Pets For You

A rabbit has been a traditional symbol of Easter. It is in this time when you could readily see them almost anywhere. These cute, huggable bunnies are being sold at the road side, parking lots, and in those pet shops. Putting them on display and making them look interesting is never a problem for merchants. The soft fur, twitchy nose, and pretty eyes are definitely hard to miss. In fact, any child who would look at them could never resist the rabbits’ charm. Because of this kids will not cease from bugging their parents to buy one for them and parents will have difficulty saying no since they themselves are besotted. Rabbits are truly adorable and their endearing nature makes them a perfect pet for kids.

Rabbits in History

These furry, little animals could be found in most regions of the world. They are able to survive in almost any sort of habitat. The domesticated rabbits we commonly see these days are descendants of wild ones coming from Europe. However, they are originally from the lands near the Mediterranean Sea. During the ancient times, Romans raise rabbits not as pets but as food. They are a favorite because they are a good source of meat. They were kept outdoors in pens for them to proliferate and increase in number. In those times, wars were waging anywhere and since they were favored, Roman warriors and colonizers took rabbits with them to various parts of Europe. It has been that way until the coming of the

Middle Ages 

During which French monks tamed wild rabbits and that started their domestication. It was in the sixteenth century when people began developing different breeds and kinds of domestic rabbits. To this day, the existing number of rabbit breeds is approximately fifty.

Traits of a Rabbit

What makes rabbits as interesting and exceptional as pets is that they remind people of the essence of kindness, patience, and gentleness. All these are wonderful values most parents want their children to imbibe. Having them as pets would bring a child closer to nature. Through them, kids would learn to take the time in appreciating even the most miniature things in life.

They may seem to be cumbersome animals but don’t be tricked by their charming appearance. Rabbits are much wiser that one think of them. Wild rabbits are being hunted by several numbers of predators which is mainly the reason why an evolution of traits occurred in order for them to survive. Even domestic rabbits possess this knack for survival. According to studies of animal behavior, rabbits in general have a 360 degree vision which allows them to see everything around them without even turning their heads. Sounds coming from various directions are picked up by the long ears that they have while the constantly wiggling nose are used in detecting and determining scents of both whom they see as enemies and friends.

Taking care of pet rabbits is quite easy and they are also trainable in the use of a litter box. Allow them some time to get used to the environment of your home and let them feel safe. After some time, they will have no qualms of playing with you. Be forewarned that they actually like to chew almost everything in sight.

Be sure to keep those electrical wires from them. Feed them with carrots, apples, lettuce, and similar feeds. For those who are fond of gardening, having rabbits around would come handy. Their droppings actually make a good fertilizer. This might be reason enough for you to consider them as the perfect pet for your kids.

The best idea for a child’s first pet is to give him

or her hamster. They are adorable and fuzzy little

creatures but nonetheless appealing. No matter what

the size of an animal is, they all could be used as a

means of teaching the value of love. The importance of

finding the perfect pet is the experience that a child

undergoes in taking care of it.

Differentiate Hamsters from Gerbils

Hamsters are different from gerbils in two very

important ways. First, hamsters are more inclined to

be solitary and that means they ideally live alone.

Syrian hamsters should not be placed in just one cage

together with the others. They cannot share their

domain to others without constant fighting. Although,

the Chinese and Russian breeds are able to live in

pairs or groups, it should be done while they are

still at a young age. On the other hand, gerbils must

live in groups so it will be so unkind if you keep

only one as a pet. If this is the case, the gerbil

will be lonesome and miserable. Unlike hamsters,

gerbils relish the idea of companions. When in a

group, they will most probably spend a big part of

their time cleaning one another and commonly sleep

curled up together.

First Step

Hamsters are generally trouble free. Their need for

care is very basic yet still a good way for children

to learn the importance of responsibility and elicits

affection from them. Mostly, caring for these little

ones entail minimal chores. Naturally like any other

living creature they need fresh food, water, and

adequate air on a regular basis. Feed them well and

provide them with potable water.

A good thing about them is that they you will have no

problems with pungent odors since they do not have

very overwhelming smell. Compared to other animals,

they do not shed as much. Despite of them being

rodents, these tiny ones are fairly sanitary animals.

But of course their cage would still require cleaning

one to two times a week to maintain their cleanliness.

In order to tame a new hamster, offering those treats

is an excellent approach. Initially, they tend to be

timid and nervous but their curiosity would lead them

to you. Reach out your hand slowly inside the coop and

allow them some time to sniff you at least twice day

before you could actually start holding them in your

hands. Speak to them with a gentle voice. Be calm and

patient in dealing with them. Soon, they will get used

to your presence and will most likely start climbing

onto your hand.

