Opinions please

[emilios_girl]

Ok, this will probably sound silly to you. I had a cat for a loooooong time. She lived to be 20. I had her since she was a baby and I was just a kid. I also had a dog the last few years she was alive. My dog was killed in a freak accident in 2002 right after the birth of my daughter and then my cat passed in early 2003.

Since then, I have been unable to bring myself to have any other pet. I just have no affection for other animals that even compares to what I had for those two pets. :shy:

My daughter is now 6 years old and desperately wants a pet. Preferably, a cat. I have put it off for about a year and a half because I felt she was too young to take the responsibility of a cat. Then I realized that really, its just me. I don't want another cat. I think I'm being selfish or something. I just can't bring myself to have another cat. I know this is going to sound weird, but whenever I do see another cat I compare it to MY cat. They don't look/act the same. Which of course, they wouldn't.

So she wants a cat. I got my cat when I was 5. I want to be fair. I just don't know why I feel this way. Its been 5 years and I still think of my cat and have pictures around the house. Same with my dog. I guess its because they were my only 'friends' when I didn't have any so it makes me very sad to know they're gone.

What do yall think?

[Marie]

For you, I know it's hard because probably no cat will replace your cat and that's probably the hard part. But remember how wonderful you felt with having your cat around? If you want your daughter to feel the same way and you think she's ready for one, go for it.

[emilios_girl]

I know you're right. Thanks for the reply. I guess I'll just have to get over this feeling I have. It wouldn't really be my pet anyway. sighs~

Its pretty sad that me, a grown woman, can get so hung up on an animal that died years ago. :shy:

[agarcia]

Its pretty sad that me, a grown woman, can get so hung up on an animal that died years ago. :shy:

It's not sad, it's nice that you have so many fond memories of your cat. I think you would want your daughter to have the same memories, right??

I say get her a cat.

[emilios_girl]

Well, here's a thought. If it were you, would you surprise her with a cat or let her go to pick one out?

Myself, I would choose an older cat from the Humane Society because they are less likely to be chosen, but I know she'll want a kitten.

Suggestions?

[Murillo79]

I know how that feels. I got my cat Morris when I was 4 years old. He was a smart cta would never cross the street when cars were coming. When I was 17 years old driving home from work to go to my Dad's house I drove my something in the road that looked like my cat, I thought no it's not. Then I got out and sure enough it was my cat and he had just been hit by a car. I was so sad. I knew someone had been speeding, he would have never crossed that road. It was right behind my mom's house. I know how hard it is. My kids want pets to, but two of them have ashtma and I don't know if that is a good idea. I would like a cat right now to get rid of my mice problem!

If your daughter is ready I would say go for it! I would start by looking at the shelters!

[monki12]

i had a cat for about 10 years, i loved him. he was my bestfriend. when he passed away, it broke my heart. I never thought i could have another pet. Three years ago a got another cat, same color but completely different. I still think abou the first cat, but i love my monkey (new cat) the same as kitty, my first cat. A pet is irreplaceable, but you always learn to love again.

[Glühbirne]

I grew up on a busy road and I lost a lot of cats and even a dog to it. I always cried for my cats and none of them were ever replaced, but whenever we got another one, I would grow to love its own unique cat personality.

After just a few days you'll be in love with the new cat. Mr. G and I adore our Quirino, and we only adopted him a few months ago.

[jsierra1982]

Well, here's a thought. If it were you, would you surprise her with a cat or let her go to pick one out?

Myself, I would choose an older cat from the Humane Society because they are less likely to be chosen, but I know she'll want a kitten.

Suggestions?

i love love love my cat and pray she reaches 20 (i will be 40!!!) i already know no cat will replace her, but please remember that this is for your daughter to love like everyone else said.

GET AN OLDER CAT. kittens are NOT FUN and they require a lot or time and attention and energy...oh no. they are cute but a lot of work.

[JennyM]

Hey I got a prego cat and you can have its kittens!!! lol...I think since she is little she would like a little kitty for herself. Don't get me wrong, everyone needs love even the ones at the humane society but what about all the little kittens out there now? I have a cat named pooper and he is almost 7 and he is my love. I don't know what I would do when he dies but I would live on but might not get another one.....anyway...they are just animals....

[Christabel]

Emilios_Girl, are you thinking that the new cat won't "measure up" to how great your first kitty was? I think you will grow to love the new cat, if you decide to get one. My family was also kind of worried about Cheyenne not measuring up to how great of a dog Jamie was. But she is so different, and so great, it is impossible not to love her. It may sound weird, but I love comparing my new dog Cheyenne to my old dog Jamie. They have such unique personalities and it is cool to see how different they are. I think you will feel the same way if you choose to get a cat for your daughter.

For your second question, I would get her an older cat. She may want a kitten, but if you surprise her with an older cat, I think she'll be so excited that she won't care that it's not a kitten. Plus, kittens scratch!

[Sandra Rangel]

I truly think you should get her a cat!

[Theresa]

well i think you should surprise her!! hehe