For a sixteen year old girl, which would be a safe pet for to care for?

Question

I was thinking of cat, dog, or bird??

Answer 1

In 2 years when she goes off to college are you going to be wanting to care for a dog or cat? Just a reminder.
An indoor cat would be much easier, dogs are more interactive if she is athletic but also very time consuming for a student and more expensive with training and medications, flea and heart worm prevention and then you have to remember about grooming a $40 cost every 6-8 weeks if you get a groomed breed.
I would stick to a short hair kitten.

Answer 2

That depends on the girl. How diligent is she? Cats are usually much more independent than dogs. Birds need attention all the time or they want to be left alone. A dog wants and needs lots of attention all the time. I would consider these things and pick a pet for her. I would give an accessory (like a collar or toy) with a gift certificate to a shelter or somewhere as opposed to the animal itself.

Answer 3

I wold say cat, they are reasonably independant so can do their own thing of the person has other stuff on, but cats also love the affection and stuff that the girl could give.
Dogs are a lot of work and are so much more dependant and cost more. Birds are ok, but can you really see her cleaning out the cage every week or however often you are supposed to change it?

I say go for a little kitty.
Good Luck

(Probably not the best idea to get for a christmas present though, what are you going to do if she doesn't want it? Throw it out on the street and let it die in the gutter? No animal deserves that)

Answer 4

If this sixteen year old girl is always on the go and rarely home, a cat or bird would suit the bill. If she is energetic and likes to exercise and walk, interact with people, and laugh at herself, a dog would be perfect. Large dogs (English Setters for example) are often gentle and seem to form a close bond with the owner.

Answer 5

well, any of the above. birds are not at all boring, although they can be tempermental. you can teach them tricks just like you would a dog. what i would look into before getting a pet is this: what about college. are your parents willing to care for them while you're gone? or will you be able to take them with you? even with an apartment, i would rule out a dog. the college life just is not suited to them. a cat would probably be best for college life, as they don't need to constant attention that a bird or dog does.

Answer 6

Cats can be good for smaller apt.. But dogs are more loving and trainable. They know there name and decide to come when called.. Cats are lovable when they feel like it.. they require a kitty box.. constant litter scooping and changes.. That smells up the whole house..if she forgets .. Best pet for her is the one she picks out.. Animal shelters are full of both cats and dogs..you can spend time with the animal.. before you pick one..

Answer 7

Cats are pretty safe, unless you happen to come across a psycho kitty. Most cats who are adopted as kittens and house trained turn out to be very good pets.

Ferrets are ok too. Smelly and expensive, but good pets. My 16 year old sister has two ferrets and about ten cats (yikes!) :)

Answer 8

Birds are a lot of fun to have, but they can cause a lot of hassle to clean up after, especially if you let them fly out of the cage often.

If she has experience with pets, I suggest a dog. They're playful and if trained properly, aren't that much trouble.

If she has little experience with animals, start her off with something small like a guinea pig or rabbit.

Answer 9

Well it depends on how much time u want to spend with your pet. You could get a hampster, guinea pig. fish, or bird if you dont want to spend to much time with it. If you plan on spendind a lot of time with it u might think about getting a cat or a small dog such as pomeranian, or a doxie maybe a pug.Have fun.

Answer 10

I would suggest a cat because they are easy to feed and take care of in general. Besides when you are an active teen you may not have the time and money to walk, train and pay a groomer. On top of the necessary vet. visits.