Dad shares the delightful cat-kid connection of his 7-year-old child with her newly adopted kitten: 'According to my sobbing daughter she had "been waiting my whole life".'

Ayala Sorotsky • Writer and Editor

Jan 14, 2026 2:00 PM EST

Growing up with a cat is one of the best gifts a parent can give their children.

Anyone who went through their childhood with a beloved feline friend can testify - there's something meowgical about growing up with the family's cat companion. Having a lovable flaffball around the house teaches children what unconditional love is. Loving a cat expands the heart, and experiencing this at such a young age makes sure the heart grows larger and larger. In addition, being responsible (with the rest of your family, of course) for the tiny life of such an adorable creature teaches the gravitas of such responsibility to the kids, which is super important growing up.

Another thing cats teach children, which is otherwise a difficult lesson for kids to learn, is boundaries. It's from the cat's perspective, but think about it - cats are such independent creatures, and they know how to set their own boundaries. "I don't want to be petted on my belly, it's only for show", "Don't carry me in your arms, I want to walk", "Let me sleep, I'm not in a playing mood". All are ways that set boundaries when interacting with a cat - and that's something invaluable for children to learn.

So this is exactly why we love seeing such pride in a father who raises a kid who asks for a kitten - and knows, and learns, all of these things. First of all, both of the parents have cats of their own - so the child already knows the cat lessons to be learned. And this is why we think it's going to be extra meowgical, both for the cat and the kid. She will know how to take care of him, and he will win a friend who will raise him and love him for life.

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When you see the look of chill and relaxation on this kitten, all while being hugged tightly by a 7-year-old child, it can already tell you a lot about his situation. You see, if a cat wasn't in a safe environment, one that they deem so at least, they show it very intently. One of the situations where cats might not feel safe is when they are hugged - arms around a cat might make them interpret it as a capture, a lack of possible escape routes in case of danger. But that's their “monkey brain”, so to speak. If a cat can show this level of comfort inside a hug (and within the arms of a kid - they can be problematic with cats sometimes… depends on the kid) - you know they're in their safe space, a good situation, and a happy home.
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If the dad can tell the kitten is very snuggly - we know his daughter won. Winning the heart of a kitten is such a heartwarming experience, we think every person should have it. And if you have it as a kid? That's a seriously glorious childhood experience.
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