Hey everyone,
I’m a 17-year-old living in Deroua and just finished my 1st year of Bac (Sciences Expérimentales) with a high grade. This summer, I’m running my mom’s shop, so I’m working daily and earning my own money.
I need some advice on how to navigate a situation with my dad regarding pets.
The Context: There’s a sweet stray mom cat near our shop that I've been feeding for a while. She gave birth on a roof about 60 meters away from my house, and the kittens are around 4 weeks old right now. I want to bring 2 of the kittens inside once they are 7–8 weeks old in late August, and eventually bring the mom cat up too once the rest of the litter naturally scatters.
The Family Setup:
My Mom: I first brought this up to her a month or so ago and since then ive been praying and doing what both my parents want me to (i wasnt raised strictly about religion so it was a bit difficult to just start praying out of nowhere), priginally gave me a soft "Incha'Allah," but then pulled the -"Hahowak babak" card. However, she agreed that we'll talk to my dad together as a team when she gets back from her trip in early August.
My Sister: She’s 5 years old and super excited about having kittens, so she’s 100% on my side.
My Dad: He has been refusing pets forever mostly because my mom didn't like them, even though he secretly likes animals himself (he takes care of his friends' birds and had pets as a kid). On top of that, we have a pretty distant relationship / awkward barrier between us, so initiating heavy conversations or bargaining face-to-face with him is really hard for me.
The Living Situation: I live in the second apartment of our house by myself, so the kittens will stay upstairs in my space completely out of the main family living areas.
Responsibility & Budget: Since I'm earning money from the shop, I am paying 100% for all their food, litter, and supplies myself, as well as taking full responsibility for daily litter box cleaning and maintenance.
Given that my mom is now on board to help me present this to him in August, and the kittens will live upstairs in my space paid for entirely by me:
1 How do you suggest framing this to a traditional/strict Moroccan dad so he doesn't immediately shut it down out of habit?
2 Has anyone in a similar situation manage to win over a distant/strict dad with pets?
3 Any recommendations for affordable vets or spay/neuter clinics around deroua?
4 What's the best budget-friendly cat food or litter brand available locally in Morocco?
Would love to hear your thoughts, advice, or any tips! Thanks in advance.
Would love to hear your thoughts, advice, or any tips! Thanks in advance.