Re: this question:

http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1251446964

I got a great response in another forum. Here it is:
It sounds very awkward, but I can just about see it being acceptable in a very specific situation.

Firstly, I'm assuming it is NOT an unreal situation, so "would" is not necessary.

Secondly, you need to understand the difference between "like -ing" and "like to -".

Note that I'm only stating what I have read in British English grammar books.

"Like -ing" means you actually enjoy doing something, for example "I like running" (you enjoy it).

"Like to -" means you choose to do something for a reason, for example "I like to run" (to keep fit).

It's a very subtle difference and one that many would never even think about.

Usually, then, it would be more common to say "I like having a cat". However, I suppose you could probably think of a situation where you have one for a reason, for example to get rid of mice.

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Thanks to everyone that helped on here. Keep up the great work.

Thank you for sharing the response you received in another forum regarding the question on jiskha.com. It seems that the question is referring to a specific sentence structure and whether it is acceptable in English grammar.

According to the response you received, it is important to consider the context in which the sentence is being used. The use of "would" in the sentence implies an unreal situation, so it is assumed that the sentence is referring to a real situation.

The response also mentions the difference between "like -ing" and "like to -" structures. "Like -ing" implies that you enjoy doing something, while "like to -" suggests that you choose to do something for a reason.

In the case of the sentence in question, "I like having a cat," the response states that it would be more common to say "I like to have a cat." However, the response acknowledges that there could be situations where someone has a cat for a specific reason, such as to get rid of mice. In this case, "I like having a cat" could be acceptable.

It's important to note that the response you received represents a specific perspective on British English grammar. Grammar rules and usage can vary across different English-speaking countries and regions.

It's great that you found the response helpful, and it's always a good idea to seek multiple sources and opinions when discussing grammar or language usage.