Is a cat a good pet for an eleven year old girl?

Question

is a cat good for an eleven year old girl and is it hard to take care of if I'm at work? I'm thinking about getting one but I don't want it to take up all of my time; taking care of it that is. Is there any details I should know about or some extra tips?

Answer 1

Cats are fairly low maintenance, as everyone else has pointed out.  A litter box, some food, some water, and supervised play covers the daily routine.  Your daughter should be responsible for feeding the cat and making sure she has clean water.  She should spend a few minutes a day playing with the cat, whether it's tossing a ball for the cat to chase or playing with string.  Also get a scratching post or corrugated cardboard scratchbox for the cat to discourage furniture scratching.  It takes a little trial and error to see what your cat likes, but you'll soon find out what sort of toys she likes.

Your cat will need to visit the vet periodically for shots, but that should be something you do.

I suggest you get an older cat, at least a year or two, instead of a kitten.  An older cat will be litter box trained and will be less likely to play aggressively.  I also urge you go to a shelter where there are many pets in need of a good home.

EDIT:  Two more things:  Keep the cat indoors at all times and do *not* even think of declawing her.  There's nothing crueller than amputating the first joint of a cat's paws.

Answer 2

Well i would prefer a dog but sure i have had cats all my life and i am 12! They are good but you might need a litter box lol

Answer 3

Yeah that would be a good gift. The cat should be fine while its home. If you get a kitten. It might use the bathroom a couple of times before it starts using the litter box but it shouldn't be more than a couple of days I assume. Also keep in mind that cats do scratch furnature in case you dont like it.

Answer 4

Cat's are GREAT pets for all ages! i think it would be an awsome idea to get your daughter one! it would def. teach her responsibility (even though they are not hard to take care of at all =)) and would be a great friend to her! cats are great commpanions! hope i helped! <3

Answer 5

of course its a good pet!

cats are not hard to take care of.

just make sure you give them love and attention(:

i have had a cat for 13 years.

and i am currently 13.

Answer 6

yes.  kittens need food, water, toys, and a clean litter box, but most of all, love.

Answer 7

A cat is a great pet in general and for an eleven year old.

Cats are very low-maintenance.

So long as they get some love and attention when they want it, a litter box, some food, some water, a nice place to be, a nice place to sleep, maybe some toys if they are playful -  they are happy and good to go =)

If you have any other more specific questions, I'll be happy to answer them for you =) Hope this helps =)  

Answer 8

Cats are great companions, they are loyal and loving. The main thing you have to worry about with a cat is food, water, and of course the litter box. As long as it is scooped every couple of days, the cat should be happy. Cats are also great because you don't have to let them outside several times a day to use the bathroom. Overall, cats are great!!

Answer 9

I think it would be fine as long as you think your daughter would be attentive.  Cats are pretty independent, and compared to dogs, are much much less maintenance.  The great thing is, they require no house training.  Generally, all you have to do is show them where the litter box is, and they get the point from then on!  Kittens can be a little more work, because they get into a lot of trouble.  Whatever you do, please spay or neuter the cat and ensure that it has all of its shots.