What kind of pet..cat or dog?

Question

I have a little boy who will be two in April. We tried a puppy, but I really think he was just too young then about 6 months ago. I would like to know which is best to start with a puppy or kitten, which breeds, and what care to give them. My husband says that if we get a cat or kitten to declaw them because they will be in the house, but I really hate that idea. Any advice?

Thanks for the support in that it is still too early! Wait until I show the hubby all that, and that is mentioned without me ever saying how I felt about it. Thank you all....you have proven my point and I am going to win out and wait for a pet!

Answer 1

There's no rush or reason to get a pet if you are having doubts about your child's age and ability to know how to treat the animal.
Keep in mind, dogs HAVE to have human interaction, in essence, another child. They need to be played with, talked to, walked, and cleaned. Cats are very self reliant. You just feed them and clean out their litter box. They can entertain themselves. Fairly maintenance free. Consider this when making a decision.
De-clawing should not be even considered. I've live with dogs and cats my whole life, (indoor). You will be scratched just like you will be bitten at one time or another by a dog. My 8 month old daughter and our 2 cats live together just fine. She has been scratched, but it's ultimately the parents responsibility to S-U-P-E-R-V-I-S-E their children just as they would at a park or playground.
It is a great idea showing your children how to coexist with pets and other animals, it builds great personal values and responsibility. Just take into account your childs age and ability to realize the danger of pulling on a cat's or dog's tail.

Answer 2

With a child that age you really have to think about what level of care you want to give to a pet because it is going to be a long time before your little boy can become involved. Dogs need walking daily and need more thought to find a breed to suit children, whereas with a cat a general moggy will be fine but not all cats are overly sociable, they do however require less training, no walking, but like your husband mentioned they can make a mess of furniture by clawing. I would not however get them de clawed i don't even know if that is legal. Dogs can make much better companions for children. You need a nice placid breed like a cavalier king charles spaniel - they stay small, have a good temperament, good with children. Or if you fancy a larger dog a labrador. However they do not come without problems as with any animal so make sure you get pet insurance. As regards care dogs need good levels of training and socialisation from the start so that they know what the boundaries are. Having good consistant boundaries from the start will make them a better behaved and settled dog. Training classes and a good chat with you local veterinary centre will give you loads of help with this. Hope this helps FOR ME THERE IS NO QUESTION I WOULD GO WITH DOG EVERY TIME.

Answer 3

I agree with KitKat. You really need to read books and do research, especially if you don't know what kind of care you're going to give the future animal. It's best to figure out what to feed the animal and who your vet is *before* you have the pet, instead of waiting until you have it.

In my opinion, it's not a good idea to bring a new animal, especially a young puppy or kitten, into a household with a young child. It's better to adopt an older dog that is used to and tolerates young children. Even better to wait until the child is older (a few years older, not a few months) and better able to understand how to behave around animals.

If you do decide to get an animal, you should never ever leave your child alone with it, no matter the breed or species. Most child attacks/bites by dogs happen when they are left alone with the family pet and do something to provoke the animal.

Answer 4

Cats are much easier to care for and some can be very affectionate. I have cats and dogs. Animal shelters have an abundance available for adoption. You will spot the friendly ones right away. They will interact with you from inside the cage. If you decide to declaw, make sure you don't let the cat go outside because it will have no way to defend itself or climb a tree if it needs to avoid being attacked by another animal.

Answer 5

My advice is to wait til your child is at least 5 before introducing any animal into the household. At five the child can understand that a pup or kitty needs to be treated gently, not sat on or hit or pulled by the tail. Before that they really don't get it, and that can result in the animal hurting the child. It will just be trying to defend itself but the child will be hurt and traumatized, and the animal punished or put down for a very natural reaction.
Please avoid all the problems and wait a few years.

Answer 6

Don't ask here. Get books, read them and do your research. Puppies are like children..they need to be taught just like a toddler. Declawing is heartless and cruel. Any animal would certainly not be your child dog. He's only 2!

Answer 7

cats are not good for little ones especially if your son shows any signs of allergies. The dander of the cat hair can throw a little one into an asthma attack(not always, just has been known to happen) Dogs aare good--especially a lab or if you go the "big" ones --a GREAT DANE is great with kids, very mellow and yet very protective of the kids, and the whole family.

Answer 8

Cats you dont have to train, dogs you do. Get a puppy though. Cuz then u train it to be friendly and stuff and and older dog well u cant really train. I love dogs more and they're awesome but i think u should get a kitten.

Answer 9

Two awesome mutts. A Staffordshire Bull Terrier x Pomeranian and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Pomeranian.

Answer 10

I would get a dog, not a puppy. I would get a older golden retriever because they are very tolerant with small children. Your son and the dog will probably become great friends. well hop i helped a little.