Another great thing about them is that they can be

acquired at a minimum cost and caring expenses is not

pricey. All you need to buy is an appropriate cage

together with an exercise wheel for them. This is also

the only thing that would produce a bit of noise. Not

to worry though, hamsters will not stay on the wheel

all night long and even that is really inconsequential

so they are usually quiet. Overall, whenever a child

asks for a pet it is highly suggested that hamsters

should be given to them. This will serve as a perfect

pet for starting up. Let the child take one step at a

time. Once the child’s capacity to take on the task is

established and they become very dependable that will

be the time when you can start pondering on other

possible animals that are suitable as pets.

Legend of Cats

People from all over the world see cats as the perfect

pet. Since time immemorial, there is a popular belief

that cats do posses magical powers. From the

fourteenth until the sixteenth century, most Europeans

have a notion that witches would turn their enemies

into cats. A strange cat that is left astray is

thought of as a victim or a witch disguising to be

one. Superstitions involving cats are commonly heard

from then on. In fact, the black cat is feared to

bring bad luck, misery, or cause a disease. Even a

person’s death is attributed to a black cat’s

unfortunate omen. Even in some parts of the world

today such as Europe and the United States, there

exists a fallacy that once a black cat crosses your

path bad luck is sure to come your way.

Contrary to that, accounts about a cat’s heroism

redeemed them to many. The most popular legend is that

of “Puss in Boots”. The European fairy tale

exemplified a cat as a protagonist who helped his

owner in defeating an ogre and eventually marrying a

princess. This story left a mark and endeared cats to

many.

At present times versions of the cat magician have

evolved and innovations have been adopted across

cultures. In Asia, farmers from Indonesia bathe their

cats as a customary ritual in order to implore the

rain god for a rainfall. True enough, rain falls to

irrigate the rice fields they plow. On the other hand,

Romanians have a different belief about the cats’

control over fertility. For them placing a cat in a

cradle would help recently married couples in having a

baby. Newlyweds rock the cradle in order to have a

baby very soon. In the meantime, sailors coming from

various countries suppose that one could predict the

weather condition especially storms at sea by merely

observing the feline creature’s behavior. All these

positive anecdotes ushered the cats’ fame in being a

favorable household pet.

Cat’s Self Care

Cats are deemed to be affectionate and sweet animals.

They are friendly and love being around human beings.

Most of them are easy to have as pets. Handling them

won’t be difficult since they have fairly light

weighing barely four kilograms. Taking care of them is

almost effortless. Unlike dogs, cats do not

necessitate walks with their owners. Playing itself is

considered enough exercise for them already. All they

need is a pat or a stroke. Also, they do not take up

much space and could just lie silently on a corner

without proving to be a distraction to the people

around. A purr coming from them is an indication that

they are very relaxed. They like to stay in one place

claiming it as their personal space. They hate

travelling and it would take them some time to get

used to the new place. For the most part of the day,

majority of a cat’s time is spent sleeping

particularly while their owner has left the house.

Grooming them does not require much especially the

ones with short hair. Although they are neat squeaks,

there is still no worry since all cats maintain their

cleanliness by tidying themselves. Cats are extremely

graceful and walk lightly on their feet. They love

playing with balls of threads among other cat toys.

Even when they are quite old, being playful is

characteristic of them. Being independent is something

that they are known for.

Cats would make a perfect pet for those who love to

cuddle animals but do not have so much time to spare.

They are ideal to be given to kids who are just

learning to adapt to the responsibility of taking care

of another living thing.

Fishes could be an amazing household pet. Among all

the animals, they are the easiest to care for plus

they don’t really take so much room. However, most

kids lose their interest in fishes rather fast

especially those children who want to have a pet which

they can cuddle up with. They tend to be a bore for

kids who are active and always on the go. That must be

the reason why not too many would ask for a school of

fish. Nonetheless, fishes can be the perfect pet.

Sensible Choice

Whenever parents think of granting their little kids’

plea for a pet, most often the choice is to give them

a fish. Even with the little care it requires, they

could still teach them how to be responsible in taking

care of a living thing. Having a pet fish would

instill in them the value of love and acceptance of

simplicity.

Parents really have a great deal of accountability

when it comes to introducing a pet to a child. They

have to keep in mind the child’s well being and that

of the pet. With fishes there is less threat to the

child’s safety. It is ideal especially for a kid who

easily gets tired of new things and just wants it for

the novelty of having one. This would save the parents

a lot of trouble in the long run since more often than

not; it is them who are burdened with the duty once

their child bails out.

