How do I convince my parents to get a cat?

Question

My 20 year old cat just died. (We had to put him down) I've had a cat my whole life and I really don't like the feeling of not having one. My dog is depressed too, he was her company if we weren't home. I already tried writing an essay to them but they didn't even say anything. They saw a pic of the kitten I like. What should I do?

Answer 1

show them that u are ready for other one

Answer 2

talk with them even if you have already tried.

and just be like your dog,depressed.

show them that you really do need a cat!

i hope i helped.

Answer 3

Just go get it!!!

It's better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission!!!!

Answer 4

i would just go and buy one anyway  

Answer 5

tell then there is an infestation of mice in ur garage

Answer 6

Kittens are way different than adult cats. You can tell them its healthy to have pets. But I'd really just talk to them & tell them you are really depressed about the loss of your cat & a new one would help ease that depression. You would have to do the initial taking care of though. Kittys are fun but also a pain in the you know what.

Sorry about your loss. I can't imagine losing my dog. It must be horrible. Good luck with trying for a new one.

Answer 7

Okay we just got a new cat becuase ours died too.

Sorry for your loss.

1. Tell them if you could talk to both of them for a minute.

2. Tell them I know you don't like the idea of me getting a cat, but I want you to really lisen to me.

3. Tell them that it would be no different if your old cat was still alive. You would take care of it and deticate all your time to the kitten.

4. Then make a compliment on both of your parents example: Mom I love your top today. Dad have you been working out?

5. Make up a plan for each day (when your going to play with it, feed it ect. ) show it to them.

6. Tell them that your dog is depressed without the cat and that you don't like the feeling with not having a cat.

7. Tell them that you have done reserch (do reserch) on kittens.

8. Tell them that it means a lot to you if you could get one.

10. Then tell them that you are going to go downstairs and let them discuss it and you let them have as much time as they want.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 8

     Well, I work at the Local Animal Shelter, and I just want to say-

             Give The Whole family some time. I too had the SAME situation,same cat age and everything! Except, she passed away two years ago. You never replace animals. You add them to the family. So, As I was saying, it's been two years, and we are still not ready! Yet, here are some ways to convince them.

       Prove to them that you are eligible to take care of a new family member. Feed the dog, play with it, and you may learn, he is good enough.

       Tell them you are hopeless with out the cat. Explain the loss has broke your heart.

    

               Leave hints around the house about kittens and stuff. Make a Paper with a GREAT cat picture, post it on the fridge, and Write My New Cat! And Post Cat names.

          Charm your parents by giving them water with lemons, making them cookies, (draw cats with icing on them, thats my favorite)

                      Take a fake stuffed animal cat, make a fake litter box, food bowl, water bowl, toys (or just use the ones from your old cat) and take care of that cat to show your parents how much you need a cat.

                   I hope these helped, and I must admitt. I  am really sly with these tricks!LOL! Anyway, act all sad. Look at the kitten picture. Sigh, and put it down right infront of your parents. Photocopy it, and rip the copy up the next time your parents say no.

            Hope it works and sooooo sorry about the cat.  

Answer 9

If they have a grudge against kittens adopt and older cat! Really nothing more i can add then the normal begging/ pleading. Good Luck!

Answer 10

Speak honestly with them.  don't bring one home all of a sudden--no cat deserves a bad start like that at home.

I don't know how old you are (though unlike some other posters, I think it sounds like you're under aged.. as opposed to older and living at home still..) but Ask to be taken to the shelter or rescue to look at the cats...  perhaps you can volunteer some of your time there to help out.  These might help convince your parents that yoe' serious about wanting a cat.  

Let them know you'll take care of it..  If you are not already doing so, start feeding the dog, and taking her out of walks and such, to prove you can be responsible (though keep in mind, you'll probably have to continue doing that too..)   offer to buy it with your own money.  Figure out how much the kitten will be, call your vet and figure out what shots it'll need, how much those will be, how much it'll cost and when you'll need to get them fixed.. etc.  

I'm assuming you still have all of the old litter box, toys, etc, still.  Clean those out/off very well, and basically, show your parents that you are ready and willing to take responsibility for a kitten.  

A kitten IS a lot of work.  They are FULL of energy and enthusiasm.. you may want to get two simply so that they have someone else to play with, and wear them out.  Kitten proofing a room is alot more work then cat-proofing...  so kittenproof a room or two that you can close the cat up in when they arne't being watched or something.  

do LOTS of research online about what a kiten needs...

and talk to your parents about it.  and tell them honestly that you dont' feel right without a cat..  and how you want to adopt one, and you'll be saving a life, etc.  if you don't already. offer to get a job to pay for the kitten's food and litter.  

also, you say they havn't said anything...  perhaps you should simply start out by prompting them:  What did you thikn of the essay I wrote?    etc...

good luck!

