What's new pussycat???

What was I thinking?!? Am I certifiably insane? Please, don't answer that...

I've always thought that having a pet is a fantastic idea. It teaches children responsibility and fosters in them a sense of caring and compassion toward creatures great and small. Studies have also shown that having a pet around helps prolong a person's life. How 'bout that?! Well, I beg to differ.... for our pet nearly sent me into cardiac arrest!

Our family decided to adopt a tiny kitten, black as night. Chancho is a rambunctious little feline. This kitten loves to chase, gives playful bites, and loves to be cuddled. Perfect, right?

That perfection came to a halt just three days ago. Chancho was playing with a blanket we had left on the floor. As he played, my nineteen-month old son thought it would be funny to try sitting on the kitten. NOT a good idea. Chancho turned on my son, and left three-centimeter-long claw marks on his right arm. My son cried, I cried, and Chancho ran to hide under the sofa.

I quickly looked up the phone number to the York Region SPCA number. Fortunately for Chancho, they were closed. It bought him some time.

You see, a mother's instinct is always to protect her children, so my gut reaction was to give the kitten away. After much thought, and a few failed attempts at pawning poor Chancho off to family or friends, we opted to keep the kitten.

Chancho was only doing what any animal...or human would do - protecting itself! Aside from that one time, the claws never come out. Chancho is a gentle and affectionate kitty.

My advice to any parents who are looking to adopt a pet: It's a great idea, but be very aware! Ensure that you keep an eye on your children while they play with the pet at ALL TIMES! Teach your children the difference between playing nice & playing rough. Ensure that your pet receives all proper inoculations, spaying, neutering, and, if you want to go this route, de-clawing.

I'm glad we've decided to keep Chancho. My children adore this little kitten, and it appears that Chancho has developed a soft-spot for them as well. As for the incident between boy & cat, all is well. They're friends again.