Many children enjoy having pets. Giving pets to kids can help them become entertained and learn lessons about responsibility. Therefore, parents need to learn the best pets for children.
Healthline compiled a list of the animals that parents can give to their kids. These pets will definitely provide joy and valuable life lessons to children.
First on the list is the Siamese fighting fish. This type of fish is perfect for kids because they prefer living alone in small amounts of water without the need for aerators, filters, heaters and special chemicals needed.
Certain reptiles can also be great pets for kids. Russian tortoises are the best reptile pets for kids because they eat plants, live for more than 50 years and do not cause allergies. However, some pediatricians say that some of these reptiles can transmit salmonella virus.
Next on the list are birds. Parakeet is perfect for beginner pet owners because it is very inexpensive. They are great pets for teaching kids about dependability and responsibility because they demand daily attention and socialization from their owners.
Certain rodents can also be great pets for children. Hamsters, guinea pigs and fancy rats are small mammals that require small living spaces and are not too demanding of constant attention and care. However, kids should be reminded to handle these animals very gently to avoid injuring the pets and getting bitten as well.
Cats are also some of the best pets for children. These intelligent animals are very independent but devoted to their owners. They also require minimal grooming. However, parents should supervise their kids in taking care of their cats because these animals require veterinary visits, check-ups and vaccinations. The best cat breeds for kids are the Abyssinian, American Shorthair, Birman, Burmese, Maine Coon, Manx, Persian and Ragdoll, according to Catster.
