When you have a pet, your child should learn early that they must help out with the caring of them. Such as if you have a dog, they can make sure it gets feed, given clean water and taken for walks. For cats, make sure it is feed, given water and most of all that thte litterbox stays clean. That is how it was in my house with my 2 sons growing up.    
                                     

Christine, Mom of 2
North Fort Myers, FL