Good age for kitty for dd?

[ZenMamaJen]

My dd LOVES animals, especially cats. I think it's because we don't actually have any that live with us right now! DH and I occassionally talk about adopting a kitty, but have decided to wait. I was thinking that 5 would be a good age...I know I'd still be doing most of the work, but she will be old enough to help a lot, right?

Do you think 5 is a good age? Or any other ieas?

TIA! I like to plan ahead.

[SagMom]

I don't think there's any particular age--if you both want a kitty, then THAT'S a good time. Like you said, you'll still be the responsible one, although your dd can certainly help and, of course, play with the kitty. We've had cats since before our kids were born, but they all loved to feed and water them from the time they were toddlers. I'd give them a cup of water to put into the bowl, or explain about giving them one scoop of food. Other than feeding and cleaning the litter box, cats don't need much in the way of care--I think they're a really easy pet for kids. Of course, NO ONE loves to clean the litter box...

[Eggie]

My DD is 2.5 yo and a friend just gave her a 1 month old kitty. We had older cats before but I was afraid because this cat was so small. All my fears have disappeared now... they play sooo happy together, the kitty has the perfect size for her to carry him around and she has been a perfect "mommy" to him, feeding him, brushing him and even reminding me to clean up his litter box every day . She's gentle with him and he is also learning to not bite too much (he's a little menace). Also has been very helpful because she will let me cut her nails very happily (with out struggling ) after I cut the kitty's. They are growing up together, I think now was the perfect age to have a kitty .

[boricuaqueen327]

I think it depends on your child. If she is gentle and knows how to be nice to a small animal then I say go for it. I have had pets ever since I was pretty young, about 3 years old or so. I think it's a good age (if they are ready of course) to have a pet, even if it's just a bird they can watch and help feed.

[kirei]

The only thing that comes to mind is that your dd should understand that she needs to be gentle with animals. As long as that is taken care of, I see no reason to wait!

My dd is 8 months old, and we just got a 2 year old cat. She LOVES kitties..... she starts jabbering in this HIGH squeaky voice every time she seems one!! Its adorable!! But then she tries to pinch and squeeze and eat the kitty, and thats not to good. : :LOL

However, I got the kitty for ME, not for dd.... :LOL ... so thats why we didn't wait. And aside from the fact that dd does not understand that she needs to be gentle, its been fine -- just a little extra running around for me.