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Beware of the Kitten’s Gaze — It’s a Trap
By Clara Whitman
Updated: November 19, 2020
Originally Published: July 31, 2016
Our middle child has always been passionate about animals. Since she was just three, she named her baby doll “Pony,” and over the years, her obsessions have shifted among horses, cats, eagles, and most recently, owls.
Our eldest daughter, while not as enthusiastic about animals, spent much of her childhood pleading for a family pet. Each time we visited friends with dogs or cats, both girls would plead with my husband and me during the ride home, insisting we needed a furry companion. Needed, as if their very survival hinged on bringing an animal into our home.
For years, we lived in rental properties that prohibited pets. Even when we found places that allowed them, we always had reasons to decline—life was too unpredictable, the pet deposit too steep, and significant travel plans loomed. We assured our kids that if we ever settled down in a pet-friendly location, we would consider their request. Until then, their pleas seemed futile.
Then one day, we stumbled across a video showcasing sugar gliders. If you’ve never seen one, they are incredibly charming creatures. While our kids tried to persuade us to get one, we discovered through research that they weren’t the best pets. However, we found out that rats—yes, rats—could actually make great pets. They are intelligent and social, and if you can overlook their long, worm-like tails, they can be quite lovable. Plus, since they live in cages, our landlord had no objections.
Before we knew it, we found ourselves in the basement of “Ricky the Rat Guy,” just to explore the situation with baby rats. Have you ever seen a baby rat? Exceedingly cute. Our children were adamant that they would take excellent care of them, promising to clean the cage weekly and ensure they had food and water without needing reminders. So, we gave in. Two rats, named Sugar and Spice, came home with us that day.
Did the kids keep their promises to maintain the rats’ care? Yes, for about two weeks, because children’s commitments to pet care are often empty promises.
Logically, the consequence for neglecting their responsibilities should have been to lose the pets. But we wanted to give them a chance to prove themselves. Plus, Ricky the Rat Guy had us sign an agreement to treat the rats as family members. We couldn’t just abandon them. They were too delightful. So, they stayed.
Eventually, we settled down in our own home, and the kids reminded us of our earlier promise. We reminded them of theirs and how they had slacked off on rat care (touche!). Suddenly, they stepped up and became responsible pet owners. Drat! We held off for a few months, but those little creatures were persistent, and they had earned some consideration.
So, without making any commitments, we visited the local Humane Society to check out kittens. We should have known better.
Kittens at a shelter are irresistibly adorable, and it’s nearly impossible to leave without adopting one. Even my husband, who had been strongly against getting an animal that would shed fur on our furniture, fell prey to their charm. One particularly affectionate black kitten managed to purr and snuggle his way into my husband’s heart. Although I wanted to wait, our animal-loving daughter was smitten, and my husband had completely succumbed to the kitten’s allure. Thus, we brought a new kitten home.
A kitten that our kids swore they would care for completely. They insisted they would never complain about cleaning up after it. They promised endlessly that they would handle litter box duties and keep the area tidy without needing to be reminded.
All lies, I tell you.
And, of course, once you adopt a kitten, you can’t just decide to return it. Kittens are sweet, playful, and soft, and when they look you in the eyes and meow, it’s game over.
So, we created chore charts, set consequences, and provided frequent reminders, occasionally resorting to more vocal lectures about responsibilities. We cursed the kitten when it inexplicably peed on our hiking gear (why would it do that?). We grumbled about claw marks on our new leather chairs and the constant need to lint-roll our clothes before sitting on the couch. We dreaded future vet visits after the first $150 bill and lamented every time we had to arrange a pet sitter for our travels.
And then, what do we do? We adopt another kitten, because the Humane Society has a way of trapping you, and you can’t resist looking into those enchanting eyes.
I genuinely adore our two cats and even our rats (we’re on our fifth and sixth now, as they have short lifespans). They are affectionate and cuddly. However, I wish I had realized just how quickly my children would tire of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. If your child desires a pet, be aware that until they can drive to the vet or effectively clean up messes, much of the responsibility will fall on you.
I’m a cat lover, so it’s only a mild inconvenience for me. But if you’re not keen on animal care, stand your ground. Your kids’ pets are ultimately your pets, regardless of their promises to handle everything. If you’re not ready for a family pet, don’t let them convince you otherwise. Avoid the Humane Society at all costs, and definitely steer clear of looking into any kitten or puppy’s eyes.
The cuteness is a black hole, and there’s no escaping.
Summary
This article discusses the challenges of pet ownership, particularly when children plead for a kitten or other animals. It highlights the often-unfulfilled promises of children to care for pets and the unexpected responsibilities that fall on parents. The author shares their journey from being resistant to adopting pets to eventually loving their cats and rats, while also cautioning other parents about the allure of adorable animals and the reality of pet care.