Cat for my daughter? A good idea?

Question

I have a 5 y.o. who would adore a cat. Im not a big fan of them. I def do NOT want to bring into this house a pet Im not committed to, but we have been discussing for over a year now, and Im still so undecided. One min. I think, I can handle it.. the next minute... no way! Is there any "cat converts" out there who took the plunge and DIDNT regret it? your thoughts?

Answer 1

i think you should get one for her just help her learn that it is her responsibility to take care of it when she gets older and let her feed it if she wants to so she gets used to it

Answer 2

I'm a convert.  I was one of those people that swore I would never get a cat.  I grew up with dogs; when my dog died, I was devastated and couldn't imagine getting another dog.  I got a cat instead.

My first cat was a bit odd.  She was a shelter cat (which IS NOT a bad thing), but she had been in the shelter for too long.  It was a No-Kill Shelter.  She just wasn't socialized enough.  She was a good cat, but afraid of human contact.  I adopted a kitten about 3 months later and haven't regretted it once.

Cats are very different than dogs...obviously.  As a dog owner I came to expect a cold, wet nose being poked at me every time I came home from anywhere (even just from the walk to the mailbox).  Switching to cats, I was a bit dismayed that I didn't get this response.  

Cats are very independent (sometimes); they like their space.  I'm sure you've heard that they want you when they want you and ignore you the rest of the time.  This is true of most cats.  Some cats are very loving and can even become 'lap cats.'

They're loyal, but it's different.  It's hard to explain...dogs are sometimes called stupidly loyal; no matter what you do to them, they keep coming back to you (to some extent).  Cats aren't like that.  If you're mean to them, they don't like you.  I have noticed that they are attracted to people who say they don't like cats, though.

Cats aren't so bad.  They're actually better in some ways.  They live longer.  20 years sometimes!  You don't have to get up at ungodly hours because they have to go outside.  Okay, the litter box is a bit gross, but if you keep up with it you'll never even know it's there.  They don't require walks; although, I did have a cat that loved to go for walks (she played fetch, too).  She was beyond strange.

I think it's a good idea for you to get your daughter a pet.  If it's a cat that she wants, that's what you should go with.  It will become like one of the family in know time.

I wouldn't know what to do if something happened to my cat, but I know I wouldn't go back to dogs.  The dog owners that say they hate cats can rarely resist the little critters; they nudge their way into your heart.

Good luck, whatever you choose to do.

Answer 3

GET THE CAT cats are awesom,sweet and they are actually pretty low-maintenance at the beginning i love my cat, coco i got her from a friend i love her and i was a really  good choice to take her but u will hve to b commited to taking care of it and if u do get one, u should not let it outside in the beginning cuz i have never let my cat outside and now she doesn't even WANT  to go outside so permenant cat that u will love and take care of, it would be a smart choice to keep inside, especially for that 5 year old of yours i wish u the best of luck and i no  that the decision that u make will turn out to b for the better! =)

Answer 4

well,... cats don't do well outside, they don't live very long,

if you get a scratchy post and a good quality litter, you should have no problems, cats are so different than a dog, cats don't pee in the house or p**p on the floor or eat your shoes, or drool all over the floor, they generally don't get fleas because they don't go outside, I have 8 cats and I wouldn't trade them for anything, get your daughter a kitten she will love it and so will you, especially when they sit on your lap and purr their little hearts out

Edit: dont get a cat unless you are prepared to keep her inside,  

Answer 5

she may be a little young now so you probably will be taking all the responsibility, she can hardly take care of herself!! but definitely when she's older, it does give them responsibility. you may want to start with something small like a hamster or a fish

Answer 6

I have 3 cats and they're a lot to take care of. Just think you would have to feed and take care of the litter box.  If you want to teach your daughter responsibility I would wait a few years when she could take care of the cat herself.

Answer 7

Cats mainly take care of themselves, theres only a few chores to do. And they are good for young children, they learn to interact with them easy. When i was young thats all we had were cats they become your best friend. I now have 3 and they are my babies since my kids are all grown up and gone. They are also good company.

Hope this helps with your dession on getting one.

Good Luck to you.

Answer 8

well if you don't want hair all over stuff then you can be one of those neat freaks with the plastic on the furniture or get a hairless cat. but i think it would be a good idea to get her a cat. I have 2 right now and their great but crazy! so if she really really wants one i say go for it!

