7 Best Pet For Kids
There’s a whole world of small animals that make excellent pets for kids. These animals teach kids invaluable lessons about companionship and responsibility. They make shy children come out of their shells and provide hours of entertainment. So which animal is right for you? Here are some of the best choices for a family with children.
Turtles can make the perfect pet if you want something low maintenance and quiet. They are peaceful and calm. Though they are small, many can also handle quite a bit of handling. Turtles have notoriously long lifespans. While this means that you don’t have to worry about your child losing their childhood pet any time soon, it also means that you should be prepared to take care of this pet for a long time.
A fish may be the perfect “starter” pet for a child, but not just any fish will do. Goldfish may seem like the most obvious choice, but they’re actually more difficult to raise than the Siamese fighting fish (Betta fish).
However, betta fish thrive best in small aquariums with at least two gallons of water, regularly changed and kept between 76 and 82°F (24 and 28°C). Be sure to buy your fish from a store that has someone who can advise you on how best to care for them.
3. Guinea Pigs
A descendant of the wild guinea pigs of South America, these cute little animals make the ideal low maintenance pet for kids. Again. It’s ideal to keep guinea pigs in pairs at least, as they are very sociable creatures. If your pair are of the opposite sex, it’s a good idea to get the male neutered – otherwise you going to have quite a crowd on your hand. With a decent sized hutch filled with food and bedding, plus regular playtime, guinea pigs are very rewarding pets. Guinea pigs live for around 4-8 years on average, so make sure your children are ready for the commitment.
4. Rabbits
These popular pets are good for young children as long as there is also adult supervision. Like guinea pigs, rabbits are good for younger kids because they usually have a very gentle and sociable nature. While larger breeds can be especially gentle. Rabbits should be spayed or neutered to prevent any aggression (and to prevent uterine cancer in females). This is especially important if you want to keep more than one rabbit in the same space. A rabbit can live from 8 to 12 years, can be litter-trained, and is easy to care for. A proper diet is very important to ensure the animal's health and happiness: grass hay, rabbit pellets, and vegetables.
These birds live about 10 years, so make sure you’re ready to commit. They’re very social, too. If they will be left alone for hours at a time, consider getting a second parakeet.
Hamsters are cute, lively, and need little maintenance. They are a great first pet for older children who have already proven that they are responsible enough to regularly care for a pet. They don’t require that much room, and you won’t have to worry about cleaning pet hair off your couch. They’re a great choice for families who want a pet but aren’t quite ready to commit to a cat or a dog.
Still, hamsters aren’t good for all families. They are nocturnal and are notorious for biting when mishandled.
Kittens are childhood favorites. Who can resist the antics of a fluffy feline?
Notoriously independent cats need somewhat less care and attention than dogs, but no less commitment. Like dogs, cats require regular veterinary checkups and immunizations.
It’s important to choose a cat that’s suitable to be around children. A cat may be a better choice than a dog if your family has limited living space.
Your local animal shelter staff can advise you on the temperaments of adoptable cats.
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