(06-28-2015, 06:00 AM)Natalie89 Wrote: I'm in the same boat as you in that I didn't have pets as a youngster. Looking back I think it did me more harm than good as I was petrified of animals until I was a teenager. I'm still nervous around dogs and birds now, though have found myself at ease with almost everything else.
My little boy has only had hamsters so far- he is 3- and when we move house in a couple of weeks I am considering getting a cat. He is always so fascinated by cats in our current area and it has taught him to be gentle and quiet around them so he can pet them.
Obviously it is each family to their own, but I personally feel that not having a pet around the house when I was younger meant I missed out on something, and that isn't what I want for my son!
I definitely hear where you are coming from about that feeling of missing out on something. I also liked what you said about your son learning to be gentle and quiet so that he is allowed to pet cats. I feel like pets also teach kids SO much about responsibility and about treating others with respect and kindness. I think it's a good thing all around, really!
You'll have to keep us posted if you do end up getting a cat - and hopefully share some pictures with us too!
