If they know what they're getting into, okay, enjoy the peculiar charms of levels 1-2. But playing a character who should legitimately fear 1d4+1 house cats isn't what a lot of folks have mind when they think fantasy roleplaying. When you want to be a hero or even a competent...
3.5 D&D character are rather pathetic during the first few levels. Simple animals (and sometimes basic skill chicks) can present a serious threat. Make sure the player realize they aren't puissant heroes just yet. My introductory D&D experience involved getting sick from fighting dire rats and...