How do I not regret letting my kids get a pet?!

[Anonymous]

Sounds like the work is mostly done (adjusting to family, spaying, training). What exactly are you worried about?

[Anonymous]

It won't be work for you if your husband who wanted the cat steps up appropriately.

[Anonymous]

It won’t be too much work, OP. My cats need almost nothing. A dog is an entirely different story!

[Anonymous]

OK, so I'm a cat person, but they will give you additional work.
You may not need to walk them, but they do shed everywhere, including onto the chair or bed area they chose as a resting spot. They will scratch up fabric and furniture even if you trim their nails. They will regularly vomit hairballs and their litter box will emit odors even when regularly cleaned.
Other than that, they're lovable creature.

[Anonymous]

Cat person here with lots of experience pairing people and cats! Get your cat a bunch of toys (or if that's too expensive, try making your own at home). Wand type toys are an absolute must. There's a toy called the "cat dancer" that is really cheap, and I've never met a cat who didn't like it. Spend 5-10 minutes a day playing with your new cat, and you will bond eventually. Also, she is more likely to be a good pet if she's given playtime and stimulation (just like kids in that sense), so it's a win/win!

[Anonymous]

Buy the Bissell handheld vacuum. Your kids can alternate food, litter box and vacuuming chores.

It'll be ok.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cats are super easy. Dogs on the other hand are a lot of work. Don’t let them talk you into getting a dog.

This! Cats are purrfect for someone like you. Make your kids feed and scoop litter. No walking in the rain or snow and you can sleep in!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OK, so I'm a cat person, but they will give you additional work.
You may not need to walk them, but they do shed everywhere, including onto the chair or bed area they chose as a resting spot. They will scratch up fabric and furniture even if you trim their nails. They will regularly vomit hairballs and their litter box will emit odors even when regularly cleaned.
Other than that, they're lovable creature.

Hmmm I had more shedding from our lab in one day than 3 cats in a month! And there are plenty of fabrics cats don’t bother. Cleaning litter box in a timely fashion will prevent any odors. My cats are on a raw food diet and do not have hair balls. It always tickled me when my DH, who insisted on a dog, had to wake up early and walk it in the rain, sleet or snow. The dog has since passed and guess what, DH is perfectly fine with cats now. Not to mention always having to rush home to let the dog out was a total drag.

[Anonymous]

Cats are so easy! I thought you had gotten a puppy or something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cat person here with lots of experience pairing people and cats! Get your cat a bunch of toys (or if that's too expensive, try making your own at home). Wand type toys are an absolute must. There's a toy called the "cat dancer" that is really cheap, and I've never met a cat who didn't like it. Spend 5-10 minutes a day playing with your new cat, and you will bond eventually. Also, she is more likely to be a good pet if she's given playtime and stimulation (just like kids in that sense), so it's a win/win!

Uh no. Cats do not need stimulation like other animals. They are solitary animals. And their interest in toys lasts about 3 minutes. The kid’s will naturally want to play with the cat but if they lose interest in the cat over time the cat will be just fine! I’ve always had cats and they just love lounging around. Some cats crave more affection than others but most like to be left alone. Luckily I have one now that loves to be snuggled.

[Anonymous]

OP, If you allow yourself to like or even feel affection for the cat, you could reap benefits for yourself. You could enjoy increased endorphins and a strengthened immune system from the companionship of loving a pet and being loved back by a pet. You can smile at the cute pets antics and reap the health benefits of smiling.

[Anonymous]

My cat is pretty self sufficient. He’s my best friend, and I was NEVER a cat person.

[Anonymous]

Do not do any work for the cat, there was an adult involved in the decision so let him take the responsibility for buying the food and taking it to the vet, etc. your kids can feed and clean the litter box.

I say this because I and my children wore my husband down about getting a small dog. Backstory, my husband always said he loved dogs so I had no idea I was marrying a man who did not actually love dogs. I grew up with dogs and I was very transparent before we got married that I always wanted to have a dog in my life and I would want to get one when the kids are old enough. when we got the dog my children were 11 and 12 years old. Since I was the one that wanted the dog, not my husband, I have full responsibility for the dog. I Housetrained and obedience trained him, buy his food, I take him to the vet, I walk him, I pick up after him, am responsible for grooming, you name it. The kids love the dog and help me feed him and walk him and the dog sleeps with one of them every night. The dog was the best addition to our family! Now three years later, my husband agrees that the dog fits right in and he loves the dog as well. Maybe not as much as I love the dog 😉 but I can tell my husband definitely loves and cares for the dog.

[Anonymous]

Cats have different personalities. It's totally luck of the draw.

[Anonymous]

The time to worry about this (if worrying would ever had been productive) was before you got the cat. Now, just let it play out.

And establish hard and fast rules about who does what, leaning heavily on those who endorsed this plan.

Cats are not a lot of work, but when you are used to NO pet, it will feel like some until you establish routines.