Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Preparing for the interview
• Part 2 of 3: Asking your parents for a cat
• Part 3 of 3: Demonstrate responsibility
• Tips
• Warnings

Cats make great pets. They are curious, playful and loving, not to mention cute! But they are also a serious obligation, so your parents may be hesitant to give you one. You can't force your parents to give in, but you can open them up more to the idea by making a cat grooming plan, having a quiet adult conversation, and showing them that you have enough responsibility.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Preparing for the interview

1. Ask your parents why they don't want a cat. Once you understand your parents' concerns, you can find ways to make those concerns disappear. Listen carefully to what your parents say. Don't interrupt them and ask a lot of follow-up questions.
   • You might ask, "I know you don't want me to have a cat. I just don't understand why. "
   • If they say you won't keep the litter box clean, ask, "Why do you think that?"
2. Create a weekly cat grooming schedule. This is especially important if your parents think you don't have time to care for a cat. Write down all of your commitments for each day of the week. Think of school, homework, extracurricular activities and chores. Then try to fit the care of the cat into your schedule. Show your completed schedule to your parents.
   • Cats need about an hour a day to play and receive attention.
   • You should empty the litter box daily and change it every week.
   • You should feed your cat twice a day, make sure the animal always has fresh water and clean the water bowl daily.
3. Investigate the costs of adoption and care. A cat can be expensive. In addition to the costs of the cat itself, someone will have to pay for the vet, food, toys and medicines. Know what it will cost so you can start saving money and present the facts to your parents.
   • Getting a cat from a shelter is the cheapest option. You probably pay € 50- € 100.
   • Adding medical costs, food and supplies, it can cost around $ 700 per year to own a cat.
4. Save money to pay for your cat and additional costs. Start saving as soon as possible. Spend less of your pocket money, get a job, or ask your parents if you can make money doing extra chores around the house.
   • Your parents may be able to help you with the expenses. However, you should contribute to the costs of the cat yourself as much as possible.
5. Make a presentation or speech about the benefits of cat ownership. Do some research on the benefits of owning a cat. Name all the reasons why you think a cat would be a good addition to the family. Spend some time thinking of ways to ease your parents' concerns. You can present this information during a conversation with your parents, or make a PowerPoint presentation or written report.
   • For example, if your parents are worried about paying for the cat's care, you can point out that in the past you were really responsible for taking care of other pets.
   • If your parents are concerned about mess, talk about how to prevent mess and deal with it when it occurs.
   • You could mention that adopting a cat from a shelter is a charity because you are helping a cat who does not have a home.
6. Practice your presentation or speech ahead of time. Once you've created a presentation, go through it a few times until it feels familiar. If you just want to have a traditional conversation, plan what to say in advance and practice in front of the mirror. That way, you won't forget to discuss all of your important points.
7. If a family member has an allergy, it is a good idea to consider a hypoallergenic cat. There are several hypo-allergenic cat breeds. If those aren't available, bringing a cat into your home may not be the best idea. As great as cats are, cat allergies can be quite troublesome.If a family member has a cat allergy, you probably won't be very lucky to convince your parents to get a cat unless you can get a hypo-allergenic cat. Consider a different pet instead.
   • If you love cats, but it's not possible to get one as a pet, consider volunteering at a local animal shelter to spend time with cats there.

