For most children, a pet is their first true taste of responsibility. They are in charge of another living thing and they have to be vigilant and consistent in their care. It’s a great life lesson for children and it’s best to have them learn it, very early on. When they are 5 or 6, ask them what kind of pet they would like? When they sound as if they are really enthusiastic about the idea, explain what kind of responsibilities it will entail. The feeding patterns must be consistently done. They’ll need to clean their pet and spend time with them. Children can easily get bored with their pets but if you help them in the first few weeks.
A Pet Cat
Cats are solitary animals and this is something many people just fail to understand. Cats will come to you when they feel like it and allow you to pet them. If your child would like to have a pet cat or kitten, explain to them that the cat will need his or her own space. So it’s important your child doesn’t force the cat to stay in their lap or else, they might get scratched. Sit down with them and go online to learn about the different types of cats. British Shorthair and Scottish Fold cats are very docile and have thicker fur so they do tend to shed a lot. Chartreux cats from France are very fast hunters so they like to go outside a lot and test their reflexes. Select a cat that will fit your child’s personality to give their relationship the best chance of hitting it off.
A Small Lizard
Lizards are also solitary creatures which are the way to go for a child’s pet. Children have short attention spans and they won’t always be giving their pet the attention they need. If your child loves lizards, it’s best to get them a small lizard, like a gecko. Geckos are also harmless and they don’t usually bite. Before you select the type of gecko your child wants, buy its home. Using a glass case and terrarium kits, make the gecko’s habitat with your child. It’s fun to decide where the lizard will be most comfortable to sleep, what kind of vegetation it will like and where you can place relaxing or leisure areas. The kits come in both naturalistic and crested styles so you have both creative and realistic to choose from.
A Gerbil
Children should be given pets that are small and like to be alone. A gerbil will also fit this profile as they like to scurry around and workout on their spinning wheel. However, gerbils should not be placed near televisions or by running water. The room temperature should not fluctuate so it’s best to place a blanket around the cage if you live in a colder climate. Help your child feed the gerbil vegetables and plants regularly for a couple of weeks.
To have a better chance of your child loving their pet long-term, get them involved with making it’s home, knowing it’s mood swings and creating a stable atmosphere.
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