wants a pet–particularly one that can live many years–before they are living on their own. Have you considered what you will do when you are ready to move out? Have you looked into how difficult it may be to rent a place when you have a pet? Your parents are obviously not that much into the idea of living with a cat, so they might not want to care for the cat if you move out in the future and can’t take him/her with you.

I am only saying this out of thoughtfulness for the many cats that are put to sleep each year because they were given up by their families for a variety of reasons.

Answer by Ashley K
I dont know but at the shelter if they dont find a home for a cat they put it to sleep so think of a ways and save a a kitty thats about to make it go to sleep

Answer by Jess
Maybe you could research how many cats are homeless or put down every year & present the info. to your mom.
If she saw the statistics she might want to be a part of the solution.

Answer by warrior-cat-fan-101
It sounds to me as if you are VERY responsible and mature and MORE than capable of taking care of a cat. I have a small cat rescue group and I have 30 cats at the moment. My children have grown up surrounded by loving and affectionate animal friends and taking care of them has taught my girls, responsibility, love and compassion. Yes, cats do die, but death is a part of life and you must learn how to deal with it. What would happen if a family member died? Grief is grief, either for a relative or a pet, and it’s a part of life.
Did you know that a healthy well cared for cat can live for 20 years?
My cats all have different and distinct personalities and each one has brought IMMENSE joy to our lives. A cat will be your best friend and give you un-conditional love and teach you how to care for another living creature.
Show your mom this message.
I hope it will help to convince her that you are very mature and responsible and ready for a cat. It is so sad to see a child grow up never knowing the love of a special pet. Cats are really not that expensive compared to some animals, such as dogs and taking care of them is not that hard since cats are so independant.
Good luck, I hope you get your cat. Love it and care for it. You will not be sorry.

Answer by thenascardog
cats can live to be very old my two passed at 16 years and 17 years, by that time you should be able to handle their passing with a understanding mind, also save up the total amount of money it will cost to get a cat the vet bills like shots and worm medicine, the litter pan, food for a week or two, toys and bedding, this may make her see that you really have commited your self to this decision, everytime they say no then dont bring it up again for a couple of days, parents tend to get upset when asked many time over and over, day after day.

Answer by Victoria…
i was just put in your position, finally my brother is moving out and i need a new companion… my parents never wanted me to get a cat, esp. my dad but what i did was i told him exactly why i want a cat, wrote down everything i was going to need and the prices, found cats online at petfinder.com that i was interested in and now he is finally considering it! my mom is allergic but we`ve had rabbits before so she thinks she`ll be fine, tell her how cute cuddly and amazingly independent cats are im sure you`ll convince her!

also research them and tell her everything you know, she`ll be impressed. mine were!

good luck buddy!

Answer by cat lover
It seems like you have done your homework to show you are responsible. But a cat is not a short term ‘item’. If young, they will easily live another 15 years or so. But the chances are you will not be living at home for that length of time. If you move away to college, you will not be able to take your cat. If you simply move out of the house, places that take cats are few and far between.

Perhaps your parents are really trying to spare you the heartbreak of leaving your pet behind when you leave their house for whatever reason.

Answer by Melissa
if they get on the computer too much, you can find cat pictures and you can write lets adopt a cat, please !!!!!!!!!!!!!
and that is how we got a cat! Enoy them!

Answer by Sinead D
tell your mom
it is better to have loved and lost
than to never have loved at all

Answer by lilbear
well say like please please please or something better
like mom dad said it was okay i promise ill take care of it
ill clean it and every thing.

Answer by j
Check and see if there is a foster cat program in your area. This allows you to temporary house a cat until space at a shelter or a permanent home can be found. It takes a very mature person to care for an animal and then give it up but you would be helping save the lives of some cats. Your mom might come around if she knows it’s only temporary. Eventually, she may decide that you should have your own.