This time of year, we always get lots of inquiries from parents in search of a kitten to place beneath their Christmas tree for their children. Though I am happy to see so many people interested in adopting pets, and the image of a kitten in a big velvet bow in the arms of a sweet, pajama-clad child on Christmas is a lovely one, I always encourage folks to wait for the holidays to pass before introducing a new animal into their home.
Here’s why:
During the holidays, stress levels are high, life is chaotic, and schedules are irregular. We travel, we have houseguests coming and going, and introducing a new pet during this time, especially a demanding young kitten or puppy, could make for a more difficult transition for the little one. Waiting until after the holidays for life to settle down and schedules to return to normal can give you the time, patience, and energy you will need to focus on training and helping the puppy or kitten settle into the new home.
There are so many pet hazards around the holidays, too. Things like tinsel, ribbons, ornaments, and trims can be dangerous when chewed or swallowed. There are food hazards, like chocolate, and toxic house plants that could be ingested. Other safety risks include Christmas lighting, cords, and candles.
Kitten and puppy-proofing is already challenging enough without these additional hazards of the holiday season.
As an alternative to giving a pet for the holidays, consider giving a gift certificate instead. This way, when the time is right and life is calm, the whole family can be involved with the pet selection process. You could include the gift certificate in a box or basket of pet toys and essentials like food and dishes; grooming tools; a collar, leash or harness; dog waste bags; or a litter box scoop. Picking up these supplies can help you start a dialog with your child about pet care, pet needs, and being a responsible pet owner, and it can help prepare them for what’s to come. It will show your child that bringing a pet into your life is something that requires serious thought, preparation, and commitment, and when it’s time to bring your new puppy or kitten home, it will help give the little one a very positive start in its new life with your family!
For lots of great articles on kitten and puppy care, please pay a visit to MyPetReference.com. And for a $10 off coupon for Royal Canin kitten and puppy formula and a free downloadable puppy or kitten guide, visit HERE.
Great advice. We are actually going to be looking for a post holiday/possibly spring kitten. Our kiddos don't know yet. :)
ReplyDeleteMy current fosters the Muffin family won't be big enough until after Christmas That made me happy for just these reasons. Plus I have more time to spend with Oatmeal, Apricot, Poppyseed, and Blueberry
ReplyDeleteThe Muffins..... : )
DeleteLove those names--they sound delicious!
DeleteGosh those Muffin kittens sound adorable and lucky too!
DeleteYou can, and many do, bring a pet into your home for the holidays and do it correctly. they need to go into it with their eyes open and with the best intention of the animal first and foremost.
ReplyDeletethe people who don't are the ones who wouldn't make good pet owners any time of the year
Many families have time off from work and school over holidays and choose this period to focus on introducing a new furry child to the family. Pet proofing the home and giving the pet a quiet and safe retreat spot helps for a smoother introduction.
ReplyDeleteLast Christmas we did a gift certificate from our local shelter and waited until spring break to pick out our kitten. The kids loved being a part of the "selection process" and we had a full week to focus our attention on getting Cheeto settled in before the kids went back to school.
ReplyDeleteFor our girls, I wrapped a stuffed toy kitten in a box with a "promise note" for a REAL kitten. There were many squeals that Christmas morning!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of giving the gift certificate and a few pet care essentials. I think we sometimes deprive children of the immense pleasure of anticipation--and anticipating a new furry family member is one of the most wonderful kinds of expectation. Setting up the pet's special space, planning his/her daily care and debating names and nicknames can be part of the joy of adopting a new pet.
ReplyDeleteWe're adopting a new dog -- but there's only us two grownups, we just moved into a new house so we haven't even decorated except for a wreath on the door, and we've been wanting to do this since we lost our nearly 20-year-old kitty Emily last spring. Our new pup is a 2-year-old greyhound who's a total sweetie; she arrives at our house the day after Christmas, and we couldn't be more thrilled to have a four-legged family member again! I agree that bringing a new young pet into a family that's very active at the holidays can be very stressful, however, and I love your suggestions for how to make the selection of the new family member a process the whole family can participate in.
ReplyDelete