whats a good pet for a 3-4 year old??

Question

we have a good dog already, we need something else that dont stink, is easy to take care of, and fun for a 3&1/2 year old girl. maybe a wabbit or something? any suggestions

Answer 1

I think a fish...She would enjoy watching them a lot...Cuz my daighter LOVES fish...She is also 3&1/2!!!So..Should would proably enjoy having a pet fish!


DaKoTa <3

Answer 2

A child that age is NOT ready for a pet that requires any care!!!

The best "pet" would be the dog you have already, with the child giving the dog fresh water daily or food, nothing more.

But if you are so inclined for a pet, I would commend a fish that only needs a pinch of food daily. But you will have to make sure the child does it enough and not too much, and you will have to be the one who cleans the bowl.

A rabbit requires a lot of care and the dog could hurt the rabbit. A rabbit is a social animal so it cannot be help alone and expected to thrive.

I grew up with pets and had a dog from the time I was six months old so I understand what a child can manage. Dad had fish tanks and we assigned each of us a small tank.

I think you need to compare the child's ability to true care for a pet as compared to the child's ability to cross the street alone!! Get the idea???

Answer 3

Rabbits can be tempermental, and children up to age 6 or so often don't know how to handle them well. They usually mean well, but they tend to maul the bunny by wanting to show their love by holding it too tightly/much--the bunny can get agitated and scratch your child when jumping away, bite, and/or squirt at them.

Likewise, cats are difficult b/c although some cats looooove to be cuddled and play fetch just like dogs, just as many are loners, and it is hard to tell which kind yours will be...until you have it already. A little kid will want the attention of the kitty and is still young enough that it might pull/hold its tail, hold it too tightly, etc. and get bitten/scratched.

Accordingly, if you want to get a substantial pet like those, you should really think of it as *your* pet not your daughter's, and be prepared to spend a lot of time teaching her how to hold the animal, telling her what it doesn't like, guiding her interactions with the animal, etc. If you don't do this well, the sad thing is that when your daughter is old enough to manage her own actions with the bunny/cat, it will remember the trauma she inflicted at this age, and won't like her. I suggest waiting if you get one of these, or make sure you adopt an adult whose temperment is well known and toddler-compatible.

I am also not a big fan of giving small rodents to 4 year olds, b/c if they get bitten (or decide to be a big girl and take the hammy out on her own), it can mean the pet gets dropped, lost in the home, and worse.

If you want to do something a little different than fish, with which she can have a sense of ownership/responsibility, I would suggest a pair of African dwarf frogs. In my experience they are a big hardier than many fish, most will eat non-live food, and they have a cute size that will appeal to kids. Personally I think they have more personality than fish :). Remember that at 3-4 years old the whole world is a not newer, so even fish are more interesting, and they will enjoy them more than you would expect...maybe you could let her pick out her favorite color, and get her a fish that matches it!

Answer 4

I would certainly not buy a rabbit for a 3-4 year old. Rabbits are easily stressed and do not like constant handling, and would probably not enjoy being a young child's pet. You will likely wind up with a slightly neurotic, nippy bunny. They just cannot handle constant excitement. Children often lose interest in bunnies because of this, leading to many unfortunately winding up in shelters. It is always best to do your homework on a pet before you buy.

That being said, I am going to recommend a rat. Rats are sweet, social creatures that love to be handled. They bond strongly with their caretakers, and very seldom bite. I've had rats for years and have yet to be bitten (I suppose I should knock on wood, now!) They are very curious little creatures, and a 3-4 year old would probably love watching them scamper about and play. Plus, they are relatively easy to care for. If you decide to go with a rat, I would strongly recommend you buy two rats of the same gender. As previously mentioned, rats are very social and when not being handled, would greatly appreciate the company of a rat friend.

Good luck to you.

Answer 5

Goldfish are good at that age. They don't require a lot of work.
I would discourage the rabbits, many of them are skittish and do not enjoy being held or cuddled, and some bite. Cats are good too, when brought into the home with young children they grow together and learn to love each other immensly. They're much more self reliant. The litterbox can be a hassle, but for one cat, cleaning once a week is usually sufficient. My son became responsible for feeding our cat when he was 4, he loves it and the cats (we have 2 now) are constantly swarming his feet because they know he provides their food.

Answer 6

I had a rabbit in my preschool class. It was a lot of work. Rabbits kick with their hind feet, so with young children they need their claws trim (not an easy job). I had a few nibbled little fingers because of the children sticking thier fingers in the cage. Little fingers look like carrots! They are very soical, and get depressed when they are alone, but they are also skitish. You also have to keep an eye on them when they get out of thier cage, they love to chew on wires. A possitive point with rabbits is you can litter box train them. But if you are going to have to mess with a litter box, it may be better to get a kitten.

I agree with the posted answer about a pet rat. I ended up keeping the preschool rabbit at home and getting a rat for the class instead. Rats are a lot of fun. My sons 12 yrs & 7 yrs. each have one. They are stirty critters for thier size and like to ride on shoulders.

Also it is a lot of fun going to the pet store to buy a fish.

Answer 7

I agree, if you have a dog, that is a good pet for a child. If it is a larger dog, even better. Let her become more involved in brushing and feeding the one you already have.
I wouldn't personally choose a rabbit, they tend to be on the nervous side and are easily harmed. Maybe later when she's six or seven.

Answer 8

I dont think a rabbit would be good. she may be too rough with it. I would think maybe a cat? But, I would not bring a little kitten into house unless you have a very well behaved 3 yr old! No offense, but most children that young dont know any better and can get rough with a baby animal. If she is gentle I would say a cute little kitty!

Answer 9

Definitely a fish or three. Kids love them and after you have the tank they are cheap. You can buy little things to decorate the tank different and the kids can do a lot of the work. Not to mention, it makes a cool living-room fixture and conversation piece. If you get tired of it, you can easily sell it.

Answer 10

Hamster

Answer 11

An aquarium!

A rabbit can get smushed plus they stink. So do the other small furry creatures, gerbils, hamsters, etc.