December 15th, 2013
Choco is very soft and vocal. He’s a pink-nosed wonder of a cat who forever changed my husband’s feelings about felines in general. A tuxedo cat, he’s never underdressed.
And he was my Christmas present in 2003.
Choco wasn’t just any Christmas present, but my favorite gift ever. (There he is on the scratchy pad with his partner in crime, Oscar.)
For years, you’ve probably heard the myth that giving a pet as a gift is a bad idea.
Well, the ASPCA is busting that myth. And they say that yes, it really is fine to give a pet as a gift at Christmas, or another time.
Here are the numbers from the ASPCA research:
- Ninety-six percent of people who received pets as gifts thought it either increased or had no impact on their love or attachment to that pet.
- Eighty-six percent of the pets referred to in the study are still in the home.
- There was no difference in the recipient’s attachment to the pet based on whether the gift was a surprise or known in advance.
These study findings are encouraging, and should help to ease any feelings of guilt you have for giving a pet as a gift. However, it’s also a good idea to gift pets only to people you know well and trust. After all, you need to know that the recipient’s schedule allows for the care of a pet. And, when gifting a pet to a young child, remember that the parent will be the caregiver. Yeah, you should ask the parent first!
The ASPCA recommends giving pets to those who have shown a sustained interest in having a pet, and who have the ability to care for a pet responsibly. And, of course, you’re encouraged to adopt the pet from a shelter or rescue group.
Do pets change people?
Yes! As I mentioned, my husband never liked cats before Choco came into our lives. I never considered myself a dog person until we adopted Stella, my 70-pound rescue pup, last year.
Pets help us learn more about ourselves, and when we have the time and patience to put into the relationship with our pets, the rewards are great. Pets are a lot of work, but they add soul and character to a home. And a smile to your face.
Are you giving a pet as a gift this Christmas?
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