Basic Rules

There are only a few things to remember in taking care

of them. The rules are very basic and could easily be

followed by little children. One, do not dump anything

in the fish tank. Two, do not take the fish out of the

water. Also, they need a minimal amount of day to day

and weekly care. All you have to do is feed them

adequately and clean the fish tank at least once a

week. Keeping an aquarium of fish can be educational

and an enjoyable experience.

First, consider the size of the tank that will be

adequate for the fish to swim freely. The aquarium’s

size will determine the number and kind of fish that

you would get for the child. Second, think of the best

place in your home where you can put the fish tank.

Make sure that the stand serves as a good foundation

will support the aquarium and in the right height so

the child will have no difficulty reaching the brim

during feeding time. Put it away from busy traffic to

prevent it from being collided into. Place it where

there is enough sunlight and ventilation. This would

prevent mosquitoes from plaguing the area. However,

placing it near a window where there too much sunlight

would cause the water to turn green easily. When this

happens, you will need to change the water more often.

If there is no other place, you can solve the problem

by covering the window with curtains.

After everything is set, teach your child the right

amount of feeding. Overfeeding will result to the

fishes’ death. Be sure that the child is under

supervision when he or she does the feeding. Cleaning

the tank could also be a time for the parent and child

to bond. You will have to do it but have your kid

assist you. The bulk of the chore is just about it. No

matter how simple it may seem, the goal of turning

your child into a responsible person could still be

achieve. Thus, fishes could possibly be the perfect

Being responsible is a very important quality of a

person. This trait is not gained in just a snap of a

finger though. Acceptance of responsibilities is a

long and winding process that should be inculcated in

an individual as early as possible. Childhood is the

most appropriate time for kids to learn how to be

responsible. Teaching your kids the value of being

responsible could start by giving them a pet. Through

this you will be able to achieve your goal while your

kids are having an eventful experience as well.

However, you do not just give them any animal you

could think of. Bear in mind that the length of time

the will be with you may range from months to years.

It will never be easy that is why you really have to

choose the perfect pet for your kids.

Benefits of Having a Pet

Having pets brings a lot of benefits. Aside from

learning the value of being responsible, pets could in

fact give their owners unconditional love. They are

very reliant to human beings for love and affection

but give it back to you too. Be sure to really take

care of them and you will feel their warmth for you.

They may just stay where they are but once you

approach them you would soon find out that they are

regaled with your presence. They may not be able to

speak how they feel but you could sense that certain

warmth through their body language. Jumping excitedly,

running towards you, or just staying by your side is

their way of communication.

Pets have a great way of comforting kids especially

when they are sick or having a bad day. They comfort

people during the times of need. They may not do it

exactly the way another person does but in their own

way they would achieve the same goal.

Factors to Consider

Choosing a pet for children depends largely on a

number of factors. The child’s current age is a key

element in making the decision. Very young kids might

unknowingly mishandle or hurt the pet. There is a

possibility that they would pull, drop, or pick the

pet improperly which would cause undue hurt or pain.

Health of all family members should also be

considered. Some people have a hypersensitivity

reaction to pets. Hairy animals will most probably

exacerbate a person’s asthma attacks. In some

instances, contact dermatitis may ensue in various

parts of the body especially on those areas that

constantly touch or adhere to the pet. Assess your

family’s health status first to avoid them from

happening. If you are not certain whether or not your

children have allergies, allow them to spend some time

at a pet owner’s house. This would help you gauge

whether the pet is suitable for them and will not be

detrimental to their health.

Another thing that you have to look into is the

financial aspect. Determine how much can you allot for

the pet and their care including food, vaccine, and

grooming. Building an appropriate coop up for a

particular animal might be more expensive than you

think. Even animals require play pens too.

Apart from that, you have to consider how big your

house is and how much space you could spare for the

kid’s pet. Ample space will be needed in taking care

of pets. If you have a rather small place, then choose

an animal that would not require so much.

Having a pet would also entail apportioning the

parents’ time. Even though the child promises to take

on all the responsibilities, parents still end up

helping out. It is important that you supervise your

child while she performs the chores to make sure that

everything is done right. It is only after a period of

time when they could really manage.

Hopefully, the worst case scenario will not happen.

Some kids get tired of the pet and the parents end up

doing the chores or finding a pet sitter in some

cases. In order to avoid this from happening it is

important that you find the perfect pet for your kids.