Does a Cat Make a Good First Pet for a Child?

When I was five years old, I picked out the scrawniest, sickliest kitten the shelter had to offer and immediately fell in love. Squeaker, as I called him, was the center of my world throughout my childhood, and he was the first pet who was truly mine. For my daughter's fourth birthday, I'm allowing her to adopt a cat of her choice, in hopes that she will have as wonderful of a bond with her first pet as I had with mine.

Others disagree, though, and might say that a cat is not a good idea as a first pet for a child. If you're wondering whether or not you should get a cat or kitten as your child's first pet, consider these factors.

Your child can not be the cat's primary caregiver. You might be able to expect your child to feed a fish or look after a hamster with little assistance, but cats and kittens are high-need enough that a child can't be expected to reliably care for them. If you do choose to get a cat as your child's first pet, understand that you will still be primarily responsible for its well-being. Do not adopt a pet for your child unless you yourself are prepared to care for it.

Young kids and young kittens don't mix. Although a kitten might be a good option for your family, it should be at least eight to ten weeks old before you adopt it into a family with kids. Very young children are likely to accidentally hurt a very small kitten by hugging it too tightly, rolling over on it, or rough-handling it. While older kittens and young cats can defend themselves or get away, a young kitten may not-- and the tragedy that results can be traumatizing for your child.

Know in advance that your child does not have a cat allergy. If your child is young, you may have no idea of whether or not she has an allergy to cat dander. Be sure that your child is around cats before making the decision to adopt. If your child can be in a kitty-loving home with no problems, it's probably safe to adopt. If she consistently coughs or sneezes around pets, a cat isn't going to be an option as a first pet-- and you need to know this before committing to adopting.

Declawing isn't fair. I have known many families who have had cats and kittens declawed as a way of "protecting" their children. The ASPCA and other animal welfare organizations strongly oppose this practice. Declawing is intensely painful for a cat and does nothing to protect your child, since declawed cats become more aggressive and begin using their teeth to attack. If you can't have a clawed animal around your children, you can't get a cat as a first pet.

This is a lifelong commitment. Few joys surpass the feelings of a child in love with a first pet. The experience of growing up with a beloved pet is one that I think every child deserves, and, by adopting a cat for your child, you are helping to ensure that she experiences this delight. However, it's important to understand that your commitment to the pet must be for life, and that it will be part of your family for at least ten years. If you are willing to make a commitment to allowing the cat to be a member of your family, it can be an excellent first pet for your child.