And the step dad is just so evil, he made her give the cat up for *adoption*? Considering Zoey's supposed to be right in her judgement of him, it might have been more effective (in characterization) to just have him dump the cat in the highway or something. I mean, he's a bad character! It's not like he's supposed to have redeeming qualities, which you practically just gave him there: he was probably allergic and Zoey was being a brat).

Also, I think it would suck if I asked if I could have a pet, and was told "Only if the animal wants you to..."
I like to imagine cats refusing Zoey and stalking all the people who think cats are bad pets. "Guess what," they'd project, staring down their victim. "I choose you." And then they'd sit there and start cleaning their nether regions, because cats are like that.

And that last part. Yes. That's all I have to say. Ew.