Interesting discussion. Some of you may remember that it was my husband who wanted a cat and my mother who bullied me into agreeing to get her! I thought of myself as a dog person and am allergic to cats.

He often talks about getting another cat -- which I veto on the grounds he doesn't do enough of the cat care (especially the brushing which is so important for my allergies!) I feed, water, and scoop. Yet...when I feel in love with Edwin -- the Edwina look alike in Indiana -- he was hesitant to take him home (not sure if he belonged to someone, how would Edwina react?)

So it is a mutual thing. I am an adult and cannot be forbidden. It becomes how much hassle/fight/agrument/pouting am I prepared to endure on any issue.