Be mindful, though, that bites are possible should rodents — especially hamsters — feel threatened. Surprisingly, rats make excellent pets due to their intelligence, larger size, and enjoyment of human companionship.
Guinea pigs are also good kid-friendly pets. Notoriously independent cats need somewhat less care and attention than dogs, but no less commitment. Like dogs, cats require regular veterinary checkups and immunizations. A cat may be a better choice than a dog if your family has limited living space. Keep in mind that choosing the ideal dog involves more than falling for big brown eyes. Some dogs may be unsuitable for children.
Before adopting a dog, ensure that the dog is well-socialized and comfortable around children. Any breed will need a significant commitment of time and effort.
Puppies must be housebroken and require daily exercise, regular veterinary checkups and immunizations, and plenty of love. Every dog is different, but kid-friendly breeds include:. However, owning an ant farm can be an entertaining and educational experience for a child. Various suppliers sell habitats designed to let children directly observe ant activities.
Ants can be shipped live or grown from eggs. Children need only add water and watch these tiny shrimp emerge, become active, and grow. Maintenance for these hardy creatures involves adding feed about once a week and occasionally adding water to combat evaporation.
A colony can thrive for a year or more with minimal care. Caring for a pet can be a positive experience for children. Pets can provide companionship, entertainment, and educational opportunities. Remember, though, pet ownership is also serious business. Pets are living creatures that require regular care and attention. Their maintenance involves an ongoing financial commitment.
Pets are capable of providing useful lessons about self-restraint, selflessness, and responsibility. Children may require adult supervision when interacting with some pets.
A chinchilla needs a dust bath two to three times a week, given outside of its cage; the cage should be multilevel so it can climb up and down. With a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years, chinchillas tend to live much longer than guinea pigs and other rodents.
These spiny mammals may not make cuddly pets, but they're cute, friendly, and relatively long-lived, with a lifespan of five to seven years. And if hedgehogs are handled while still young, they will grow to be social with your child.
A downside is that you might find yourself spending more money caring for them. Hedgehogs also require a different diet containing vegetables and special food with protein because they are omnivores.
Sometimes cat food can fulfill the requirement, but you should consult your veterinarian. When considering getting a hedgehog as a pet, make sure to check your local state laws—it's illegal to own these small mammals in certain states.
By Lisa Granshaw Updated August 24, Save Pin FB More. An image of a child holding a hamster. Credit: Getty Images. By Lisa Granshaw. Be the first to comment! No comments yet. Close this dialog window Add a comment. Add your comment Cancel Submit. Close this dialog window Review for. Back to story Comment on this project. Tell us what you think Thanks for adding your feedback. All rights reserved. Close Sign in.
Large dogs need more food, some breeds of dogs need regular clipping of their coats. Are you renting? Your landlord may not let you to own a cat or a dog. You may want to consider other pets such as fish. Do you live in an apartment? Some birds, such as parrots, can be very noisy, and may attract complaints from neighbours. You may want to consider a quiet pet such as a cat, or fish.
Do you have young children? Some types of pets tolerate children better than others. Are you prepared to have your pet inside with you?
Dogs should not be left in the backyard all day — they need to spend time inside the house with you, in order to remain happy and healthy. Does your council require cats to be confined to your property? If so, you must be prepared to have your cat live inside with you, or to buy or build cat proof fencing or a cat enclosure. How much time do you have to exercise your pet?
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