Why Kids Want Pets – And What Parents Should Know

A Storm in a Teacup

“Mum, Dad, I want a kitten!”

That single sentence—or any request for a pet—often hits parents like a thunderbolt. It feels like an earthquake shaking your world, a demand so out-of-the-blue you never imagined it.

And instantly, without much thought, you start explaining why it’s impossible or distract your child with the toys in their room, convinced that this sudden request is just a storm in a teacup.

Himalaya!

No, of course your child isn’t asking to climb the Himalayas. But at five years old, they already know cat breeds by name and appearance. They can tell a Himalayan from a Siamese, a Persian, or a Ragdoll. If you’re walking down the street, they might point to a small dog and say, “That’s a Husky.”

This means your child’s desire to have a pet is no longer just a passing whim—it’s growing into a genuine passion, and for you, a challenge that feels as daunting as climbing the Himalayas.

Seven Lives, Four “Impossibles”

Whatever type of pet your child is asking for—whether a cat with “seven lives” or a fluffy little dog—your mind is probably locked on one thought: “It’s impossible to raise a pet at home.”

And for many parents, that “impossible” comes from several fears:

1. A general fear of taking responsibility for a living creature who can’t speak your language or clearly express its needs.
   
   
2. A specific fear of cats, especially given the debates and myths around them.
   
   
3. A fear of raising a dog in the house.
   
   
4. A fear for your furniture, curtains, and rugs from claws and bites.
   
   
5. A fear of allergies pets might cause.
   
   
6. A fear of your child’s heartbreak if the pet gets sick or dies.
   
   

Understanding the “Why”

Your fears are valid. Fear is often the first obstacle to giving our children what they want—especially when it involves a living creature. But before we accept these fears as unshakable truth, let’s pause and ask: Why is my child asking for a pet in the first place?

Understanding what motivates your child will help you respond with wisdom and balance. Sometimes, saying “no” too quickly can unintentionally teach your child to think only of themselves. That’s why we need to explore what researchers call the “Puff Effect.”

The “Puff Effect”

From a very young age—even before their first birthday—children are drawn to animals. They love hearing animal sounds, touching soft fur, colorful feathers, or smooth skin. Animals fascinate them because they are living beings, full of movement, warmth, and mystery.

So, what does this have to do with the “Puff Effect”?

In 2019, Dr. Hal Herzog at the University of Edinburgh studied children’s attachment to pets, inspired by the song “Puff, the Magic Dragon.”

The song tells the story of a boy who spends his days on adventures with Puff—fighting pirates, sailing imaginary seas, and sharing magical moments. But one day, the boy grows up. He loses interest in toys, abandons Puff, and leaves the dragon heartbroken, retreating into his cave forever.

Dr. Herzog used this idea to measure how children’s relationships with pets change over time. His research found:

• From infancy to around age 11, children feel strong companionship with pets. They talk to them, miss them when they’re apart, and especially at ages 9–10, the bond deepens.
  
  
• But between ages 11–15, children begin to drift away from pets. Surprisingly, this shift happens equally for boys and girls.
  
  
• An Australian study confirmed that 75% of children eventually neglect their pets, even if the pet is still at home. Only 25% remained deeply bonded and continued to care.
  
  

Why this sudden distance? Yes, part of it is children shifting toward peers and adolescence. But sometimes, our own parenting fears and choices feed into it too.

How Parents (Unknowingly) Create the “Puff Effect”

Ask yourself:

• Have you ever distracted your child with a teddy bear or stuffed animal as a replacement for a real pet? If so, you may have taught them that pets are just toys without feelings.
  
  
• Do you frequently visit relatives or friends who own pets so your child can “borrow” the experience? If so, you may have unintentionally taught them detachment—making it easier to neglect a pet of their own later.
  
  
• Have you replaced the desire for a pet with a video game or app where an animated animal is the star? This risks even more: screen addiction, fake emotional satisfaction, and the idea that pets are just digital characters we can control.
  
  

So, What Should You Do?

The answer is simpler than you think: honest conversations and small, meaningful experiences.

• Talk openly: Explain to your child that having a pet is a responsibility. Animals feel love, sadness, and joy just like us. Remind them that animals are mentioned in holy books and valued by prophets. This gives a deeper sense of respect.
  
  
• Model empathy: When visiting friends with pets, highlight how lovingly they care for their animals. Show that pets aren’t entertainment—they’re companions.
  
  
• Choose wisely: If introducing a digital game, pick one with real educational value about animals, not just entertainment.
  
  
• Decide together: Discuss pros and cons as a family. If you agree to welcome a pet, watch for your child’s readiness.
  
  

Signs of readiness include:

1. Choosing a pet together as a family—whether it’s a dog, cat, bird, turtle, or fish—based on what suits your lifestyle.
   
   
2. Parents being just as ready as the child to take responsibility.
   
   
3. Exploring the animal’s world together as it learns about yours.
   
   

From the “Puff Effect” to the “Goodness Effect”

And when you finally welcome that new family member—be it a kitten, a puppy, a hamster, or even a turtle—you’ll notice something else: the “Goodness Effect.”

Research shows that pets positively impact children’s mental and physical health. Caring for a pet raises dopamine and oxytocin levels—the “happiness and bonding” chemicals. Pets bring joy, responsibility, and empathy into daily life.

We’ve all seen those heartwarming videos: a little girl reading a story about a dog, waking up her own pet to show him the picture—“Look, it’s you!” These small moments nurture kindness and compassion in children.

Just like in the story “My Hands,” where a child feeds fish, gives water to a thirsty dog, or helps an injured bird—acts of mercy shape children into caring adults who respect others’ feelings.

Pets also bring companionship and imagination. A playful cat can inspire creativity. A turtle can teach patience. A puppy can model loyalty and unconditional love. Each animal adds a new layer of life lessons.

And if your child grows into their teenage years still loving and caring for their pet, you’ll know you succeeded in protecting them from the “Puff Effect” and nurturing the Goodness Effect instead.