Top 8 Small Pets for Kids That They Will Love

If you’re looking for a pet that your kids will love, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss 8 small pets that are perfect for kids. These animals are easy to take care of and fun. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the most suitable small pets for kids.

Small Pets for Kids to Consider

Almost every kid dreams of owning a pet. Having a pet early in life teaches kids how to be responsible and take care of another living creature. Below is a list of the best small animals for kids that are easy to look after and loved by children:

1. Cat

Weighing anywhere from four to twenty pounds and typically about fifteen inches tall, cats are an all-time favorite. There are also many reasons why a cat can be an amazing pet for children. These fluffy felines require a moderate amount of attention. Cats, in their nature, are independent creatures with a lifespan of about fourteen years.

To maximize the chances of your cat living a healthy and long life, you need to provide a nutritious diet for your kitten. Therefore, you’ll need to learn what kittens eat once they stop nursing. When they grow up, you still need to make sure that you give your cat high-quality senior cat food.

These cuddly, playful animals get along well with active kids since they enjoy jumping and chasing balls all over the room. If your kids are energetic and love to play, they will definitely have a blast playing with their new feline friends. But, they are great pets for kids who are shy and need a little bit of extra love, as well. Cats adjust well to a small apartment because of their size and are typically low-maintenance. All they need is a litter box, food, water, and love.

2. Dog

Dogs have been called “man’s best friend” for their loyal and loving nature. They can also be an ideal friend for your kid. Dogs, just like cats, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can weigh anywhere from one to ninety pounds and be from six inches to seven feet tall.

Most dogs are active creatures that need plenty of exercises, making them the best pets for energetic children. Because dogs are pretty active throughout the day, they need a diet that is high in protein and low in fat. However, there are some small breeds of dogs that are more low-key and would be great even for kids who don’t have a lot of time to play with their pets.

These cuties typically have a lifespan of about twelve years and most of them love being around children, which makes them the best first pet for your kid. They are very intelligent animals that can do well in small apartments or houses as long as they are taken on walks regularly. Unlike cats, dogs need a lot of attention and they cannot stand being left alone. Some even opt for pet-approved CBD oils to calm their pets’ separation anxiety.

3. Rabbit

Another option to consider are these lovely, sociable creatures who seem to get along very well with children. Rabbits typically weigh between two and six pounds and can be up to a foot long. These small furry pets for kids are active and curious about their surroundings. Rabbits enjoy playing games with kids as well as hopping around. And surprisingly enough, their average lifespan is eight years.

Although rabbits like to move, they also do well in small living spaces because they don’t take up too much room. All they need is a hutch or cage, some food, water, and hay. They need to be allowed out in the open from time to time.

4. Hedgehog

These spiny animals may not make a great cuddly friend but they certainly are good pets for kids as they are very cute, small, and relatively long-lived. Their lifespan varies from five to seven years. They are tiny creatures weighing anywhere from one to four pounds and are typically six to eight inches long. Hedgehogs love playing with their humans, and if trained properly can be fun playmates for kids.

Since they fall into the category of omnivores they need a special diet that will include vegetables and food specifically designed for hedgehogs. Hedgehogs like to explore their surroundings but they can do well in small living spaces as they take up very little room. What is amazing about these creatures is that they can be litter-trained.

Just like rabbits, hedgehogs only need a small cage or a hutch, making them very easy to take care of and suitable as small animals for kids.

Key Takeaways

5. Hamster

A hamster is one of the most popular pet choices for kids, not only because they are easy to take care of, but also because they do not take up much space. They typically weigh between one and four ounces and are only a few inches long.

They are small creatures and are the best first pet for kids since they are so adorable and easy to look after. In terms of nutrition, hamsters are classified as mammals and need a diet that is high in protein and low in fat. They can eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains, but you should avoid feeding them too many treats.

Hamsters do not require much attention or care, making them one of the most low-maintenance pets out there.

Hamsters enjoy playing games with their humans as well as running on their hamster wheels. They should be kept in a big cage with tunnels and slides so they can entertain themselves. Also, with a lot of dedication, they can even learn to use the litter box. Hamsters are usually short-lived with a lifespan of two to three years, so before taking one home think how your child might react to their death.

6. Turtle

Another option would be getting your kid a turtle. Although some think of them as animals that just hide in their shells, they can still win over your kid’s heart. They are considered the best small pets for kids because they live around 30 years, so once you get a turtle for your kid, it will have a pet to grow up with together.

Turtles typically weigh between two and five pounds and are six to ten inches long. They are small creatures that enjoy playing games with their humans as well as swimming in their tanks.
Turtles require a diet that is high in fiber and low in protein, and that can usually be found in food specifically designed for turtles. All they need is a small tank, some food, water, a basking area, and a whole lot of love.

7. Fish

Fish are considered the best starter pets since all they do is basically chill in their tanks. Kids can have a lot of fun feeding them and watching them swim in their aquarium.

They come in all shapes and sizes and don’t grow more than a few inches long. Some fish like to be petted while others do not. While goldfish might be a favorite, they do not like to be petted and are very difficult to take care of.

On the other hand, Siamese fighting fish (betta fish) might be a better option since they are much easier to care for. What these animals need the most is for the water in their aquariums to be frequently changed and kept at a specific temperature depending on the type of fish. Fish is the best pet for kids because children can learn a lot from taking care of them.

8. Parrot

These adorable, vocal pets can be a perfect fit for your child. Parrots typically weigh between two and four pounds and can be up to a foot long. Kids will certainly love these colorful creatures. Parrots can be mischievous and fun. They live an average of seventy years and only need a cage, some food, water, and hay. Parrots can live in apartments.

What’s amazing about these best pets for toddlers and kids of all ages, is that some types of parrots can even learn different words. Parrots need special food, mostly a blend of different seeds. But, you can give them cucumbers or a carrot as a treat from time to time.

First-Time Pet Adoption Tips

Having a pet is the perfect opportunity for your kid to learn what kindness, care, and responsibility are. If this is your first pet or you are here researching pet ideas for kids, you’ll need to consider some ground rules and the basic needs of the pet that will soon become a part of your family.

When choosing a pet for your family, it’s important to do your research first. Each animal has different needs and characteristics that you should be aware of before making your decision. Here are some tips for adopting your best first pet:

• Research – learn as much as you can about the small pets available and their needs before making a decision.
• Consider your situation – not all small pets are suitable for all types of homes. Make sure to choose an animal that will be comfortable with the space you can provide for it.
• Think about your child’s age and character – not all animals are suitable pets for little kids. Choose an animal that your child will be able to take care of and that won’t scare them.
• Ask questions – if you’re not sure about something, don’t hesitate to ask the pet store employee, a veterinarian, or a friend who has experience with small pets.
• Set out rules and expectations – before bringing your new pet home, make sure you and your child are both clear on the rules for taking care of them.

Conclusion

Small pets for children are a great way to teach your kids about responsibility. Most of these small pets do well in small living spaces because they don’t take up too much room. Some of them are low-maintenance, and even those that need more care and attention will provide hours of fun and companionship for your kid.