When planning to acquire pets for children, cats and dogs are the first to come to mind for most parents. On the contrary, you can choose from several options for smaller pets. Compact pets are not only as cuddly but are often less demanding and probably more affordable.
However, to decide whether a small pet is ideal for your kid, you should conduct as much research as you would when considering getting them a larger animal. Some popular pets, like guinea pigs and hamsters, may look similar but differ regarding needs and modes of interaction with people. Below are three options of small pets you can consider for your kid.
Image Source – Pixabay
1. Guinea Pigs
Even though their behaviour is strikingly different, Guinea pigs are in the same rodent family as hamsters. They are endowed with a sweet temperament and are naturally gentle; hence they are unlikely to bite. Guinea pigs are highly sociable creatures and rarely mind being handled by kids, so long as you hold them properly. However, their social nature demands that you rear them in pairs or small groups. Hence, they might not be ideal for people who need to add just one pet to their family.
Guinea pigs are ideal for kids who are just beginning to learn how to take care of a pet since they are unlikely to get frustrated when handled by a child. They also live longer, compared to hamsters, with a 5 – 7 years lifespan. However, they are more demanding due to their massive appetite. They usually consume large amounts of vegetables. It also makes them a bit messier than other small animals. Therefore, you have to clean their cages more often.
Other ideal pets for kids are fish. However, you might have to take your time to learn more on Fishkeeping World or any other related website before acquiring them since they are some of the most delicate pets.
Image Source – Pixabay
2. Rabbits
Rabbits are popular small pets for children, though they need lots of adult supervision. You have to ensure they are handled securely and get the proper care. Despite being very fragile, rabbits have a friendly nature, which is suitable for younger kids. Larger breeds of rabbits are known to be particularly gentle. However, all rabbits should be sterilized or spayed to forestall any aggression and avoid uterine cancer in the females.
Due to their social needs, you might need more than one rabbit within the same space, making neutering them even more vital. A rabbit’s life span ranges from 8 – 12 years. Though they can be litter-trained, caring for them is not easy. Besides needing lots of attention, rabbits also require ample space. A proper diet is also crucial to ensure that they remain healthy. Their favorite foods include rabbit pellets, fresh vegetables, and grass hay.
3. Hamsters
This typically small pet is one of the easiest to take care of and can also be litter-trained. However, these tiny creatures can be somewhat nippy. Smaller breeds, especially females, can get rather aggressive. Hence, some hamsters are more difficult to manage than others. It is advisable to go for a giant breed, like the Syrian hamster, which adapts to family care much better.
Hamsters typically live for about three years and are not so demanding when caring for them. However, they need spacious and easy-to-clean cages with tunnels and nesting areas where they can sleep.
Conclusion
When choosing a small pet for your kids, it is crucial to consider the animal’s lifespan and the period your child may want to interact with it. If the animal has a longer lifespan, the kid is at risk of losing interest in the animal along the way.
On the other hand, if its lifespan is too short and the kid gets attached to it, its death can be an upsetting experience for your child. It might be worse if the kid has never come face to face with losing a loved one. However, the experience may serve as a life lesson to teach your child that every living thing must eventually die. All you need to do is be there for the child during the grieving period.