to keep on trying to persuade my DH to allow us to have a cat?

[Snowybird]

I am a stay at home mum with two boys aged 6 and we would all like a cat. We have a house with a garden and two cat flaps.
Before the boys were born we had a cat but it was run over.
My DH now refuses to get a new cat or even to discuss it. He says extreme things like, "if a cat comes in, I go out!" (nb it's not like we are in crisis otherwise).
If I had my source of income I would just go out and get one, but since he is the breadwinner for us all I have held off.
But months have gone by, and the children keep on asking.
So...is he being unreasonable?

Why does your DH not want one?

He's bluffing, he won't leave. Just get one.

I dont think he is BU for not wanting a cat, maybe a little UR for not trying to come to a compromise, maybe you could look at getting a rabbit or hamster?

Keep hoping that a cat turns up? My dh had a sensible petfree childhood, but loves the pets we acquire.

I'd say he is BVU for not discussing his reasons. Maybe he was so brokenhearted by the death of your previous cat that he can't bear the idea of it happening again? Or having to explain it to your boys?

Agree with SouthernLights, he needs to talk about his reasons with you. Perhaps you could persuade him to visit the local RSPCA with you as there are many cats needing rehoming.

Think he is being totally U. Did he love your previous cat? It wouldn;t cost much - just get one from one of the rescue centres or you often see notices in shops with kittens free to good homes. We got our first one like that and our second one was from a rescue centre (I wanted to rescue the whole family they were so gorgeous). You usually have to promise to get your cat spayed or neutered.

IMO having pets has to be a joint decision. Yes try talking with him but if he is really against it I'd leave it be. Maybe search for a compromise of a different type of pet?
Luckily DP both and I cannot stand cats!

See if you can get an infestation of mice. This persuaded me to get a cat (which my husband and children were desperate for) in no time at all.

Just remember "Dogs have owners, cats have staff"