My DD is 8 soon and she has been asking for pets for a while. I wanted a cat but DH insisted on getting guinea pigs as they are easy to care for. We have now two guinea pigs which he (DH) takes care of mostly (I help as well but I am not too keen of them).
I always wanted to get DD a kitten even though I know I will end up caring for it but I had cats before and I think they are easier to care for than most pets. They don't need walking, all you need to do is change their litter tray and feed them (and look after their health of course, play with them and so on).
DH is is against it, saying he will end up looking after it (he wouldn't, I am a big cat lover), that the cat would destroy the house and furniture, there will be hair everywhere and they smell. Also who would take care of it when we go away.
From what I remember they don't smell as such and you can get odourless litter. I also think that scratching furniture can be prevented by getting a big scratching post and also ensuring the cat is not locked by itself in rooms where they can destroy valuable items.
The cat will be by itself from 9,30 in the morning till 3-4 pm. Do you keep your cats indoors at all times or allowing them to go out all day? I was thinking that I could put a cat bed in the shed during this time so she/he can go in and out at all times.
So shall I try to convince my DH or I am the one not seeing his argument here?
He loves pets by the way and had a cat as a child, he just doesn't want another responsibility to fall on him. I had three cats (one at a time) as a child and totally love them.
Please share your cat experiences and tell me if I am mad.
Thank you!