Which pet is right for your family

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Sooner or later, every child asks his parents to buy a puppy or kitten. But don't be in a hurry to say no. You may be underestimating the positive impact of pets in your home. Our article will help you choose a pet based on the capabilities of your family and the nature of your child.

Cat

A moderately sociable animal and moderately trained. The fact that cats do not lend themselves to training can be refuted not only by Kuklachev, but also by many of your friends. However, raising cats really requires special patience, since they do not understand the punishments.

In addition to being admired, cats have a positive effect on human health: when you pet a cat, your heart rate slows down and your blood pressure drops. Even broken bones heal faster to the sound of the purr.

A cat is suitable for your family if:

• you like to spend time quietly at home;
• you are ready to spend at least 15–20 thousand rubles a year on an animal: good food, litter for the toilet, regular vaccinations and other treatments, toys, scratching posts.

A cat is not suitable for your family if:

you want the animal in your home to perform only an interior function. Cats require quite a lot of attention: communication, affection, play;

you often leave the whole family, and there is no one to leave the cat with. She will be bored, but also, if the pot is not clean, the cat may find another place in your apartment

Get a cat if you want your child to:

• became more patient and restrained - the location of the cat cannot be achieved by force;
• learned independence and attentiveness - the cat will set an example.

Dog

Probably everyone dreamed of a dog, at least in childhood. The dedication of these animals is praised in art, and a large number of activities with dogs - games, learning tricks, just walking together - is very attractive for anyone who lacks communication and warmth.

A variety of breeds allows you to choose an animal that is most suitable in character, financial capabilities and free time.

Dog owners are more active and less likely to experience anxiety and depression.

A dog is suitable for your family if:

• you like to walk a lot (including jogging or biking) or are absolutely sure that you need it;
• you live in a country house or in a spacious apartment. You can even get more than one dog, then they will require a little less attention from you.

A dog is not suitable for your family if:

• no one is at home most of the day - loneliness for a dog is like torture;
• you will not be able to find a couple of hours (and for many breeds and more) daily for walks and games: 15 minutes in the morning and in the evening is enough to "get things done", but not enough for the normal development and mood of the dog;
• the budget for keeping the animal is limited. A dog, especially a large one, will cost even more than a cat.

Get a dog if you want your child to:

• became more disciplined and responsible - the dog will demand a walk at a certain time of the day very persistently;
• moved more - games, walks, training are necessary for the dog for several hours a day;
• became sociable - on the walking area, dog owners often communicate with each other, and the dogs themselves find friends among their neighbors;
• learned devotion and friendship.

In fact, a cat or dog in civilized countries is no longer considered just a pet. Usually these animals live for 10–20 years and during this time they become full-fledged family members.

Therefore, if you have no experience of keeping pets at all or you are not sure about your plans for the coming years (for example, you are planning to move to another country), then you should start with other animals - smaller and simpler.

Rodents

Hamsters, dzungariki (also hamsters, but smaller), gerbils (seemingly a cross between a rat and a hamster), rats, mice (satin, for example, very beautiful), rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas - today in pet stores there is plenty to choose from. There are also kennels where you can buy various breeds of these animals of all colors from hairless to curly.

The lifespan of small rodents is literally a couple of years. Guinea pigs, rabbits and chinchillas hypothetically live longer, but for various reasons rarely survive the age of 5-7 years.

The most affectionate of them are rats. The favorite place of these quick-witted animals is the shoulder of the owner. Rats are very attached to their owners with regular communication. There is no need to be afraid of the aggression of these rodents: rats brought up from childhood can tolerate almost any manipulation. Rather, you will be surprised at their tenderness.

Hamsters, gerbils, mice are interesting for observation. Especially if you start several individuals at once (of the same sex, so that the number does not start to grow exponentially). The more inventory you put in the cage, the more interesting the rodent's life and observation will be.

