I’ve always had a soft spot for animals. I mean, who can resist the cuteness of a kitten or the playful antics of a puppy? And let’s not even get started on the charm of a hamster munching on a Cheerio. While I wholeheartedly believe in caring for our furry companions, my experience has shown me that a love for animals doesn’t always equate to being a responsible pet owner.
From the time they were little, my kids have been relentless in their pleas for pets. One child in particular is an Animal Enthusiast (yes, it deserves capitalization). She’s fascinated by everything from the scaly to the furry. Every visit to a friend’s house that has pets ends with her asking why we can’t have one too.
Initially, my spouse and I had a plethora of excuses: we rented homes that prohibited pets, we traveled frequently, and so on. We promised the kids that when we eventually bought a house, we’d consider adopting a cat.
Fast forward to homeownership, and we welcomed not one, but two cats into our lives. And, honestly, there are moments when we wish we hadn’t made that leap. The truth is, even the sweetest, most cuddly pets require more effort than one might imagine.
Living on a busy street, we decided to keep our cats indoors, meaning we had to deal with litter boxes. This, of course, led to the inevitable chore of scooping them out—much to the dismay of the kids who swore they’d never complain about it.
One of our cats tends to overeat unless we carefully regulate her portions, while the other has a habit of scarfing down his food only to vomit it back up later. Coordinating their feeding schedules is a headache, leading to disputes over who has to clean up the mess. And when the kids are away? Yep, you guessed it—I’m left to handle the cleanup.
To add to the chaos, one of our cats has taken to peeing outside the litter box. After spending $200 at the vet, we learned he’s perfectly healthy. This little guy was a feral kitten for a few months, and now, if something smells too much like the outside world, he takes it as an invitation to mark his territory. And if you’re not familiar with cat urine, let me tell you, it’s the worst.
Plus, there’s the travel dilemma. Our family enjoys going on trips, which means we constantly have to find someone to look after the cats if we’re away for more than a weekend. Thank goodness we opted for cats instead of a dog. At least we can leave them with an extra litter box, some food, and water for a couple of days. Dogs, on the other hand, require daily walks and constant attention, not to mention the substantial fees if you choose to board them.
With three kids, I’ve already had my fill of cleaning up after living creatures. Why would I willingly sign up for daily dog duties? No thanks.
I genuinely admire those who adore their pets—dogs, cats, and every other critter in between. I love playing with other people’s dogs, petting their cats, and even checking out various caged animals. But owning pets of my own? That’s a different story. I appreciate our furry friends, care for them well, and enjoy their company, but I don’t love the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. The mess, the scratched furniture, the constant care, the vet bills, and the occasional forgotten litter box are just a few of the downsides.
If you’re unsure whether you are ready to become a pet owner, take a moment to reflect on whether you genuinely want to welcome another living being into your home—one that will require your attention long after the novelty wears off. If you’re hesitant, don’t let your kids or anyone else pressure you into it. It’s perfectly fine to love animals without having to own one. Sometimes, the best decision is simply to say no.
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Summary
Considering a family pet? It’s crucial to think thoroughly about the responsibilities that come with it. While pets can bring joy, they also require significant care and commitment. If you’re not ready for that level of responsibility, it’s okay to love animals from a distance.