What is the easiest pet to take care of for a kid?
Smaller mammals, including hamsters, guinea pigs, and gerbils, are relatively easy to raise. Also, most will thrive in a relatively small living space, and care is fairly straightforward. Except for hamsters, which are solitary, it's best to obtain young same-sex pairs. Regular, gentle handling promotes friendliness.
Lianne McLeod, the veterinary guide for exotic pets at about.com, top seven are: guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, gerbils, mice, lepard geckos, and Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. Other animal-care professionals promote birds or fish as ideal first pets for children.
Some of the most affectionate breeds include the Sphynx, Persian, Ragdoll, Birman, and Siamese. If you want a really small cat, dwarf breeds such as the Dwelf, Bambinos and Munchkins are known for being very affectionate.
Smaller mammals and reptiles may be a good option if you're frequently out of the home for work or other commitments for hours at a time. “Hamsters, mice, reptiles, and fish require the least amount of daily interaction. But guinea pigs and rats make good pets as well,” Kanfer says.
Look for a pet with a gentle disposition. An older animal is often a good choice for a child, because a puppy or kitten may bite out of sheer friskiness. ...
Never pet an unfamiliar dog or cat. ...
Stand still if you are approached or chased by a strange animal. ...
Teach your child to avoid all undomesticated animals.
The age of your children is one factor to consider when getting a pet. Generally, since many dog bite injuries happen to young children, it may be safest to wait until your child is older than age 4. But think about your children and their individual maturity levels, because each child develops differently.
Guinea Pigs. These fun little furballs are perfect for kids since they are playful but rarely get aggressive. ...
Hamsters. A classic first pet for many kids, this little furry rodent is ideal if you want to give your kids most of the responsibility of caring for a pet. ...
The cuddliest small pets are Havana rabbits, Siamese cats, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. If you're looking for a child-friendly small pet, guinea pigs are ideal. But if you want an apartment-friendly pet, hamsters and toy dogs are a better choice.
Hamsters are the most common first pet for children. Living to around 2 years, they're another small mammal that are a great way to introduce caring for animals into your children's lives.
Developing positive feelings about pets can contribute to a child's self-esteem and self-confidence. Positive relationships with pets can aid in the development of trusting relationships with others. A good relationship with a pet can also help in developing non-verbal communication, compassion, and empathy.
