what is a good pet to get a child(4 years old)?

Answer 1

I need to tell you that I have a 4 and 2 year old daughters, we have tried almost everything...
I have a dog (Schnauzer mini) very good... Need to develop his habits but good.
I have 2 rabbits (not recommended nails grow large and with edge I consider dangerous) overall lovely and not noisy creatures, eat very healthy food.
I have a fish - that one is good but do not interacts with my girls really...
So, hope this helps as reference.

Answer 2

As with any pet for children, you want to look at what you like also being you will be the caretaker of the animal. With small childern a family pet is usually a good option, cats/dogs, and there a so many up for adoption you can have a awsome first pet for the child and save a life. If you are thinking of a more individual pet.. Most small animals- hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, unless purchased from a private breeder will be somewhat hand shy, and insticntually will fear the hand reaching in to pet or pick them up( preditor v/s prey), and most do not like fast movements, and personally feel are better suited for somewhat older children.Also due to the fact that hamster wheither dwarf variety or otherwise have poor eyesight, and have no depth perception makes it harder for little kids wilth little hands to hold on to them as the hamsters will walk right off. larger small animals like guinea pigs, bunnys, will be easier to hold for smaller kids, and usually are not nippy, but are higher maintanence than the smaller rodents.(larger cage, messy) Fish are also a good first pet, especially if you go with something like a low maintance beta that is perfect for a small gallon or larger tank. Goldfish really dont do well in bowls and small tanks due to the amount of waste they produce.

Answer 3

I have a 4 and 5 year old and they have done wonderfully with my cats, fish, and birds. I do not know if you are looking for a pet that can be handled alot but if so a small dog or cat might be the answer for you. They like to play and may use thier nails but do not intend to hurt. My children have learned what to do and what not to do and now thay are the best of friends. Birds are good because they can be taught to be held and you can teach your child(under supervision of coarse) to hold them with out harming them. I hope this helps good luck with your choice and hagd.

Answer 4

A smaller dog would be the best choice. It's playful, but it's not so big that it scares the kid. Your child and the dog can play so they both get exercise. Try a poodle cross like a cocker spaniel/poodle mix they are friendly, playful(but not overly energetic), and they don't shed much. Also, studies have shown that if a child has a cat or a dog they are less likely to have allergies later on in life.

Answer 5

I didn't get my kids their own pets until they were 8 and 10 (they each got a rat). But I think a cat would be okay for a 4 year old. Both of my kids were very close with my cat when they were little, we had a huge tomcat when my daughter was a baby and they just loved each other to death, but he was a community cat and the neighbors took him when they moved so we got a kitten when my son was abut a year old and they are best friends to this day (he's 10). Don't freak out though if the cat gives your child a swift swipe when she gets out of line. It's all part of the learning process and it'll do her good in the long run. Just dab on some peroxide and tell her to be more gentle with the kitty next time.

A dog I think is too much hassle for a mom with a little one, it's like having a new baby the first year with a dog with housebreaking and training and keeping up with all the stuff he ate while you weren't looking. Not good when you have little ones to chase after too. They can also get really rowdy and scare a little kid off dogs without meaning to, so better just wait till she's a bit older for that.

Small animals like hamsters are the worst pets for little ones because they're so delicate. I killed a guinea pig my mom gave me when I was little, one of my earliest memories, and it still disturbs me, to this day. And I hate guinea pigs. Rabbits can be nice, but they aren't always as friendly as you think they're going to be. You really have to handle your rabbit alot if you want it to be a good pet. Ferrets are alot of work, almost as much as a puppy if you're going to do it right, but they're almost as much fun as a puppy too. But they're nocturnal, so not so much fun during the day. They also bite really hard when squeezed.

Fish are nice if your child isn't going to insist on handling them. Alot of little ones do handle them, even if you tell them not to. Poor fish. Better to get a big tank she can't pick up and let her pick out the fish. Fish are alot more work than people think, but certainly less than a ferret.

If you want to do a lizard, alot of work on your part, mind you and expense, I think beared dragons are the best. They're big enough to handle, reasonably friendly and they don't get huge, and you can feed em veggies. They're very delicate though, so do lots of research first. Snakes aren't a good idea at that age and frogs probably aren't either. Turtles are nice and sturdy pets that don't mind being held too much. We used to have a huge tank with turtles in it that was about five feet long and the kids would run up and down it with the turtles chasing their fingers. Kept them entertained for hours. But you have to make sure she washes her hands and doesn't put them in her mouth, because turtles and lizards carry salmonella.

Birds are... well, I don't like birds as pets. And they're very delicate, hollow bones and all. So you don't want to risk that, probably.

Remember whatever you get that your 4 year old is not going to be in any way responsible for that pet. So think of the amount of time you want to put into it.

Answer 6

I would personally get a Cat that is 1 or above and is calm or a Dog that is 1 or over just because kittens and puppys can get a little to wild! Or if u want something plain then just get a couple of fish.

Answer 7

honestly, fish, my cousin and her daughter live with my boyfriend and i and i have fish and the two year old LOVES feeding the fish (as long as i show her how MUCH to give the fish, to much will kill them) talking to them and watching them. i wouldnt suggest a dog or a cat because children that old dont quite understand yet that the animal CAN be hurt if you squeeze it to hard, or that you cant pick it up by its neck stuff like that. i would wait untill your child gets alittle older so that you can teach him/her to respect an animal and that you have to care for it and love it, and teach him/her how to pet and hold the animal

Answer 8

yes it's a good way to teach responisibilty and sometimes about death(oops!) no really I have a 3 year old and he has two pet hermit crabs they are friendly he plays with them almost everyday and they are cheap and easy to clean up after. and no they have never pinched any family member... I just surpvise him with them now he can handly them with out me watching over his shoulder the whole time.... check out the link below they have a hermit crab cove which is a great starter kit that has everything you need to get started...even a free crab!!!

Answer 9

i don't know if a 4 year old is really ready for a pet.. but maybe a kitten if you're willing to help take care of it
or something easy like fish

p.s. we have the same face :)

Answer 10

I think fish, because the children can help feed them. You may have to clean the tank but they will enjoy watching them. My 3 & 4 year old LOVE them.