What is a good pet for a 6yr old?

Question

we already have a cat...we cant get a gerbil/hamster and i dont want to get a fish....
nothing to smelly...

Answer 1

parakeet

Answer 2

A stuffed animal.

Many people aren't fully aware that most children up to age 12 (or more, ranging from person to person) won't care for the pet at all. Sure, they'll love them, but know that you'll be the sole caregiver and find a pet that /you/ are willing to care for. I'm sure the child will love and get excited over any animal you get. You can't trust a child to be the caregiver (hoping you'd be somewhat involved anyway) for an animal that will be absolutely dependent on them because there is NO way someone that young can provide near the standard of care needed for ANY animal.

I recommend fish because they require less general maintenance than other pets (besides regular tank cleanings, part replacements, necessary vet care and medications) and you can teach the child to help feed them. It makes them feel very responsible being involved in anything, and they're interesting to watch, but you've seemed to rule out the chance for fish.

Have you considered letting the six year old get more involved in the cat's care?

DO NOT get a bird. Birds require far too much care, such as proper housing, mental stimulation, interaction, training, and so much effort that a child could NEVER, EVER put towards it. Even adults seem to have trouble providing adequate care for birds, and they need to be cleaned and let out from the cage to be exercised daily. I say this having owned 5 birds since I was 11. They're a LOT of work and require a LOT of research and study.
Also, having had turtles as a child, I did not take proper care of them. My father was the sole caregiver, and while I did love them and feed them the occasional meal, my father cleaned them, initiated exercising them, and having been so ill prepared, they did not live in a proper enclosure. I'd also like to mention that both birds and turtles, along with most other pets (but not so much as exotics), are VERY expensive to keep properly. And both animals can and will bite. And they hurt like hell. You do not want a beak, whether from a bird or a turtle, piercing into your child, or yourself for that matter.

Answer 3

acually a hamster would be okay. as long as the cat isnt around when playing with him. Research diffrent types of hamsters. there behaviors are all diff. (dwarfs dnt like to be held not a good pet for 6yr olds and teddy bears LOVE attention) Dont get gerbil either. My little brothers pulled their tails off.

Hamsters arent really that smelly if u clean the cage like ur supposed too (once a week). everyone who says that is wrong. i have one.

Answer 4

A small dog or a rabbit. I have to worn ya tho, rabbits can be a little on the smelly side sometimes.


Not a bird.
No fish
No cats


Maybe you should just get a dog- they are fun, ok on the work part, and mischevious sometimes.

Go to a pet shop and look around, you will find the perfect pet for a 6 year old.

Answer 5

I can only think of two options: a bird. Bird's a great pets, and, particulalry if the are off the talking variety, both fun and stimulating for a child. But it depends whether your child is the kind who can resisit opening the cage! I know I wasn't.

I also had mice znd rats when I was young. Don't think dirty sewer rat, I mean clean little bred mice. Lots of fun and very cute.

I wouldn't go for a dog just yet, both because you have a cat, and because the kid's a bit young and you would be doing all the work and rearing (of both dog and child)yourself!

Answer 6

how about a south African Almeban Crakten there are fun pets but must be bought from rare pet stores ita a type of lizard with 9 in claws and a bite that could take down a grown man in less than 5 hours after bite.

No lol jk i would suggest just buying another kitten there playful furry and always land on there feet incase he drops

Answer 7

You mentioned that you can't get a gerbil or hamster. What about a guinea pig? They're relatively smell-free (as long as their cages are clean) and unlike a gerbil, they're large enough to be handled and petted. It would also be a good opportunity to teach your child responsibility by contracting in advance for him/her to clean the cage if you get it. Of course, you'd have to keep it away from the cat. . . ! :-)

Good luck.

Answer 8

about every pet has some smell to it.What is your 6 year old interested? that's whats important.We have 3 dogs,1cat,1goat,pig,duck,20rabbits my grand-kids take care of all them only 2 dogs and the cat are inside pets.The goat is by far the best pet.if you live in town and cant have a dog or goat.think about turtle,salamander,rabbit can be house trained and are very smart.birds are the dirtiest and ferrets down right stink.

Answer 9

Well, I grew up with three French poodles (and several goldfish!) well into my teens. The poodles served as wonderful company however I do remember we had to have a woman come to the house quite often to groom them. They barked loudly when strangers approached but certainly wouldn't have done much else. I loved them though. VERY easy to play with and lived a long time. Didn't seem prone to running away either, but they loved to run.

Answer 10

I'd say a dog, kids that age are kind of rough on their pets(mine were) & a kitten could get hurt or worse bite/scratch the child.

Answer 11

Turtle's can't be that expensive, don't make much noise, and are pretty easy to take care of even for a 6 year old, but they might smell just a little.