Quote:
Originally Posted by Sliver
What is odd about that? I have to live with it, so it's only reasonable that I have input into the decision.
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Limited input I'd agree but it seems to me as if you are controlling the process which IMO (and I understand it may not be shared) is not how a pet is picked out.
A pet with the intelligence/social needs of a cat and dog is picked out through visiting and getting to know a pet. No reputable breeder will let you simply show up and 10 minutes later have you going home with a pet in a carrier. At least for dogs, but I think cats are much the same. Despite what is commonly talked about, cats are also very sociable and there needs to be a bond. Even shelters I've dealt with require multiple visits before allowing you to make that final decision.
You've stated the cat will belong to your wife and kids. It is their cat. You couldn't have been more clear on that, and while yes you have to live with it you have already seemingly given your consent. The only thing that needs to be done now is to find the cat that your WIFE and KIDS click with given they are the ones responsible for it and the ones responsible to interacting, playing etc with it. I've tried the pre-determined checklist way back when I was younger.....that checklist goes out the window as soon as you see the pet you click with. Quite frankly, if you go in and stick to a checklist you may never actually find the pet you click with and the wife and kids will settle. That is almost a guaranteed way to end up with a "problem" pet because your family members will have limited emotional investment in that pet. Thus limited involvement in training, playing etc etc. And to be even more frank, with the attitude you have towards animals (indifferent - your word) you won't ever click with one.
But of course you aren't actually indifferent to them at all....if you were you wouldn't have favourite traits, looks, etc all figured out.