I want a cat

[IshyIshy]

My dad doesn't "approve" of getting a cat and i really want one. Is there any way you can stop a cat getting in a grown man's way and stop him clawing the curtains?

[wolf63]

IshyIshy - this all depends on how old you are.

I started whining for a puppy when I was about 4 and we got one when I was 16. As a child this seemed really cruel and unfair, but animals take a lot of work and commitment.

Listen to your dad's objections - maybe he has a point. Maybe he has had previous encounters with cats. He might want one too, but feel that he will be left to look after it.

I really hope that you both can solve this problem and adopt a cat - but speak to him first.

My cat never clawed curtains and never went near men, but he was a weird cat.

[Misty77]

Both my cats were taught to use a scratching post and a litter tray from being kittens - and they're good as gold.

[B00]

Hmmmm, well seeing as it's your dad's house (well I'm presuming it is anyway), I'd respect your dads wishes and not get one.

Wait till you've got your own place and then you're not on tenterhooks all the time dreading the cat doing anything to naff ya dad off.

[lindsaythfc]

My cats have got scrathing posts, cat gyms and scratch mats, but Milo still swings on the curtains. They are all litter trained.
Cats all have individual personality's, some may be quite and subuded, others may race around like a demented chicken (my lot!!)
Older cats tend to be a little quieter than kittens.
People think cats are easy to look after, they're not, they need a lot of care and attention, and LOTS of cuddles, however in my opinion they are totally worth it xx

[ganesh]

I had a scratch post for my new kittens and they scratch on everything but.Cutains,setees and doors are all fair game!
They are always litter trained but I think any other training is very tricky with cats.Your'e very lucky Misty.
Your Dad will probably be constantly shouting at it,and ultimately it's his decision, whether to get one or not.
I still love them and I'd rather have a shabby house with them than a perfect one without them!

[wolf63]

training and cats always works. You get a cat and they train their owner = happy household.

My cat hated his scratch pole, he bit the balls off it and then ignored it, the woodwork at the window was much more enjoyable.

[lilynmax]

my parents never allowed me to have any pets while I was growing up, then I got my first cat six years ago when I lived in my own place and it made it all the more worthwhile because I'd wanted him so long. It is a lot of responsibility though, and you have to be totally committed to them, but I do feel it's very worthwhile, but you'll never really be able to tell them what to do, so maybe best wait til it's only your stuff available to be chewed!