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Beware of Those Adorable Kittens — It’s a Trap!
Parenting Insights: Don’t Get Trapped by Kittens
Our middle child has always had a passion for animals. At just three years old, she named her baby doll “Pony,” and in the eight years since, her obsessions have spanned horses, cats, eagles, and, most recently, owls.
Meanwhile, our eldest daughter, who isn’t as enchanted by animals, spent her childhood pleading for a family pet. Every time we visited friends who had cats or dogs, both girls would passionately argue that we absolutely needed one. As if our lives depended on bringing a furry companion into the mix!
For years, we lived in rental houses that prohibited pets. And when we found places that allowed them, we always had a valid excuse to hold off: we were in transition, pet deposits were too high, or we had significant travel plans on the horizon. We reassured the kids that when we settled down in a pet-friendly home, we’d think about it. But until that day, their relentless whining and begging would be futile.
Then came the fateful day when we stumbled upon a video about sugar gliders. If you’ve never seen one, you’re missing out! They’re incredibly adorable. The kids tried to persuade us to adopt one, but after some serious research, we discovered they aren’t the best pets to have.
However, in our quest for the perfect pet, we learned that rats—yes, rats—make excellent companions. They’re clever, friendly, and if you can overlook their worm-like tails, they’re quite charming. Plus, since they could live in a cage, our landlord didn’t object.
Before we knew it, we found ourselves in the basement of a local rat enthusiast, just to check out the baby rat situation. Have you ever seen a baby rat? It’s painfully cute! Our kids insisted they would take full responsibility, promising they’d clean the cage weekly and keep the food and water topped up. So, we caved and brought home two rats named Sugar and Spice.
Did the kids keep their promises to care for them? Sure, for about two weeks—because children’s commitments to pet care are often empty.
Naturally, we knew that failing to uphold their end of the bargain would mean losing the pets. But we wanted to give them a chance to prove themselves. Plus, the rat guy had made us sign a document stating we would treat the rats like family. We couldn’t just abandon them, and they were genuinely adorable. So, they stayed.
Eventually, we settled into a proper home, and the kids reminded us of our promise. We in turn reminded them of their earlier commitments regarding the rats (touché!). Miraculously, they stepped up their game and became responsible rat owners. Drat! We held them off for a few months, but those little critters are persistent and had earned some consideration.
So, without any guarantees, we ventured to the local Humane Society to peek at the kittens. We should have known better.
The kitten situation at the Humane Society is basically a cuteness trap; it’s nearly impossible to leave without adopting one. Even my husband, who was adamantly against bringing home a pet that could leave fur on our furniture, was enchanted. An older black kitten somehow purred and snuggled his way into my husband’s heart. I was willing to wait, but our animal-lover had latched onto this cat—my husband was totally smitten—and thus we brought home a kitten.
A kitten that our kids swore they would care for. They convinced us they’d never complain about cleaning up after it. They promised they’d sweep, vacuum, and manage the litter box without needing reminders. All lies!
And once again, you can’t just abandon a kitten once it’s part of the family. They’re sweet, funny, and so soft; once you look into their eyes and hear them mew, you’re a goner.
So, we created chore charts, set up consequences, and reminded them repeatedly about their responsibilities. We grumbled when the cat peed on our hiking backpack (why?!). We moaned about the scratches on our nice furniture and dreaded the vet visits after the first $150 bill. Each time we had to leave town, we fretted over who could pet sit.
And what did we do next? We adopted another kitten because the Humane Society is a trap, and those adorable eyes are impossible to resist.
I genuinely love our two cats and even our rats (we’re on our fifth and sixth now, by the way—they don’t have long lifespans). They’re affectionate and cuddly. However, I wish I had realized how quickly my kids would tire of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. If your child is asking for a pet, be aware that until they can drive to the vet or clean up a mess, much of the work will land on your lap.
As a cat person, it’s a minor inconvenience for me. But if you’re not keen on caring for animals, stand your ground. Your kids’ pets will ultimately become your pets, regardless of their promises. If you really don’t want a family pet, don’t let them trick you into it. Stay far away from the Humane Society, and whatever you do, don’t look those kittens in the eyes. Their cuteness is a black hole, and there’s no escape.
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Summary:
Adopting pets, especially kittens, can be a delightful but challenging experience. While children may promise to take responsibility, the reality often falls back on parents. It’s crucial to recognize the commitment required and be cautious of the irresistible charm of animals, particularly at places like the Humane Society.