take care of the kitty? If the kitty needs medical attention, are you willing to spend the money? If your child becomes tired of the kitty, or gets old enough to leave home, will you take care of the cat for the rest of his/her life? A cat is a life that can last close to 20 even more than 20 years under good care and with lots of love. He/she can become a playmate, a pal, even a companion for your child and you. But you must not treat a cat as a toy for your child. If you're not ready to be fully responsible for another life (that is as precious as yours or your child's) for 20 years, please do not adopt a cat on impulse. It would not be fair for the cat. If you want to try and see if a cat might work for your life, perhaps you can consider fostering a cat for shelter, which allows you to try without life-time commitment.