Parents may worry about a cat clawing at furniture or making messes. Your parents may also worry about cost. A new animal needs new toys, bedding, and so on. Your parents are likely very busy, so they may worry about caring for the animal. Pets need a lot of time and attention. One of them may be allergic to cats. Don’t let this dissuade you, however; there are some hypoallergenic cats!
If your parents are worried about a cat harming furniture, suggest claw caps. They fit over a cat’s claws, preventing it from scratching. Never declaw a cat. If your parents are worried about cost, offer to save up your allowance or get a job to pay for new supplies for your cat. If time is an issue, promise your parents you’ll care for the cat yourself. Remind them that cats are independent animals and don’t require as much attention as dogs. If one of your parents is allergic to cats, suggest hypoallergenic breeds, such as the Balinese, Bengal, Burmese, Cornish Rex, Siamese, Siberian, or Sphynx. [3] X Research source
Tell your parents you’ll provide your cat with a clean bed and keep the litter box in your room or garage. Tell your parents you’ll feed your cat healthy cat food, and even suggest a few brands you found while researching. Vet visits can get expensive. Offer to help pay for the visits, and mention that you are willing to find a job to help earn money.
You can promise your parents you’ll play with the cat every day after school for an hour after finishing your homework. Also, account for caring for the cat. Promise your parents you’ll get up early in the mornings to do things like feed your cat and change its litter box.
Don’t worry to bring notes with you. In fact, these may help your parents see just how much research you put into getting a cat!
Pay attention to the timing. For example, if you know that your parents are having a difficult time paying the bills, now might not be a good idea to ask for a cat. Alternatively, choose a time when a big occasion is coming up, such as your birthday or junior high graduation.
For example, say, “Guys, I wanted to talk to you about something. I’ve been thinking it over for awhile, and I would really like my own cat. " Your parents’ reaction may be an outright “No. " If this happens, try: “I did a lot of research. I don’t expect to change your mind, but please hear me out. "
For example, say, “I know how hard you guys work, and I really appreciate everything you do. If I had my own cat, I would make sure to take care of it so you don’t have to. " Don’t suck up to your parents with too much flattery, however, or you will come off as insincere.
“I know we have a lot of expensive furniture, but I found this product called Soft Paws. They’re plastic caps you put over a cat’s claws. My friend’s cat has them, and it never damages the furniture. " “I understand that a cat will need food, toys, and other supplies. I have thought of ways to earn money for this, and have even looked for jobs!” “Cats are not like dogs, so they can be left alone all day. I will still take care of the cat each day by feeding it and playing with it, and I will clean the litter box. " “I know that you are allergic to cats, but I found a few hypoallergenic cats, such as the Siberian. Maybe we could meet some of these breeds at a shelter and see how you react?”
Your parents may not agree at first, which is fine. Give them time to think over this subject, especially if they say something like “Let me think about it. " Pressing your parents for an immediate answer will more likely earn you a rejection. Be patient. Give them at least a few days to a week before asking again.
It’s not the end of the world if your parents say “No. " Try to show them how responsible you are in the upcoming weeks. They may change their mind.
For example, say something like, “What if I work really hard this semester and bring up my math grade? Maybe the cat can be a reward for that. " You’ll have better luck with choosing something that you struggle with. For example, if you get straight As in English at school, pick a different subject.
For example, say something like, “I can save all my money from my after school job. That way, I can pay for new toys and a litter box. " If you’re applying for jobs, impress your parents by showing the applications that you’ve filled out. Even if you don’t get the job, your parents will appreciate the effort.
End the conversation on a good note. Say something like, “Well, I appreciate you guys listening anyway. Thanks for hearing me out. " Accepting a “No” answer is a sign of maturity and may help you with future requests. If you keep pressing them or throw a tantrum, they’ll be more likely to say “No. "
