A friend contacted me last week to ask if I would watch her tiny 6 week old kitten for a few days. I thought our kids would get a kick out of it, so I volunteered to help her. She brought her kitten over on Monday afternoon, and we instantly fell in love with the little guy!
Once upon a time (before we had children), John and I had 4 cats and 2 dogs. We were very much “animal people.” We doted on all of our pets. We took them to the veterinarian, bought them special food, invested in expensive dog beds and kitty towers, paid excessive fees to board them while we were on vacation, etc. We loved our animals like family. But when our last pet passed away about 5 years ago, I have to admit that I breathed a sigh of relief. With our large family, I knew I no longer had the mental or emotional capacity to care for pets.
Since returning the kitten last Wednesday, our children have been begging for a cat. I have doubted my decision to live in a pet-free household several times. Should we give our children a pet? Are we being selfish? Part of me wants to give the kids a kitten to love and care for. But another part of me doesn’t want anymore responsibility added to my plate. I fear the kitten will just be another chore, and I will resent it in the long run.
Ultimately, I just don’t think I am ready for a pet. Maybe when our toddler is a little more independent? Maybe in 20 years when all the kids are grown and gone? I guess only time will tell. For now, my kids are going to have to live vicariously through their friends.