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Avoid the Kitten’s Gaze — It’s a Trap
By Sarah Thompson
Updated: November 19, 2020
Originally Published: July 31, 2016
Our second child has always been enamored with animals. At just three years old, she named her baby doll “Pony,” and for the past eight years, she has cycled through obsessions with everything from horses to cats, eagles, and more recently, owls.
Meanwhile, our eldest daughter, while not quite as animal-obsessed, spent her childhood pleading for a family pet. Each visit to a friend’s house with furry companions resulted in both girls passionately lobbying for a pet, as if their very survival depended on adding a furry friend to our household.
For years, we lived in rental properties that banned pets. And when we finally found places that allowed them, we always had a reason to say no. The pet deposit was too steep, our lives were too chaotic, we had travel plans on the horizon, and so on. We assured the kids that if we ever settled down in a pet-friendly home, we’d consider it. In the meantime, their persistent begging fell on deaf ears.
Then one day, we stumbled upon a video about sugar gliders. If you’ve never seen one, they are absolutely adorable. Our kids were adamant about getting one, but after some research, we discovered they weren’t the best choice for pets. However, in our quest for knowledge, we learned that rats — yes, rats — can actually make fantastic pets. They are clever, social, and if you can overlook their long tails, quite charming. Plus, since they require cages, our landlord was on board.
Before we knew it, we found ourselves in the basement of “Rat Man” Rick, just to take a look at the baby rats. Have you ever seen a baby rat? Utterly cute! Our kids promised they would take full responsibility for their care, assuring us they’d clean the cage weekly and provide food and water without being reminded. So, we gave in. Two rats, named Cinnamon and Midnight, came home with us.
Did the kids uphold their end of the bargain? Sure, for about two weeks, because kids’ promises about pet care can be rather fictitious. The logical consequence for their lack of diligence would have been to rehome the rats, but we wanted to give them a chance to redeem themselves. After all, Rat Man Rick had us sign a pledge to treat the rats like family members. We couldn’t just abandon them, especially since they were so endearing.
Eventually, we settled into our own home, and the kids reminded us of our earlier promise. We reminded them of their broken promises regarding rat care. Surprisingly, they stepped up and became responsible rat owners (for a while, at least).
But then, like a classic trap, we decided to visit the local Humane Society to check out the kittens. We should have known better. The allure of those kittens is hypnotic; it’s nearly impossible to leave empty-handed. Even my husband, who was staunchly against adopting a pet that could shed fur on our furniture, fell victim to the cuteness. One black kitten purred and snuggled his way right into my husband’s heart. I was hesitant, but our animal-loving child was smitten, and soon enough, we had a new kitten at home.
A kitten that our kids promised to take full responsibility for. They swore they’d never complain about cleaning up after it, vowing to scoop the litter box and vacuum without any reminders. All lies, I tell you.
And once again, it’s not as if you can simply abandon a kitten once it’s part of the family. They’re sweet, playful, and when they look into your eyes and meow, you’re completely lost.
So, you create chore charts, set consequences, and issue reminders and lectures about responsibilities. You find yourself cursing the cat when it pees on your hiking backpack, questioning why it would do such a thing. You complain about claw marks on your furniture and the never-ending lint on your clothes. You dread the thought of another vet visit after the first hefty bill. And every time you leave town, you scramble to find someone to take care of your new feline friends.
And then what do you do? You end up getting another kitten, because the Humane Society has this magical hold over you, and you just can’t resist those pleading eyes.
I genuinely love our two cats and even our rats (we’re currently on our fifth and sixth rats, by the way). They are delightful companions. However, I wish I had realized sooner how quickly my kids would tire of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. If your child is asking for a pet, be prepared for the fact that until they’re old enough to drive to the vet or tackle cleaning messes, a lot of the burden will land on you.
As a cat person, I find it only a minor annoyance. But if you’re not a fan of animal care, stand your ground. Remember, your kids’ pets will ultimately become your responsibility, no matter how fervently they promise to handle everything. If you truly don’t want a family pet, steer clear of the Humane Society and definitely resist looking a kitten or puppy in the eyes. The cuteness is an abyss, and once you fall in, there’s no turning back.
For more insights on navigating the journey of family and pets, check out one of our other blog posts here. If you’re considering at-home insemination, browse BabyMaker for trusted syringe kits. For an excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Parents.
Summary:
In this humorous reflection on pet ownership, a mother shares her family’s experience with various pets, from rats to kittens, highlighting the often-unfulfilled promises of children regarding pet care. She warns fellow parents about the irresistible charm of animal adoption and the responsibilities that come with it. Ultimately, she advises caution before giving in to a child’s pleas for a pet, as the reality of pet care often falls to the parents.
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