Answer 11

Instead of writing it out, just confront them and discuss it as a family. Let them know that you miss your cat and how important he was to you and what a comfort he was. If needed, tell them you'll be willing to assume responsibility for it.

You might also want to try to get their opinion as well. Ask them if they miss having a cat or if they'd mind getting another one. If you've written an essay, then you've probably sorted out your feelings about the subject. But it's more effective saying it outright.

Answer 12

Ok, let me start with some (not all) of the folks that have answered - are ya'll just crazy or what?  You can't just go out and get another without permission - it's the parent's house, not the questioner.  Perhaps, as one said, the parents are still upset about the loss of the 20 yr old cat, and are not ready to "replace" it yet.  Also, that cat lived 20 years, are you ready or your parents to give that kind of commitment to another animal, or will you be leaving for college, marriage....and leave the cat with them.  Then, you have to respect their wishes.  Pictures of kittens are all cute (never saw one that didn't melt my heart) - but the responsiblity of a kitten is great.  You must teach him/her everything, not to mention the cost of new kitten vet care, litter, food, toys and everything else.  Talk to your parents, tell them why you would like a new cat (not just that it's cute and here's a picture...).  If you have a job, offer to pay "rent" for the kitten to cover any cost (they can put it in a .... pardon the pun....a kitty fund) - and assure them, when you leave, the kitty will go with you if THEY wish.  Perhaps they might, if they decide to get it, want to keep it with any companion animals they may already have.

My son wants to come home and take "his" cat to Alaska (I live in SC)- even though he's in the military and on deployment often - and I told him absolutely not.  The cat has been in our care since he was born, and have his buddies he lives with.  I explained it would be cruel to separate an older cat from his buddies, and if he wants a cat that bad, he should go to a local shelter and adopt, but be prepared to have a cat-sitter or back-up owner ready in case he has to move overseas (which is likely).

Answer 13

Get your own place so you can make your own rules. Then you can have your cat and your dog.

If your over 18, you shouldn't be living at home.  

Answer 14

tell them how upset you are that your cat died. If all else fails bug the h**l out of them.

Answer 15

be very nice to them and do everything ur told!@ (:

Answer 16

LOL ^^^ mice

Tell them you would take care of it and if they wanted to wait just a few weeks (you'll survive) to get over the death of your poor kitty, then maybe you can talk about it again.

Answer 17

Get a cat when you move out.

Answer 18

Slightly similar situation:  we used to have 2 cats, brothers, and they kept each other company too when we weren't around. But then one died last fall (he was young- only about 5.5 years old) and it just wasn't the same for any of us-people or cat. But you should give it time to heal, whatever you need-a month, a couple months. Explain that to your parents so they know you can handle it emotionally. Then, when you feel you're ready, you can find a cat you like and bring it up with them. Also make sure to mention the fact that it would also be a companion to your dog-we got a new kitty recently, and they're FINALLY starting to get along (lol-for such a small, timid-looking cat she's a big bully), but I think our old cat likes having her around anyways

Answer 19

I think that you should tell them that you miss your cat that just died and getting a new one would be a way to remember her. Also you can say that getting a new cat would be a way to make you more responsible and that you would take care of it. You should also say that your cat kept your dog company when you guys were gone.

Answer 20

Make them feel guilty about what kind of parents they must be if they are so mean and nasty that they wouldn't let their child have a pet.

Answer 21

tell them how you really feel about it

Answer 22

well, first ask them if they though of getting a new cat. They give you their reasons and then you tell them why they should get a new one =P

good luck catwoman!

Answer 23

i thought cats had 9 lives?

Answer 24

Is there a chance your parents are still in mourning over the cat?  Not everyone gets over a loss at the same rate and they might not be ready for one.  

Also, who took care of the cat - the litter box, meals, paying for supplies?

I would ask your parents why they are not inclined to get another cat.  Be sure not to put them on the defensive, just try to understand where they're coming from.  

The new kitten is only a good idea if everyone in the house wants to bring in the new addition.  Good luck!

Answer 25

First, explain in words, not written, how important having a cat is to you.  You may also explain that you know your cat will require vet care and you are willing to budget money every month for this, pet food, and other supplies.

Find out what the reasons are that your folks do not want you to have another cat? Maybe they are too upset over the loss of your 20 year old cat and it is too soon for them?

Lastly, address all of their concerns in a contract. The contract should address everything and have a consequence if it is not followed.

I am sorry about you losing your cat.