I have a genuine fondness for animals. In fact, I adore them. Kittens are undeniably cute, puppies melt my heart, and nothing is quite as delightful as watching a hamster nibble on a Cheerio. I wholeheartedly believe in caring for our furry companions.
However, after raising several pet rats and a couple of cats during my parenting journey, I’ve come to understand that my affection for animals doesn’t necessarily make me an ideal pet owner.
From the time our children were toddlers, they continually pleaded for pets. One child, in particular, is an Animal Enthusiast (capitalization intended). This child is constantly immersed in discussions about anything furry, scaly, or feathered. Each time they visited friends with pets, the question arose: “Why can’t we have one too?”
My husband and I always had our reasons. We were renting homes that didn’t permit pets, we traveled frequently, and so on. We assured our kids that once we owned a house, we would consider getting a cat.
Eventually, we bought a house, and we welcomed a cat into our family. Then we got another.
In many respects, we wish we had reconsidered. The truth about pet ownership is that, despite how sweet and cuddly they may be, they require more effort than you might anticipate.
Living on a busy street necessitates keeping our cats indoors. This translates to maintaining litter boxes, which means scooping them out regularly—a task that our children swore they wouldn’t complain about but inevitably do. One of our cats overindulges unless we strictly manage her portions, while the other tends to eat too quickly and regurgitate his food if we delay feeding him. Coordinating their meals can be a hassle, not to mention the disputes over who must clean up the cat vomit. And of course, I end up handling it when the kids are away.
Not to mention, one of our cats occasionally decides to urinate outside the litter box. After spending $200 at the vet, we learned he has no medical issues. Having started as a feral kitten, he tends to pee when he feels threatened by outside smells or if he’s just having a bad day. If you’ve ever encountered cat urine, you know it’s quite unpleasant.
Traveling adds another layer of complexity. Our family enjoys going on trips, which means securing someone to care for the cats if we’re away for more than a weekend.
I’m grateful we opted for cats instead of a dog, as we can leave them for a couple of days with an extra litter box, food, and water. Dogs, on the other hand, require daily walks and attention, which could necessitate finding a reliable caretaker or incurring substantial boarding fees.
Having already cleaned up after three children, I am not keen on the idea of picking up after a dog for its entire life. Not to mention, that would involve venturing outside in all kinds of weather! No, thank you.
I respect the deep love people have for their dogs, cats, and other pets. I genuinely admire pet owners. I enjoy playing with other people’s dogs, petting their cats, and observing various caged or penned animals.
I do care for our pets—they are well-loved and looked after. However, I don’t relish the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. The mess, the scratched furniture, the incessant care, the ongoing expenses, the odors from litter boxes when the kids forget to clean them, and the hassle of finding sitters for vacations are all things I could do without.
Despite their softness and the calming effects of a cat’s purr, the downsides outweigh the benefits for me. We acquired pets for our children’s enjoyment, and we will appreciate them for as long as they are with us. However, if given the choice, my husband and I would prefer to live without pets.
If you’re uncertain whether you’re suited to be a pet owner, take time to reflect before making that decision. Consider whether you genuinely want to add another being with needs to your life—one whose needs will persist regardless of their age. If you decide to proceed, go ahead. But if you have any reservations, don’t allow your children or anyone else to pressure you into it. You can have a love for animals without being a pet owner. If you’re unsure, it’s perfectly acceptable to simply say no.
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Summary:
Adding a pet to your family can be a rewarding but challenging commitment. It’s essential to carefully consider the responsibilities involved, from daily care to potential messes and expenses. If you have any doubts about being a pet owner, it’s okay to decline that responsibility while still appreciating animals from a distance.
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