Present for a four year old who really wants a pet cat?

[BeefTomato]

DD is desperate for a real pet cat, which unfortunately is never going to happen. I want to find her something similar, but feel like she's too little for a Tamagotchi. Is there anything out there that I haven't thought of?

I got dd a perfect petzz from amazon. It doesn't do much but is cute and realistic.
They do lots of different types.

My dd spent the entire year she was four being a dog.

I’d get her a toy cat, a cat bed from a pet shop. Bowls, collars a carrying cage thing, and one of those medical suitcases with stethoscopes and things in case it gets sick. I wouldn’t go down the electronic cat route.

Fur real footsie or little live pets cuddles cat, both animated electronic cats. Playmobil perfect stay cat boarding set( on offer asda online) less than £15.

Fur real Bootsie not footsie.

DD got a Little Live Pet puppy a few years ago, it was very good. They have a cat too. You can feed it from a bottle and it makes lovely noises. It’s really cute!

Little Live Pets 28330 Cuddles My Dream Kitten www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XNWLBWQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ABYHDbP36ACDY?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

A Joy For All cat would be perfect. About £100 though! Look on Amazon....

As a child that wanted a cat really badly and every birthday and christmas got some sort of cat alternative I would say tread carefully as every cat toy etc however realistic just made me not having an actual cat seem worse.

Jellycat do a lovely selection of cats. Or Build a Bear, your DD could choose her cat, choose some accessories, name it etc.

I agree with Bunnybigears
I’d steer clear altogether and focus on something else.
I’ve always told my dc that animals can’t be presents. They aren’t things like toys are.

Why isn't a real cat a possibility? They are very low maintenance animals. Don't need walking. Don't mind (much) if you go away on holiday so long as someone else feeds them. Don't smell like dogs do. Bury their own poo in the garden if you have one, or small litter tray if not.

Bunnybigears

As a child that wanted a cat really badly and every birthday and christmas got some sort of cat alternative I would say tread carefully as every cat toy etc however realistic just made me not having an actual cat seem worse

Yep, this. Just don't even bother.

I was the same for wanting a dog.

Better off finding people locally that have a cat you can go and visit!

trip to a local cat cafe?

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

milliefiori they aren't really low maintenance. Between insurance, food, cattery whenever we want to go away and vet bills they aren't cheap. I'm vegan so I don't really want to be messing about with meaty cat food, and I really don't fancy doing the litter tray! Plus they do smell, not so much as dogs but you can tell when you walk in if a house has cats. I adore cats but I definitely don't want to have one as a pet.

Get a pair of guinea-pigs instead 😂

BeefTomato-I'd disagree, cats are low maintenance and having had them all my life and rarely had problems that required Vetinary treatment have found them inexpensive, feel sad that people are so conditioned to a sterile world and children lose out. By the way pets, yes their germs are superb for the immune system. My children love them all and we've had horses, gerbils, rabbits, hamsters and occasional dog over.

Straycats why are you so upset that I don't want a pet cat? I assure you that I don't live in a sterile world and that my children aren't missing out

I agree cats are not low maintenance. Litter trays are horrible and you have to find somewhere to put one. They don't always bury their poo, even if they do it's very unpleasent to come across it when gardening or when children are playing in the garden. Vaccinations are expensive . Also when they moult they shed fur all over your carpet. And you have to find someone to look after them or pay expensive cattery fees if you go on holiday. Of course all that is fine if you want cat and go into it with your eyes open but OP doesn't and why should she?
I agree with others explain to your daughter that cats are not toys and not Christmas presents.

@milliefiori

I have a cat

Pet insurance £17 a month
Food £20-£25 a month
Vaccines £45 a year
Flea treatments £5 a month
Cattery £18 per day, £20 if you don’t supply your own food
Litter £15 a month

Then there is also the hour of play time per day, usually half an hour in the morning and half an hour at night.

Litter £15 a month

Are you sure?? Or is your cat actually a lion?

I'm on the same position. My four year old is desperate for cat. Obsessed I'd say. Also spends a lot of time being a cat.

I've bought her fur real toy cat, not fantastically loved. Lots of soft toy cars - she loves these.

Cat dressing up outfit. She loves this.

Cat themed things eg bowl/mug/clothes

I don't know what to get her, she is desperate for a real cat. But we already have a dog & chickens. I don't have time for a cat too (I also think they can smell, some are not very friendly, they can damage furniture & carpet etc).

I'll be watching your thread with interest!!!

Can't you donate to Cats Protection and get a toy cat.

I used a litter box for approx 3 months. Now I don’t even own one. She goes outside, comes in for a cuddly, a play and something to eat, then back outside to lie on the sun.

My dog and cat are both insured for £7 a month on total.

It is totally rewarding having a pet, cats are the easiest first time pet.

Also, having a pet is proven to boost your immune system.

My inner cat-deprived child is imploring you to get her an actual cat. :)