My first pet was picked out before I was even born, He was a fat cat named George who didn't like anyone and was perhaps the least affectionate cat I have ever met. Unfortunately George passed away and that opened the door for me to pick out my very first pet. (I should say that in the interim I had quite a few goldfish, despite my best efforts they never stuck around for too long.) When I was 8 I went to the shelter and picked out a kitty, I absolutely adored her, and was my first pet as opposed to being a family pet.She was a great super affectionate cat, I attribute this to the fact that I handled her nonstop and was always petting, brushing and playing with her. Since she passed away I have not had my own pet again. My family and I are big on adoption and rescues so we tend to get a new pet when we need to, if that makes any sense, so all of our pets are family pets and we all pitch in to care for them.