I have a deep affection for animals. Kittens are undeniably cute, puppies fill my heart with warmth, and I can’t think of anything more delightful than watching a hamster munch on a Cheerio. I firmly believe in providing excellent care for our furry companions.
However, after several pet rats and a couple of cats throughout my parenting journey, I’ve come to realize that my love for animals doesn’t necessarily equip me to be a responsible pet owner.
Our children have been asking for pets since they were little. One of them, in particular, is a true Animal Enthusiast (with a capital A). She lives and breathes all things furry, feathered, and scaly. Every visit to friends with pets would spark questions about why we couldn’t adopt one too.
My husband and I always had a reasonable excuse—renting in places that prohibited pets, frequent travel, and so on. We promised the kids that once we bought a house, we would consider bringing a cat into the family.
Eventually, we bought a house. We got one cat. Then another. In hindsight, we often wish we had paused to think it through. The reality is that no matter how lovable and snuggly they are, pets come with a lot more responsibilities than you might anticipate.
Living on a busy street means we keep our cats indoors. This results in litter boxes, which requires regular scooping—a task the kids, who swore they’d never complain about it, inevitably grumble about. We ended up with one cat that overeats if we don’t ration her food, and another who throws up if we are late feeding him. Coordinating their feeding schedules can be a hassle, and then comes the inevitable argument over who will clean up the mess. More often than not, that responsibility falls on me when the kids are away.
One of our cats also has a habit of urinating outside the litter box. After $200 in vet bills, it turns out there’s nothing physically wrong with him. He was a feral kitten for part of his life, and if anything smells like the outdoors or another animal, he tends to mark his territory. If you’ve ever encountered cat urine, you’ll understand—it’s a nightmare.
Traveling adds another layer of complexity. Our family enjoys trips, which means we constantly have to find someone to care for the cats if we’re away for more than a weekend. I’m thankful we opted for cats instead of a dog; at least we can leave them for a couple of days with an extra litter box and plenty of food and water. Dogs, on the other hand, require daily walks—multiple times a day—or hefty fees for boarding.
After raising three kids, I’ve had my fill of cleaning up after living creatures. Why would I willingly add daily dog waste cleanup to my to-do list for the entirety of a dog’s life? In all kinds of weather, no less? No thank you.
I recognize that many people cherish their dogs, cats, and various other pets, and I genuinely admire their dedication. I enjoy playing with friends’ dogs, petting their cats, and marveling at all sorts of caged creatures.
I care for our pets, and they receive plenty of love and attention. Yet, I don’t enjoy the constant upkeep. The mess, clawed furniture, and various items they’ve chewed, the ongoing responsibility, vet bills, and smelly litter boxes when the kids forget to clean up—it’s a lot. Not to mention the cat hair that seems to cling to everything I own.
Despite the soothing nature of a cat’s purr, the downsides outweigh the benefits for me. We got pets for the sake of our children, and we will cherish them while they’re part of our lives. However, if my husband and I had our way, we’d still be happily living without pets.
So if you’re unsure whether you’re suited to have pets, take a moment to reflect before making a decision. Consider if you truly want to welcome another living being into your home—one that will rely on you indefinitely. If you’re ready, then go for it! But if you’re hesitant, don’t let your kids or anyone else pressure you into it. It’s entirely possible to love animals without being a pet owner. If that resonates with you, it’s perfectly okay to say no.
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In conclusion, think carefully before taking on the commitment of a pet; it’s a decision that requires serious consideration.