Guinea pigs have a particularly convenient trait for keeping: they don't tend to run away. Even if you put the pig in a low enclosure, it will not jump out and hide in the apartment. At the same time, the pig is quite large and not too playful, which makes it a good pet for small children.

Chinchillas have recently become quite popular for home keeping. However, they require very large cells, and they themselves are quite expensive. In addition, these animals are active at night, during the day they usually sleep and are not too happy to communicate.

Rodents are right for you if:

• on a cat or a dog, you still do not dare;
• your finances or space are severely limited.

Rodents are not suitable for you if:

you don't want to clean the cage a couple of times a week - the rodent stench is pretty strong if not cared for enough

Get rodents if you want your child to:

• learned responsibility and accuracy;
• got a fluffy warm friend and stopped dreaming about a dog or a cat for a while.

Parrots

In addition to the classic budgerigars, lovebirds, cockatiels, as well as large ones - gray, cockatoo, macaw are widely kept at home. The latter are distinguished by the greatest intelligence and ingenuity.

Birds are good for your family if:

• you want an independent pet - parrots themselves monitor their cleanliness and practically do not smell, and cleaning the cage should not be done too often;
• you are ready to train the parrot - the more attention you pay to the bird, the smarter it will be.

Birds are not suitable for your family if:

• you cannot stand the noise - the parrot can scream quite shrilly all day and at five in the morning;
• there are very small children in the house - parrots can bite quite painfully.

Have a bird if you want your child to:

• became more attentive and observant;
• I found an interlocutor in the person of someone other than you - you can teach any parrot to speak.

Aquarium

You can plant fish, snails, newts, frogs, turtles, shrimps in the aquarium. And they are all quite bright, but most importantly, they are silent. This is convenient if your head is already spinning.

With a successful combination of circumstances (temperature, water composition, lighting), it will be enough to change the water and clean the aquarium only 2-3 times a month. In addition, the aquarium is a beautiful element of the interior.

There are several "win-win" fish that are not too demanding on the content: guppies, zebrafish, gourami, several types of simple catfish. You should also pay attention to shrimps: the simplest cherry shrimps are quite unpretentious and reproduce well.

An aquarium is suitable for your family if:

• you have very little time, but you want to have something alive in the house;
• you have to leave home for a long time. After a long vacation, the aquarium, of course, will have to be cleaned especially carefully, but the inhabitants will not miss you;
• a family member is allergic to wool, down and feathers.

An aquarium is not suitable for your family if:

you want to get some kind of feedback from your pet. The maximum you can count on: the fish will remember the feeding ritual, but they will not become attached to you personally

Start an aquarium if you want your child to:

• became interested in nature;
• became more observant.

A similar option is an aquarium without water, but with Achatina - a huge snail.

More exotic options

Iguana, chameleon, snakes, turtles

Reptiles are suitable for those with limited space, but not limited finances. They are quite difficult to care for and are more suitable for those who want exotic rather than a friend. They will allow themselves to iron and scratch, but you should not rely on affection.

Ferrets, raccoons, foxes and other wild animals

Extremely attractive. Still, you shouldn't consider them completely domesticated. Their behavior is less predictable, in case of pet illness it is more difficult to find a qualified veterinarian.

How to avoid negative experiences with animals

First, donate blood for allergens. Attaching an animal that is already starting to become attached to you is a bad example for a child. Don't assume that small rodents have fewer allergies - usually more than cats and dogs. In case of allergies, give preference to the aquarium.

If possible, listen to the child's wishes, because a parrot will not replace a kitten. Study the literature with your child, read the forums. Already at this stage, you can check the firmness of his intentions.

After deciding on your pet, immediately assign responsibilities. Try rehearsing for regular dog walks and cleaning the pot or cage. You should not completely entrust a child with raising a cat or a dog - only an adult can do this. It will be easier to take a little older kitten or puppy, but with basic behavior skills.

Do not deny the child and yourself the pleasure - absolutely any pet will bring joy and warmth to your family. After all, taking care of those who need it is one of the most enjoyable activities.