Gustar followed by personal "a" -

Question

Good eveningPlease confirm if the above "personal "a" is used when referring to pets in the following sentences:I like my cat.I like catsI like my petI like pets.Thank you!

Silvia Píriz · Accepted Answer

Hola E. L.
 
When using gustar, we don't use the personal a before the animal or person we like, because they are the subject of the verb, not the direct object.
Here are your examples:
Me gusta mi gato. — I like my cat.
Me gustan los gatos. — I like cats.
Me gusta mi mascota. — I like my pet.
Me gustan las mascotas. — I like pets.
The personal a can be used with pets when they are direct objects, for example:
Quiero a mi gato (I love my cat).
I hope this clears things up!
Saludos
Silvia