#CatForDaughter #SupportingScars #AdoptDontShop #PetTherapy
đ± Getting a cat for your daughter could be a wonderful idea for her emotional well-being and for the cat’s well-being as well. It’s understandable that you may have some concerns about how your daughter would feel about adopting a cat with similar scars to hers. Here are some thoughts and considerations to help you make an informed decision.
##The Benefits of Getting a Cat for Your Daughter
1. Emotional Support: Cats have been known to provide comfort and emotional support to individuals, especially those dealing with traumatic experiences or physical scars. Having a cat with similar scars could potentially be a source of comfort and understanding for your daughter.
2. Companionship: A cat can be a great companion for your daughter, providing her with unconditional love and a sense of connection. This companionship can be especially valuable for children who may feel isolated due to their unique experiences.
3. Responsibility and Routine: Caring for a cat can help your daughter develop a sense of responsibility and routine. It can be a positive and empowering experience for her to take care of another living being.
4. Therapeutic Benefits: Interacting with animals has been shown to have therapeutic benefits for individuals, reducing stress and anxiety. The presence of a cat in the home can create a calming and soothing environment for your daughter.
##Considerations Before Adopting
1. Your Daughter’s Feelings: It’s important to consider your daughter’s feelings and thoughts about adopting a cat with scars. Have an open and honest conversation with her about the idea and gauge her reaction. While you may not want to reveal your potential plans, it’s important to take her feelings into account.
2. Consulting a Professional: If you have concerns about how the adoption could impact your daughter, it may be helpful to consult with a child psychologist or therapist. They can provide valuable insights and guidance on how to approach the situation sensitively.
3. Potential Challenges: While the idea of adopting a cat with similar scars may seem heartwarming, it’s important to consider any potential challenges that may arise. Ensure that you are prepared to provide the necessary care and support for the cat, especially if it has special needs.
##Making the Decision
Ultimately, the decision to adopt a cat for your daughter should be based on what is best for her emotional well-being and the well-being of the cat. It’s important to consider the potential impact on your daughter and to approach the situation with sensitivity and empathy.
If you do decide to move forward with the adoption, it’s crucial to create a safe and nurturing environment for both your daughter and the cat. Ensuring that your daughter feels supported and understood in her decision is key to making the experience positive for her.
In conclusion, getting a cat for your daughter has the potential to be a wonderful and meaningful experience for her. It’s important to approach the decision with thoughtful consideration and to prioritize your daughter’s feelings and well-being. A cat can bring joy, companionship, and emotional support to your daughter, and the shared experience of overcoming physical scars can create a unique bond between them. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make, and it’s important to trust your instincts and your knowledge of your daughter’s needs and feelings. đŸ
Personally you should ask her if sheâd like a cat & show her a few available with the scarred one sprinkled in
to be honest, I think that’s a wonderful idea. I am multiply disabled, and even with pets who aren’t disabled themselves, I find that they bring a wonderful amount of love and comfort and kinship to my life. they become unconditional best friends. đ
I do t think it needs to be a surprise. Just tell her your friend was showing you a cat that needs a home, show it to her, ask her if she would like the cat.
If sheâs a smart girl then you can ask her. There is no way of knowing how she feels about it without asking, thatâs for sure.
Just tell her the story of the cat and show her a picture. Also, a pet is a big responsibility, take that into consideration, think about it and talk to your daughter about it too, that cat needs a forever home.
Edit to mention that it does sound like a great idea and a pet is always a very good company for a kid.
Pets should never be surprise gifts. If you haven’t talked to your daughter about getting a pet, do that first. Make sure she wants a pet and will help take care of it. Only AFTER you’ve cleared that should you take her looking for a pet. You might start at the local shelter where you can visit and sit with cats, but make it clear that the first visit is only to get an idea of what animals are there and that you WILL NOT be adopting on that first visit.
If you want to pair your scarred daughter with a scarred cat, you don’t jump straight to that idea, or it may come across as cruel to her. “Sweetie, your face is weird, so you only get to have a pet who also has a weird face.” You surely don’t mean to accidentally send that message, and that’s part of the reason for the animal shelter visit first. THEN you can bring up that your friend has a very special cat that needs someone very special to help it.
Phrase the parallels as child-friendly as possible before she meets the cat. Maybe she won’t want that cat and instead might want one from the shelter. Do not force your friend’s cat on her! It has to be her choice, and whether she chooses a pretty kitty or one with scars, don’t immediately take that to mean anything about how she’s handling her own scars. It could be that one cat is simply friendlier and better suited to a child than the other.
As long as you don’t bring up the face I think it will be ok.
I have three cats Iâm trying to rehome in Maryland.
