Page 4 | To get my 6-year-old a pet?

LaughingWillowTree · 2025-09-01T09:55:50+00:00

DD really, really wants a pet of her own. We have two elderly cats already, but DD says she would love an axolotl, a terrapin, a snake or a fish. I think DD is just about responsible enough to look after an animal (and I would supervise everything carefully anyway). We’re thinking that part of the deal/decision making process would be for her to take sole care of the cats for a month - food, water, litter trays - to see if she is committed and responsible enough. If she passes this test, we’ll agree on a pet and it will be her birthday present. We will research how to properly care for whichever animal we agree on. I have reservations though. Is six too young? And should we steer her towards a goldfish, since they are likely to be easiest to care for? I’d like to develop her sense of responsibility but at the same time, fish aren’t the most rewarding of pets for children. Maybe we should wait for a couple of years?

Original poster

LaughingWillowTree · 04/09/2025 09:48

Thanks for your responses, everyone! I’ve read everything and taken all your comments on board.

Horseriding is a great shout (and potential distraction!) - DD has had an initial visit to our local stables and we’ll sort out lessons.

I thought it worth mentioning, for all the people who said a six year old wouldn’t be responsible enough to look after a pet, that DD has been absolutely brilliant at making sure the cats have fresh water and food over the last week or so. She has even (under my very close supervision) safely and hygienically picked up poo from the litter trays. I’m very proud of her!

I also wanted to re-state that not for one second would I allow DD to have actual/full responsibility for a pet - she would think she has, but not really. It would be mine, and I’ve always said as much.

But I agree that she’s too young, and in the meantime she’s happy to be “in charge” of looking after the cats!

OP posts:

DiamanteTissueBox · 04/09/2025 09:58

LaughingWillowTree · 04/09/2025 09:48

Thanks for your responses, everyone! I’ve read everything and taken all your comments on board.

Horseriding is a great shout (and potential distraction!) - DD has had an initial visit to our local stables and we’ll sort out lessons.

I thought it worth mentioning, for all the people who said a six year old wouldn’t be responsible enough to look after a pet, that DD has been absolutely brilliant at making sure the cats have fresh water and food over the last week or so. She has even (under my very close supervision) safely and hygienically picked up poo from the litter trays. I’m very proud of her!

I also wanted to re-state that not for one second would I allow DD to have actual/full responsibility for a pet - she would think she has, but not really. It would be mine, and I’ve always said as much.

But I agree that she’s too young, and in the meantime she’s happy to be “in charge” of looking after the cats!

It's great that she's stepping up to the responsibility of caring for the cats. I know you've got elderly ones at the moment but if she's doing a good job caring for them now, if she still wants "her own" pets, do you think a pair of kittens might be an option for when she's a bit older and used to being involved in the routine of cat care? That way if she ever did lose interest (which does happen as kids grow up!) then you're not dealing with anything new since you're well used to cats yourself?

BeAzureRaven · 04/09/2025 13:43

LaughingWillowTree · 04/09/2025 09:48

Thanks for your responses, everyone! I’ve read everything and taken all your comments on board.

Horseriding is a great shout (and potential distraction!) - DD has had an initial visit to our local stables and we’ll sort out lessons.

I thought it worth mentioning, for all the people who said a six year old wouldn’t be responsible enough to look after a pet, that DD has been absolutely brilliant at making sure the cats have fresh water and food over the last week or so. She has even (under my very close supervision) safely and hygienically picked up poo from the litter trays. I’m very proud of her!

I also wanted to re-state that not for one second would I allow DD to have actual/full responsibility for a pet - she would think she has, but not really. It would be mine, and I’ve always said as much.

But I agree that she’s too young, and in the meantime she’s happy to be “in charge” of looking after the cats!

Good luck! With the horse riding, too! All 3 of my girls loved it--look into pony club. Best thing ever for kids. (Not the best thing for your bank account, but that's a different story)