Cats are the favorite animals of millions of people around the world, and for good reason. They are truly adorable and very funny companions. However, if your parents are against getting a cat as a pet, you may need to persuade them to get you one.
Steps
Step 1. Find out why your parents don't want to get you a cat
Is anyone in your family allergic? There are many problems that can arise, but don't worry! Everything will be fine if you and your parents are willing to work together to resolve them.
- Is anyone in the family allergic to cats? Don't worry, there are indeed some cats that are hypoallergenic! Do your research to find out where to find hypoallergenic cats in your area and go see them. Take your family member who is allergic with you so you can see if they have an allergic reaction or not. If it doesn't, that's great! If so, keep looking for other types of hypoallergenic cats.
- Doesn't the landlord want pets? If this is the case, unfortunately, there is not much that can be done. However, you can always have the experience of owning a cat with someone else's pet - become a cat sitter and take care of others' cats. Or, you could volunteer at an animal shelter and work with cats. It would be a win-win option for both you and your parents, although it's not quite like having your own cat.
- Costs too much? If you've seen pet store prices, you may have noticed that they can be quite high. However, you can save some money on your kitten's initial purchase by picking it up at your local pet shelter. There are many great cats that need a home like yours. Since these animals need to be adopted, the prices are much lower than in pet shops. If your parents agree to take a cat from a shelter, then congratulations! You will have the kitten of your dreams and you will have helped to save his life. Keep in mind that you will have other expenses besides the cost of the cat. You have to pay for food, toys, vet visits, etc., which can add up to a tidy sum of money.
Step 2. If your parents decide that your financial situation does not allow you to get a cat at the moment, you may just have to wait a few years to be able to afford it yourself
Sometimes patience is rewarded.
Step 3. If your parents still say no, ask a friend who has a cat to tell you all the positives of having one
Then tell your parents. Or, you can simply ask this friend to write a persuasive essay on why you should have a cat as a pet, then show it to your parents. Hopefully, they'll be convinced that getting a cat is a good idea. However, it doesn't always work and can sometimes even make the situation worse. Avoid complaining, crying, begging, blackmailing or bribing your parents to get you a cat. By behaving like this, you would show a total lack of maturity.
Step 4. If your parents think you are not responsible or mature enough to care for a cat, prove them wrong
Do some extra chores around the house. Take care of your neighbors' pets when they are on vacation. This will also allow you to learn a lot about how to care for animals. Look after your younger siblings or family members to show your parents that you are responsible enough for having a cat.
Step 5. If all of the above is unsuccessful, write a letter or prepare a contract that you agree to be fully responsible for the cat and that you will take care of it
Only do this if you are really sure you want to get a cat.
Step 6. If your parents keep saying no, read the advice below and then repeat the steps
Step 7. If this is your second time following all the steps, look for some related articles that may be of help to you
Advice
- Make sure you are serious and responsible enough to take care of the cat. If you take one and then end up not wanting it again, your parents will get very angry with you and may long forbid you from taking another animal.
- Choose strategic times to ask your parents for a cat, for example right after receiving a good report card or before your birthday or Christmas.
- Talk to your parents about the cat when they are in a good mood.
- When you ask your parents to get you a cat, have them sit down and take it seriously. This will make them understand that you have serious intentions.
- If you have brothers or sisters, get them involved in the request.
- Don't blackmail them and don't make them feel guilty. Parents usually don't give in to these tactics.
- If you already have a dog or other pet other than a cat, make sure they feel comfortable around cats' different temperaments (personalities). If your dog hates cats, you'd better wait until he gets old enough not to care for a cat or die. It may take a lot of patience to convince your parents to get you a cat.
- Start by setting up a kennel and buying the things your cat will need so your parents can see that you are ready.
Warnings
- Don't ask your parents to get you a cat every five minutes! You will irritate them and your chances of having a cat will decrease every time you ask for it.
- Do not ask him in the months following the death of the animal you had in the house. Your parents may get angry and sad.
