What the title says. Some basic information before I go into more detail: I'm 16, and my (single) mother hates snakes.

I've done a lot of research over several months to decide if I want a snake, if I'm responsible enough to take care of a snake, and what kind of snake would be the best for me. I decided on a ball python for several reasons— They're adorable, they're very docile, and they don't get very big for a python. I'm aware that they can be more difficult to feed. Since they don't need very much room, and they are a species that I really like, they're perfect for my situation. I understand that a lot of preparation would have to happen before I could even find what snake I want to purchase. And of course I would have to save up, but I have a steady, albeit small income and some extra saved-up funds. I would rather save up for a few extra months than purchase a sickly animal. I've done my research on which morphs have issues and which ones are more likely to be healthy.

Yesterday, I approached my mother about the issue carefully and explained to her that ball pythons do not have fangs and are physically incapable of eating a person. Those are her two main snake fears, being bitten/eaten/killed by a snake. I would never own a snake that large— I'm not a professional and do not intend to ever be a professional in the reptile industry. I am only an animal lover. I told her that she would never have to see the snake, be around the snake, feed the snake, etc unless something happened to me. I explained to her that they're relatively easy to take care of, I told her the problems they have and the special treatment snakes require (for example, needing a thermostat for the snake tank). I explained that I will pay for everything, she need not give a single dime or ounce of attention to the snake.

I did everything you're supposed to do to convince a parent to let their child get a pet, and she said no. She kind of got mad at me for asking. The reasons she cited for not allowing the snake:

1. We have too many pets. 3 cats and 2 dogs. The dogs are hers, I did not purchase them and I only take care of them because I don't want them to be neglected. I do, however, completely take care of the cats. I clean their litter box, give them fresh water, and feed them. She and I both pay for the kibble, since she decided to get one of the cats and I decided to get the other two. They are essentially my cats. Ball pythons do not take nearly as much work as these pets and the snake would never be her responsibility. I also know that if my brother asked for a hamster or lizard she wouldn't say no, because he has had both before, despite the fact that he is too young and she'd have to be the one responsible for them.
2. Snakes live "too long". That's a pro for me. I love my animals like family and am actually quite upset that they don't live longer. I don't understand how it could be a con to her that a pet would live a long time. I would of course take the snake with me when I move out, which will most likely be sooner than later.
3. It would attack the other pets?? Obviously this would not happen. I told her all the reasons why that would never happen. In fact, I'd be more concerned about the other pets attacking the snake, which also wouldn't happen because I wouldn't allow them to interact with each other.
4. She doesn't want rats in her freezer. Which is perfectly understandable, but I'm capable of purchasing my own freezer. If she didn't want it in the garage, where her extra freezer is, I'm sure I could move around the furniture in my room to have space.


As you can see, logically she has no reason for me to not have a snake. It seems to me that she just doesn't want me to have one— But she's given me no actual reasons. If she gave me an actually good reason, I'd eagerly back off. But it seems she's just making excuses.

Do any of you snake owners have advice? If you were in my shoes, what would you do? If you have been in my shoes, what did you do, and did it fail or succeed? Do you see something I'm missing as to why it wouldn't be a good idea for me to have a snake, or is my mother just beyond convincing?

Thank you for your time. :^)