How about you ask her and show some cat options and then showing a picture of the scarred cat?
I think it would be a good idea to talk to her about this cat and ask her if she would be interested in adopting the cat.
My husband was badly burned as a child. He has scars that are visible, and REALLY prefers that no one even acknowledge it. As his wife, and a former medical professional, his scars are not interesting to me at all. They’re just part of him and that’s the extent of my thoughts on it.
I don’t know your little girl, but I bet she would feel similar. It’s not a nice feeling to have something you’re self conscious about highlighted.
Echoing other folks in saying that introducing her to the cat (after gauging her interest), and seeing if they connect is a good way to approach this.
I think what you are attempting to do is so noble, and I really hope it works out for everyone.
You totally should ask her. Ask her if she’d like to adopt a furry friend that has scars, or if she’d like to hold out for an ordinary looking cat. It doesn’t matter if it’s a surprise. What matters is that she’s given a choice and gets what she needs.
Either take her to meet the cat (without letting your daughter know, maybe you have to bring this lady something she left at yoga and it ‘happens’ to be on the way home from school) and if it’s love at first sight tell her he’s available, OR ask her about getting a cat in general and if she seems receptive, show her pics of a bunch including the cat in question.
Just tell her the cat is hers and everybody deserves to be loved. I bet she’ll love it!
Animal pro here.
The thing you have to commit to before you decide is that she may not want a cat, or any animal.
It’s always a bad idea to give animals as gifts unless the recipient has expressed indisputably that they want said animal.
Animals unfortunately, are exploited in terrible ways that results in them having horrible lives, or even early deaths – and this is one of the ways.
The “poor taste” question literally has nothing to do with it.
However, if you think she would *want* a cat, what I’d do in your shoes is take her to visit this cat and be prepared to spend a couple hours there so you can see firsthand how they interact together.
If after you see a positive interaction and you decide to add this kitty to your family you must prepare yourself for the inevitable times that your daughter is not keen to take care of the cat and do the daily requirements for this cat to thrive in your home.
The feeding twice a day, the litter box scooping each day, and the assurance that kitty should not be let outside.
You have to prepare yourself that while you may call the kitty your “daughter’s cat,” the proper care of the cat may in fact 100% fall on you. And if that happens you’ll do that care without taking it out on the cat.
Take her to the meet the cat.
On the one hand the cat will probably eat less, on the other hand your daughter probably shows more affection. I wouldn’t trade one of my kids for a cat but you have to make your own decision.
(Sorry, old joke but I had to).
Ask your daughter. Never get an animal for someone without their 100% buy-in, enthusiastic consent, and full participation. And still know that as the parent, the ultimate responsibility is still yours. That said, both Away-Rate-7502 and Stu_Prek have good suggestions.
When you give her the cat, donât say why. In a loving home, pet adoption is always acceptable. Adopting a pet with scars is a generous act! Because most would not. Please adopt that cat.
I would have her interact with a litter of kittens, or various younger cats at the shelter, and see which one chooses her. Which one does she bond with the best? That’s what matters the most here, not “the kitty has scars like my daughter.”
Cats are living beings with their own distinct personalities. Therefore, the personality of the cat will make a huge difference. The appearance of the cat won’t be as important.
Cats are great companions. Chill and loving.
Ask your daughter what she thinks of the cat. She’ll give you an honest answer. Don’t surprise her with a pet.
I wouldn’t even bring her scars up and that the cat has them too. Just casually talk to her and say “hey, my friend has a cat up for adoption, would you like it?” And show the picture
As long as it’s your responsibility and not hers, and you have everything set to take care of an animal I’d take her to the shelter and get a cat.
Iâm really invested in how it turns out. I hope you can update us in some way.
Cats are deep feeling creatures who are really sensitive to feelings and illness and things. Having cats in my life helped me have loving companions when I was homebound and helped me grow as a person.
Rooting for you and your daughter to find the right pet to add to your family.
I think it would be a good idea. Representing matters
I think this is a very good idea!
I think I understand where you are coming from and the intention behind it, and I think itâs great and you know your child best. Some people are so divided as like this is highlighting it, as if thatâs a bad thing. She should feel special and different and be okay with it, love it, have strength when others donât, maybe she wants to hide it like some people, maybe she wants to be proud of it when asked or possibly looked at. As a girl who has a facial birthmark, itâs always going to be highlighted, so having a relationship with an animal who has similar characteristics *also* highlights the love and positivity and compassion for herself. The world is cruel and judgmental to people without different characteristics as is, especially growing up. I wouldâve loved to have a pet with similar characteristics as my âflawsâ and love it unconditionally. But be sure youâre both ready for a pet, the last thing this cat needs is abandonment. Good luck!