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Original poster

To get a cat for my daughter

59 replies

Sigrid1789 · 05/07/2023 21:22

My DD (6 years old) is begging us for a cat. We live in a flat and travel frequently. Is this wise? If yes, what kind of a cat? How about the pop smell? What do we do with a cat when we go away? My DD is an only child, so I figure this is easier to give than a sibling!

OP posts:
Original poster
Sigrid1789 · 05/07/2023 21:23

*poo

OP posts:
Ibizafun · 05/07/2023 21:56

I think a flat is fine with an indoor cat and If you give it good quality food the poo shouldn't smell.

More worrying is the frequent travelling if for long periods of time. Would you consider getting two cats to keep each other company, and are you willing to pay a cat sitter?

EmpressaurusOfCats · 05/07/2023 22:02

It would be completely unfair on a single cat if you travel a lot & they’re mostly left alone, you really would need either a bonded pair of adults or someone who could spend plenty of time with them when you’re away. (Not just someone who pops in to feed them & do the litter tray).

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Cats
Original poster
Sigrid1789 · 05/07/2023 22:03

Thank you. Yes, we would need to get a cat sitter and perhaps two cats might be a good idea.

OP posts:
Original poster
Sigrid1789 · 05/07/2023 22:06

By frequent travel, I mean the school holidays. We are not always away but do go away for a month over the summer. What would you normally do in that situation? Someone to house sit?

OP posts:
KPops22 · 05/07/2023 22:12

My DD is an only child, so I figure this is easier to give than a sibling!

You don't sound like you would be a responsible pet owner. You don't just get a pet because your 6 year old child wants one. Post on the pet forum instead of chat to get some realistic opinions.

Otherlover · 05/07/2023 22:13

The cat may not bond with your daughter and they can be scratchy and claw you. Some cats are grumpy and anti social.

WallaceinAnderland · 05/07/2023 22:16

I would not get a cat just because a child wanted one. Children always want pets but the novelty wears off very quickly.

However, when my children were little we always offered to look after other people's pets when they were on holiday so that the children could get the interest and fun fix they want without it having to be a huge commitment from me.

Newuser75 · 05/07/2023 22:17

Of course a 6 year old can have a cat! Providing its needs will be met which I'm sure they will. A cat sitter is a good option for when you go away as the cat will be happier on his or her environment rather than in a cattery.

Do you have any outside space for a cat or will they be purely a house cat?

With regards to the poo, yes it will smell a little, but less if on a good diet and litter and cleaned out regularly.

Original poster
Sigrid1789 · 05/07/2023 22:19

KPops22 · 05/07/2023 22:12

My DD is an only child, so I figure this is easier to give than a sibling!

You don't sound like you would be a responsible pet owner. You don't just get a pet because your 6 year old child wants one. Post on the pet forum instead of chat to get some realistic opinions.

Thank you for your kind comments. I had a cat for many years, but we lived in the countryside and had my husband’s family to help us out when we were away. It’s a different story to have a cat in a flat, in London, with a kid and nobody to help out. I have posted here to ask for people’s feedback on the practicalities of owning a cat in a flat. I thought it’s better to ask to evaluate if this is a good option for a cat and our family. No need to be rude.

OP posts:
AllTheOtherCats · 05/07/2023 22:21

Do YOU want a cat OP? A six year old can have absolutely no idea of the responsibility involved in looking after a cat (or any animal). They are not the ones who will be cleaning up the litter tray, the vomit, the hairballs, replacing damaged furniture, forking out huge amounts for vet bills/insurance etc. Many cats live for 20+ years. Are you willing to commit to an animal for this length of time? When they get old and need your help more and more. I'm not saying you won't but there are so many stories of people taking on animals without the foggiest idea of what it entails. I love cats. They're my life. People always assume they're an 'easy' animal. Throw some food down and off you go. No. They're as complex as any human, if not more so, and need time and lots of money and you have to WANT and LOVE them yourself first. No animal should ever be a 'gift' for a small child.

ichundich · 05/07/2023 22:21

It sounds like you don't know much about cats. They like to roam (ideally) and they are also social; contrary to what people believe, they get quite sad and lonely if left on their own for days on end. An animal is not a toy, and shelters are already full of abandoned pets. Please don't get a cat for your DD.