Answer 9

If you are an animal lover, you will love cats.  I was a dog lover most of my life and now am a cat lover

You say you are aware of the rersponsibility but this still has to be said. Too many animals die because of lack of responsibility

Do NOT get this cat unless you are willing to make the 20 year commitment needed. cats throw up, shed, and even can pee out of the box. 8 million cats are killed each year cause people change their minds. This isn't right. You are dealing with a life and if you are willing to live up to your responsibility, then by all means get one. For many people, the love makes it all worth while

Also make sure your daughter (and you) realize that sometimes cats can pick a person and be a 1 person cat. cats are very independent. some outgoing some shy. you have to deal with whatever comes your way

Answer 10

Well, I'd suggest that if you do not like cats you can get what's called an "Outdoor cat". These cats mostly stay outside rather than inside, and you simply set out fresh food and water for them every couple of a days. The cat will nibble at his/her food throughout the day and drink a few sips of water then go on his/her merry way.

Answer 11

I would definitely say you should take the leap! I was very reluctant when my husband and I adopted our first cat, but now, 3 years later, we have 4 cats and one of them is pregnant! I love my cats like they are my children,  they are the sweetest animals in the world!

Answer 12

No, No, No!  If you're not sure you want a cat to care for, as the adult in the house, do not bring one home.  Your daughter is too young to care for a cat so you will be responsible for it's care (feeding, cleaning litter box, etc).  

Although your daughter says she wants a cat now, she could easily get bored.  Where does that leave the living, breathing pet you brought home?  

If you want to introduce your daughter to cats and other pets, volunteer at a no-kill shelter once a month.  She (and you) can learn what animals she prefers and how to care for them.  Also, your time will greatly benefit a local shelter.  

Maybe in a few years, this will be a good decision.  If you bring a cat home right now, I believe you will regret it.

Yes, your daughter may learn how to live with and have compassion for another being, BUT you are responsible for the cats' care. Ask yourself if you want to do that?

Answer 13

If you yourself are not committed to the idea then its a bad idea. She's only 5 and you will actually be the primary caregiver. A 5 year old can't be expected to remember to feed , water and clean the litter box daily. I have always been a cat person so my children grew up around cats. They assisted me with their care and we all shared in the work together. You have already stated your not a big fan of cats so in the long perhaps a different type of pet would be a better choice. Sometimes young children are disappointed in a cats aloofness and distance.  

Answer 14

I used to be only a dog person. We got my daughter a kitten for Christmas when she was 13. My daughter went to college and couldn't take the cat, I kept him. My daughter graduated from college and rented an apartment. I wouldn't let her take him because he wouldn't be able to go outside (we lived in the country). My daughter bought her house and I was too attached. My daughter is 31 and I put the cat down last week. I have never regretted one minute of Casper's life with us.

Answer 15

I have known a few people who swore they hated cats until one walked into their lives. The cat became the center of attention and the person would defend the cat when someone would even look at it funny.

So, you need to get to know cats before you bring one into your home. Visit your friends who have them and interact. Buy a book on cats and kittens had read up on the cats first reaction to a new household, what you will need to purchase and the veterinarian care such as spay, neutering and vaccinations the cat will need.

A cat will teach your child how to treat animals, show compassion for all living things and can be the best friend to your daughter. It's a wonderful experience for a child.

Both of my children were raised with a cat. I taught them how to respect animals and how to care for them properly.

It's up to you mom to be a good teacher for your daughter. If you can do it, you won't regret it if you have the knowledge first. Good luck.

Answer 16

Since a five year old cannot realistically care for a cat, it would be your cat.  If you are not fond of cats and are reluctant to get one, you should not do it.  Many people who are reluctant will have regrets - more than those who became converts.  Pets are challenging and rewarding at the same time.  If you are not up to cleaning litter boxes, dealing with teaching a cat not to scratch on furniture or other normal mischief, or the vet care involved, don't do it.

Answer 17

If your daughter is a mature 5 year old and would truly treat a cat well and not like a stuffed animal, then what about adopting a calm, older cat from the shelter?  Not elderly, but grown.  It is harder to find homes for adult cats as everyone seems to want cute kittens, but they grow up and it would be a good way to see if your daughter just wants a kitten that she will lose interest in when it grows up.  And there may be benefits to you.  If you decide that you are not crazy about being a cat owner, even though you have made it clear you will be responsible for the cat for its lifetime, then you will not have potentially almost 20 years with him but 8 or 10 instead.  You would be giving a cat that may never be adopted a good home.  And although you would be facing the end of the pet's life sooner than if you adopted a kitten, it will happen eventually with all pets and your daughter will be old enough (assuming at least 5-10 years with an adult cat) to handle the loss. Not for profit websites like petfinder.com are great places to search.

Answer 18

If you don't want a cat, then do the cat a favor and don't get one.  PLEASE.