Best for kids

[AtLastEarwax]

Hi all

Looking for recommendations really, this is a few points about what we need to consider though

Want something that the children can play with and can live indoors but also we have a garden that we are happy for the animal to go out in

I work from home

I suppose an 'easy' pet would be nice but anything has an element of work anyway doesn't it? So o expect that

Indoor trained Guinea pig?

That's not what I'm saying. I'm just saying that animals can be loved by children and played with them. Regardless of their shape and size an animal still has the same minimal needs surely?

Of course they CAN. I loved all my pets as a child. Did I always remember to feed them on time without being promoted, clean them out, handle them, check them for mites, clip their nails, understand all their different moods and needs? Nope, not until I was older at least.

*prompted.

Yes but my children wouldn't be doing that, I would???

Because you forgot doesn't mean I will??

Fancy rats. They’re sweet, kind and clever.

Exactly. So that takes us back to what pet do YOU want?!

If it were me I'd go cat or hamster.

Loved my hamsters as a kid. Syrian variety are IME gentle to handle and fun to watch. Cage is indoors, and small enough that a weekly clean isn't a big thing for a kid. It can get a bit smelly though if you don't keep on it. Their natural lifespan is only short so if it's not a huge commitment in that regard.

Cats are good family pets but independent by nature so the novelty wearing off won't matter, and they're relatively low maintenance for you.

Over the years I've found rabbits/guineas require lots of space or you'll just feel guilty, and the novelty for the children will wear off leaving you with the hutch to clean in all weathers.

Fancy rats as in a particular breed??

I want a pet that my children can enjoy and love (if it's possible for them of course for longer than 2-3 seconds) and that's easy and realistic to take care of. I could turn round and get a load of bird but no where to put them. What would be the point?

We used to have guinea pigs, I would recommend them as pets but not for young children as they need very gentle, quiet handling and one of ours was a biter at first too. You can't 'play' with them as such. I would always recommend rescuing them as there are plenty in rescues (usually because kids have got bored of them, which is exactly why ours were in a rescue).

Oh also we had ours indoors. Their cage always took up most of our living room space, which is why we didn't get any more once the last passed away when DD was about 15 months because we need the space for her to play now. They also require a lot or cleaning as they're not litter trained and the cage (/your house) will likely always smell a bit too.

People don’t like to be told that a lot of traditional pets aren’t a good fit for young children, but it’s the truth.

Another recommendation for rats. DD was 8 when we got 2 rats for her birthday. They were so cute & lovely. Often sat on our shoulder or in a pocket of an evening.

Sometimes it was quite a ball ache to get her to clean them out and we often helped/did it but that was always the deal, they were hers to look after. Although, of course as parents we knew that, ultimately, it would fall to us one way or the other.

They generally live for about 2 years. When they died, we ended up getting 3 more.

I'm not bothered about the truth I'm more offended at the thought and implying my children would look at an animal and walk off!!

It happens in a lot of cases, that’s why the rescues are full to bursting with unwanted pets.

It’s also true that a lot of small animals will not really enjoy being ‘played with’ by children. That’s part of the reason children get bored with them. Because they’re not animated compliant soft toys.

So animals don't like stimulation??

Also it's very very sad animals end up in rescue homes but I haven't put them in there or the actions of my children. Why tar people with the same brush?

I'm wondering if I should have started this thread titled "what breed dog should I get for Christmas"

I have 7&5yo kids we recently got a kitten and it's been the best decision he plays with the kids and when he's had enough the kids leave him be, dogs are a bit more work with training & walks etc, cats virtually take care of themselves except for feeding.

You asked, sorry if you don’t like honest answers 🤷🏻‍♀️

I’ve not said anything that’s not factual. You really don’t sound ready to take on a pet unless you can accept a few facts about animal welfare.

I'd say get a cat. They are their own beings and just go when they don't want fuss. They communicate their needs well.

I don't have one but friends do.

We have other small animals which take a lot of care and space, and possibly more money than cats.

Just to add though- do you think pets rely on humans to get their ‘stimulation’? Must animals don’t just sit around waiting for a human child to come along and play with them

Gerbils.
Not nocturnal, sociable, clever.

OP, MN can be a bit over the top over pets. Unless you are getting a retired greyhound, any other pet will be neglected and probably factory farmed.
I would recommend Guinea pigs, they are friendly and a good size for primary aged children, small enough to be picked up without being squashed.
As far as looking after it, it’s a family pet so the family does it...not just the kids but everyone. They can feed it and help clean it out, you do the fiddly stuff like claw clipping etc. It’s not rocket science.
I don’t believe that all kids instantly ignore their pets as suggested on here either. Speaks volumes about parents teaching commitment to me.

A cat is probably the best bet. At least they can let you know with a scratch or stalk off when they’ve had enough of being played with!

We've got a cat. The children love her, lots of interaction. They feed her and clean out water bowl etc as well as play with her.

We also have guinea pigs. They are played with and let out of their cage for exercise usually twice daily, chatted to and interacted with. My 6yr old will clean out their cage very happily.

I don't think it has to be doom and gloom like some of the other posters suggest. Our pets enhance our lives, are very well looked after and seem to be perfectly happy creatures.

I can handle honesty, I just think you are very negative and don't think an animals life can be enriched by children. You seem to constantly imply children will be a nuisance to a small animal like a guinea pig. What if the guinea pig loved the interaction with the children?