KPops22 · 05/07/2023 22:21

I wasn't being rude but I did comment on what appeared to be a very flippant reason for having a cat. Maybe you didn't mean to.

Zooeyzebra · 05/07/2023 22:29

Our cats lived for over 20 years. We got them in our early 20s and the oldest just died a few weeks ago, in our mid 40s.

It’s something to consider. So much in our lives changed in that time and those 2 little cats were there for all of it. Lovely but also often a real hassle and hugely expensive over that time

Xmasbaby11 · 05/07/2023 22:29

Definitely get a cat - in fact, a kitten! My dd wanted one from around age 6. It’s been the best thing we’ve done for her. She adores the kitten (8mo now) as do I and the kitten brings so much joy and fun to the home. Dd has been quite anxious since Covid and having a pet has made her so much happier.

I think a kitten is better as you can train them, plus they are so playful and just hilarious. Maybe 2 kittens is kinder, for company.

as long as you can afford it and you love cats, I don’t see the problem. We pay a teenage neighbour to come in twice a day when we’re away which is £10 a day.

SallyWD · 05/07/2023 22:33

My daughter begged for a cat for years. We got one. Now she's older she's completely lost interest in him. I feel so sorry for the cat as they used to be best friends.
I don't think it's fair to confine a cat to a flat. My cat would go absolutely mad if he didn't have outside space to roam. My friend had a cat in a flat and it was clear to me he was very bored and unhappy. He started displaying aggressive behaviour and showing signs of stress.
I don't think you should get a cat.

Original poster
Sigrid1789 · 05/07/2023 22:33

My DH and I had a cat for many years, and we loved her, but that was many years ago (before a child), and his parents helped out as they lived nearby. We have a few friends with cats that live indoors, and they say it’s not that hard. Plus, they travel a bit. Do I want a cat now? Personally, not really, as we work full time (although one of us is always WFH), and we have a lot on making sure we are there for our child. I guess the desire to give my DD a pet is to that she has someone more than just us, as we have no family nearby. If we went that route, we would fully commit to a cat and wouldn’t consider taking a poor cat to a shelter.

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 05/07/2023 22:35

So you don’t want a cat right now? Then don’t get a cat. They can live for over 20 years so not a small commitment. There’s also no guarantee your child will have the relationship they want with the cat. (One of mine is a bitey fucker and the other isn’t a cuddly cat.)

DuchessOfSausage · 05/07/2023 22:36

Get her a pony instead.

Original poster
Sigrid1789 · 05/07/2023 22:37

A pony?

OP posts:
Twoshoesnewshoes · 05/07/2023 22:40

How about a guinea pig or rabbit?
they make great house pets, and you can take them in their hutch to a friend or relatives while you are away.

Original poster
Sigrid1789 · 05/07/2023 22:47

Good suggestions, thank you.

OP posts:
Floralnomad · 05/07/2023 22:50

Rats are the best small pet for children , they are like little dogs , interactive , friendly , actually want to be with a human .

DuchessOfSausage · 05/07/2023 22:52

Many girls want a pony. At least a cat is not as expensive to keep.
DCat is reading this so I can only say what a delightful companion she is.

allmyliesaretrue · 05/07/2023 22:58

I suggest you speak to a respected cat rescue and seek their advice. I wouldn’t recommend a kitten as they can be skittish and scratchy. Some rescues may not be open to someone in your circumstances adopting, ie the flat and the age of your daughter. Also remember, you will be the one responsible for any kitten/cats. Kittens can also be very destructive when they’re still little so you need to expect that.

There’s lots of older kittens (up to a year/18 months) that get overlooked in rescue. You might consider a bonded pair, and the rescue could advise on their personalities/suitability for indoor living. You would also need to provide lots of stimulation and toys, plus play with them.

If you are willing and able to give a cat/cats what they need, they will bring joy, life and fun to your home. I think every child should have a pet tbh!

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