Part 2 of 3: Asking your parents for a cat

1. Choose an appropriate time to talk. Make sure your parents have time to talk. If they are tired or late for work, wait until it calms down. Don't bring it up with your parents until they are in a good mood, as they are more likely to listen to what you have to say.
2. Start by expressing appreciation for everything your parents do for you. Don't pretend you deserve a cat. It will only make your parents less positive. Instead, approach the situation with an attitude of gratitude. Your parents will be more open to your argument.
   • You can tell your parents, "I want to start by saying that I am super grateful that you support me and work hard to give me great things."
3. Present your research to your parents. If you've given a presentation, now is the time to bring it out. Otherwise, you have to go through the main points that you previously planned. Don't forget to talk about your care plan, why you want a cat, and how you plan to address their concerns.
4. Offer to pay as much as possible. You may not be able to afford everything, but offering to contribute to a cat's cost shows that you are serious about getting it.
   • Imagine you only have $ 50, while a cat costs $ 100. You could say, "Mom, I really want a cat, but those at the shelter cost about $ 100. Now if I pay $ 50, will you pay the other half? "
   • You can also offer to pay for the cat's purchase costs and ask your parents to help you with the annual expenses.
5. Make an agreement that you will get better grades or do more chores. If your average grade is eight, your parents may be okay with you getting a cat. Or offer to do extra chores from now on. Whatever you and your parents agree, stick to it. It shows that you are ready for the responsibility of being a cat owner.
   • You could say, "If I get an eight in my next math test, which will take a lot of work because I find it one of the most difficult subjects, can I have a cat? I want to show how badly I want this. "
6. Stay calm during the conversation. If you lose your temper, your chances of convincing your parents will be slim. Try to stay calm and avoid getting offensive, even if your parents give you a clear no. If you start to get angry, take a few deep, slow breaths.
   • If you can't calm down, ask your parents if you can end the conversation later.
7. Give your parents a few days to think before expecting an answer. If you pressure your parents to respond quickly, they are more likely to say no. Instead, give them a few days to think about their answer.
   • For example, indicate that you do not want your parents to answer immediately, but that you want them to think about it before coming back to you.
8. Be respectful when your parents say no. Saying something like, "You always say no" or "I never get anything I want" certainly won't help your cause. If you get a no, accept it now and try again later. Responding in an adult way increases the likelihood that your parents will change their mind.
   • Ask your parents why they said no. Maybe you can find ways to turn that no into a yes!

Part 3 of 3: Demonstrate responsibility

1. Do what your parents ask without complaining. Showing your responsibility can be very helpful in convincing your parents to let you have a cat. Start doing your chores or making your bed when prompted, without moaning or moaning. Don't put it off. Do it right away, or better yet, without being asked.
2. Stay calm during discussions. When discussions arise, deal with them as calmly and mature as possible. Don't yell or whine or disturb your parents. Listen carefully to what your parents say and be willing to compromise.
   • If you want to go out with friends, but your dad wants you to stay home for a family night out, don't turn into a dramatic chorus like, "It's not fair!" Instead, offer to spend the first half of the evening with friends and the second half of the evening at home.
3. Keep your promises. When you commit to something, stick to it. If you told your mom that you would finish your homework before going to see your girlfriend, make sure you do. If you can keep your promise to look after your sister or get home on time, your parents will be more likely to believe that you will keep your promise to take care of your cat.
4. Take initiative when things need to be done. If you see a sink full of dirty dishes or crumbs on the floor, don't wait for your parents to bother you with it. Clean up the mess without being asked. You show your parents how responsible you can be.
5. Do nice things without being asked. Help your little sister with her homework, fold some laundry, or prepare dinner for the rest of the family. These little acts of kindness show that you are an adult and can handle a cat.
   • Don't parade around with comments like, "Look how good I am!" Doing good things for your family in silence will be much more meaningful and mature.

Tips

• Unless you have a very strong preference for a specific breed that is only available from a breeder, it is best to check with a local shelter. Most pets were brought there because of a change in the owner's life, not a behavioral problem. You get your new cat cheap, healthy and often sterilized. You also do a good deed with it!
• If you decide to buy from a breeder, make sure it is a reputable breeder who actively invests in the welfare of the cats.
• Don't give up if your parents say no. Over time, they may change their mind when they see your commitment.
• If your parents tell you the cat will break the furniture, tell them that you are looking for a well-trained cat that is less likely to scratch. Also, let them know that if the cat is scratching the furniture, there are options such as kitten shoes, furniture protectors, and claw guards to prevent the cat from doing damage. Keep in mind that nail removal should be the last possible option. It is painful and for the cat is equivalent to cutting off the fingers from the middle joint upwards.
• Be very committed and don't give up!
• Do the things your parents ask you without having to repeat the question.
• If your parents / guardians are concerned about the cat's habits, make sure you choose a calm and sweet cat. An energetic cat may be more fun, but it also makes it more of an obligation. Also, if possible, make sure the cat is friendly and trained.

Warnings

• Before you put the time and energy into convincing your parents, make sure you are ready for a cat's commitment.
• If you plan on going to college after high school, you may not be able to bring your cat. Ask if your parents are okay with taking care of the cat at that time.