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How to Convince Your Family to Get a Cat
In this Article
You’ve been daydreaming about the perfect feline companion — the purrs, naps, and playful cuddles. But there’s just one issue: your family’s not on board (yet).
Whether they’re hesitant about cat stereotypes or concerned about allergies and responsibilities, this guide will help you open the conversation, understand their concerns, and make a thoughtful case for adoption. (After all, if you’re reading this, you’re probably serious about becoming a cat parent!)
Understand Why Your Family Might Hesitate
Like in any conversation with opposing views, you’ll get a lot farther by listening first.
Consider these reasonable hesitations around getting a cat, and think about how you’d address them:
1. Cost and commitment: The ASPCA estimates that it can cost around $1,149 a year to raise a cat, with the initial cost of healthcare and supplies totaling $455.1 The average lifespan of a cat is 13-17 years,2 so you’ll want to be sure that you’re able to take on this cost over time. You may also want to research pet health insurance, which could help pay for unexpected vet visits in the future.
2. Allergies or sensitivities: It can be incredibly disruptive to deal with allergies, which are caused by a protein in cat saliva, dander, and urine. No one wants to have runny nose or itchy eyes and skin. Are you willing ask your family members to take allergy medication, or sweep and vacuum more often?
*PetSmart Tips: Purina Pro Plan LIVECLEAR cat food significantly reduces the major allergen in cat hair and dander by an average of 47% in the third week of feeding.
3. Time and responsibility: While cats are often seen as independent, like all creatures, their personalities can differ. Some cats will need more attention than others. Daily care includes feeding, litter box upkeep, and occasional vet visits *PetSmart Tip: Find the right vet at your local PetSmart store.
- Some cats require daily brushing and benefit from regular grooming. *PetSmart Tip: PetSmart offers cat grooming offerings that will have your grooming needs covered!
- Other time considerations would be for cleaning up after the pet, feeding the pet, and the time it takes to take it to the vet. *PetSmart Tip: Find the right vet at your local PetSmart store.
- Another consideration when owning a pet is your travel schedule. *PetSmart Tip: At select stores we offer Kitty Cottages, which are separate from dog guests, cleaned & sanitized daily.
Why Cats Make Great Family Pets
- Cats are independent, quiet, and relatively easy to care for. However, keep in mind that while cats groom themselves, they still require regular brushing and combing, which can help to reduce shedding and hairballs. Don’t do it yourself, let our experts groom your new cat!
- Cats offer companionship. Anyone with pets knows that our furry companions quickly become beloved family members. Like people, cats have individual personalities, but many are loving and willing to cuddle or sleep next to you. Like dogs, some cats will even greet their humans at the door when they come home.
- Cats are a good fit for small homes, apartments, and families who want a more low-maintenance pet. On average, cats can sleep for 12-18 hours a day3, which means they won’t need your full engagement then. Many cats also spend their time relaxing in their cat tower or looking out the window. However, just because they’re low-maintenance doesn’t mean they’re no-maintenance. You’ll still be responsible for helping to ensure their good health and happiness.
Making a Thoughtful Case
Come prepared to discuss practical considerations:
- Litter box training: Cats will instinctually know how to use a litter box but may have preference in the type of litter and kind of litter box used. Finding your cat’s preferences could involve testing different types of litter and litter box shapes to see which one your cat is comfortable with.4 *PetSmart Tip: Treat your family to an automatic litter box for upkeep ease. PetSmart also has Autoship to deliver from our store to your door!
- Daily responsibilities: Get ready to track your cat’s feeding schedule, refill their water bowl, ensure you have food and litter on-hand, and regularly clean out and refill the litter box (unless you buy a self-cleaning one). *Self-cleaning litter boxes still require cleaning and maintenance.
Show your commitment by outlining a plan:
- While many cats are domestic short hair, there are also a variety of other cat breeds to consider. Don't just base your choice of breed based on aesthetics. Be sure to research the breed you are considering and find out the personalities, grooming requirements, and potential health concerns that may arise
- Access educational guides and expert support from the PetSmart team. When you adopt from PetSmart, you’ll get an adoption kit that includes tips and hundreds of dollars in coupon savings.
Try a Shorter Commitment First
Suggest short-term experiences that could help you and your family get more comfortable with the idea of raising a cat:
- Foster a cat through a local shelter or check PetSmart Charities website. Many animal shelters will let you foster a cat until they’re adopted, providing you with training, food, supplies, and vet care. This process gives the cat a welcome break from the shelter and gives you valuable experience as a pet parent.
- Cat-sit for a friend or neighbor.
- Visit a PetSmart store, cat café, or shelter to spend time with adoptable cats. At the PetSmart store there are cat adoptions happening every day!
Preparing to Get a Cat
- Research shelters and adoption events in your area.
- PetSmartCharities.org has adoptable cats in your area to find your new cat!
- Make a checklist of essentials:
- Food, treats, toys, cat tower, litter box, litter, scratching post, collar, carrier, and grooming tools.
FAQs
What breed of cat is best for families?
Some cat breeds are known for their calm, affectionate, and adaptable personalities — making them a great fit for households with multiple people or varying routines. Popular family-friendly breeds include Ragdolls, Maine Coons, American Shorthairs, Scottish Folds, and Somalis.5
Are cats good pets for kids?
Yes — many cats can be wonderful companions for children, especially those with gentle temperaments. Ragdolls, Maine Coons, and American Shorthairs are often recommended for their patient and social nature. That said, an adult should always be the primary caregiver, and kids should be taught how to interact respectfully with pets. Helping kids with daily tasks like feeding or brushing the cat can also build responsibility and empathy.
What supplies do I need before bringing home a cat?
Some of the supplies needed for a first-time cat parent include food, treats, toys, cat tower, litter box, litter, scratching post, collar, carrier, and grooming tools.
What if my family is allergic to cats?
If someone in your family is allergic to cats, you may have to ask them if they’d be willing to discuss medication options with their doctor. In addition, you’d need to do extra cleaning, sweeping, and vacuuming to make sure that the cat dander that causes the allergy doesn’t linger.
Can I adopt a cat if I live in an apartment?
Different apartments have different rules about having pets, so be sure to check with your leasing contacts before you consider becoming a cat parent.
2 https://www.petmd.com/cat/care/how-long-do-cats-live
3 https://www.sleepfoundation.org/animals-and-sleep/how-much-do-cats-sleep#references-81975
4 https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/training/how-to-litter-box-train-a-kitten
