Sterella, tell your folks that you want a cat and you are fully responsible for him/her. You are old enough to move out and decide what you want. You just happen to be living with them.. for now, remind them of that. Its lovely you want to rescue and your dads negativity is extending the unhappiness of a little kitty sitting in a shelter waiting for someone to love. I live in a house share with a non friend/ family person and its not a problem that I have a cat. Good luck.