Debby, A goldfish will grow in proportion to the size of the tank you keep it in. Of course there is a limit, according to species. But to keep a goldfish in a bowl is cruel. They are the absolute hogs of the aquarium world. They love to eat. After they eat the food you put on top, they go to the bottom and clean the gravel. I used to have 12 aquariums and kept a couple of bug eyed fancy-finned goldfish in the 55 gallon tank- along with many other types of fish.
My cat is so mean, she would probably have lunch! She is a brat! She has gotten used to my fish now, but she does tend to get on the counter to "watch" them. (Probably trying to figure out which one we wouldn't miss!)