What are some good pets for young kids that aren’t a dog or cat?

When I was 4, my dad made a caterpillar habitat and we got to watch them make cocoons and turn into butterflies. A bit later, I got a goldfish, and then a cat when I was 6.

I'll never forget that caterpillar to butterfly experience, and I adored the cat. The fish was pretty, but didn't do a lot of interesting things.

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09/09/2023 14:48

Subject: What are some good pets for young kids that aren’t a dog or cat?

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Anonymous

A cat is actually one of the lowest maintenance critters.

But a rat has a much shorter lifespan so less of a commitment, usually pretty friendly, and relatively sturdy.

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09/09/2023 14:55

Subject: What are some good pets for young kids that aren’t a dog or cat?

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Anonymous

Anonymous wrote:How young?

10 year old boy.

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09/09/2023 14:56

Subject: What are some good pets for young kids that aren’t a dog or cat?

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Anonymous

Anonymous wrote:When I was 4, my dad made a caterpillar habitat and we got to watch them make cocoons and turn into butterflies. A bit later, I got a goldfish, and then a cat when I was 6.

I'll never forget that caterpillar to butterfly experience, and I adored the cat. The fish was pretty, but didn't do a lot of interesting no
things.

The habitat sounds like fun. Thanks. I think this is doable during the spring and would be a good science lesson as well.

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09/09/2023 14:56

Subject: What are some good pets for young kids that aren’t a dog or cat?

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Anonymous

Anonymous wrote:A cat is actually one of the lowest maintenance critters.

But a rat has a much shorter lifespan so less of a commitment, usually pretty friendly, and relatively sturdy.[/quote

Rats and rodents terrify me. Gulp.

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09/09/2023 15:13

Subject: What are some good pets for young kids that aren’t a dog or cat?

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Anonymous

What about a turtle or tortoise?

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09/09/2023 15:36

Subject: What are some good pets for young kids that aren’t a dog or cat?

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Anonymous

Anonymous wrote:What about a turtle or tortoise?

Be careful with salmonella

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09/09/2023 16:32

Subject: What are some good pets for young kids that aren’t a dog or cat?

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Anonymous

Anonymous wrote:What about a turtle or tortoise?

If the OP doesn't want the work and commitment of a cat, she sure as heck doesn't want to do the work to properly care for a tortise or turtle. Also they have really long lifespans.

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09/09/2023 16:37

Subject: Re:What are some good pets for young kids that aren’t a dog or cat?

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Anonymous

Maybe a garter snake. They are easy enough to care for, can be fed fish and other non rodent prey and stay small.

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09/09/2023 16:38

Subject: What are some good pets for young kids that aren’t a dog or cat?

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Anonymous

All animals are a commitment. To feedthem, clean their spaces, make sure they are healthy.

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09/09/2023 17:05

Subject: What are some good pets for young kids that aren’t a dog or cat?

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Anonymous

Guinea Pig

But nothing, nothing, will be a substitute. The decision to bring a pet into the house, that is not a dog or a cat, will not fill the longing.

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09/09/2023 17:57

Subject: What are some good pets for young kids that aren’t a dog or cat?

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Anonymous

Anonymous wrote:Guinea Pig

But nothing, nothing, will be a substitute. The decision to bring a pet into the house, that is not a dog or a cat, will not fill the longing.

Agree 100 percent. I tell all parents to just cut to the chase and get the cat or the dog. Spending years caring for the geckos and the rats and the bunnies is just killing time and doesn't do it. Get your kid the dog (or I guess cat, but don't like them).

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09/09/2023 18:15

Subject: What are some good pets for young kids that aren’t a dog or cat?

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Anonymous

Foster a cat or cat sit for neighbors. I have had fish, hermit crabs, rabbits, lizards, mice ... all are more work (to do well) and less satisfying than a mainstream pet.