Advice on what her we are suitable pet owners please

[AllTheFours44]

My daughter is 5, will turn 6 in a couple of months and would love a pet. She cried to me this morning about it. As much as my heart melts, I need to be practical and said before agreeing. She would ideally love a dog but I’ve made it clear this cannot happen as we do not have a lifestyle conducive with doggie needs. She would also like either a guinea pig (which means 2 guinea pigs) or a cat. I have owned a cat before so am swinging towards a feline friend. I just don’t know if we are in a position to offer a suitable home so would appreciate any advice.

Situation is that I work shifts, a combination of days and nights, whereby 3 times a week I’ll be away for 14 hours.

I am separated from my daughters father. She stays with him when I am at work and he himself works 8 to 5, Monday to Friday.

My house has a cat flap, I live in a village/quiet area and I would therefore envision an indoor/outdoor cat.

My ex had said he would be agreeable to taking the cat with him and my daughter when she stays with him. He, however, lives in an apartment, therefore no outside space for the cat, so not sure how agreeable the cat would be. Also, if he were to call by to collect the cat while I’m at work, there is no guarantee the cat would even be here if I’ve let it out. I wouldn’t feel right leaving it locked in while I’m at work.

As you can see, my situation is not ideal. I know I should not get a pet, just because my daughter wants one. However, I think it would benefit her greatly to have a little furry companion if my life could facilitate one.

Any views? Thanks in advance.

[AllTheFours44]

@toddlertea My thinking behind taking the cat to my ex’s place was that I didn’t want it left alone for long periods of time. This would still be a concern if talking about a kitten. However, if the cat remaining at my house full time is considered the best option, as per advice here, that’s what I would do.

Thanks one and all for your good advice. I’m still mulling over the option of getting 2 as this might prove to be more beneficial. If/when we take the plunge, I’ll be sure to update with obligatory photos

[sashh]

Your house would certainly be suitable for a pet, but it would be incredibly stressed by constantly moving between places.

Actually that depends on the cat, so it could be stressful, it might not. Most cats would be but some are more bonded to 'their' person so are happy to move. I've known people who have taken cats all over in a camper van.

I had one that went to my parents on a regular basis.

Cats are often happy to be alone for hours, I've just been away for 2 nights with a friend popping in twice a day.

Actually my current cat would be ideal for you (no you can't have her) as long as she is with one of 'her' people she is happy.

She conned my neighbour in to thinking she is a stray kitten, she still visits him and sleeps on his belly and his grandchildren make a fuss of her.

If my dad visits she is on his knee in minutes and only moves when he does or to feed.

[Toddlerteaplease]

Maybe get an adult cat? Rather than a kitten. They are just as wonderful. Without the mayhem of kitten hood.

[stucknoue]

I would be tempted to go down the hamster route, fairly simple to care for, easily taken to her dad's, not particularly long lived so if she looses interest you don't have a pet for 10+ years to care for. A small dog could be an option if you essentially shared custody with your ex, apartments are fine as long as he's willing to walk it, and some will use a litter tray - it would be more amenable than a cat.

[Singlenotsingle]

There is no need to cart dcat backwards and forwards between 2 houses. They don't need company, are quite independent and happy on their own especially as you've already got a cat flap. Leave a big bowl of water and one of dry food and it'll be fine.

[MaidenMotherCrone]

If you put the pets needs before your daughters wants and tears then you would indeed be a good candidate for a cat.

Do not ferry the cat between two houses because your daughter cries about leaving it.