I'm trying to figure out what kind of small animal would be good for my 4.5-year-old daughter. We had a kitty, but had to get rid of her recently due to the masses of hair shedding (floors, beds, counters, etc...it drove me nutz!) and the increase in allergies. She's so wanting something to love and care for (actually, I'm not so sure about the real "day-to-day" care, that's another question I have.) I'm thinking a hamster would be good. But my stress levels are already high being a single mom trying to keep the house clean, working from home, paying the bills, etc. So whatever we get must be EASY and not smell (too much). Any advice on getting a hamster or another small pet? What kind of cost am I looking at for up-keep?
With that said, if anyone has one they'd like to get rid of, please let me know.
Thank you!
Beta Fish! I had one that lasted 2.5 years! Unless you clean their cage regularly, hamsters start to smell very quickly.
I agree with the other person who responded....try a beta fish! They are the easiest thing in the world to take care of: just feed it daily & change out the water occasionally. It's a very good pet for a kiddo that age.
I tried to have hamsters when I was younger (even as a teenager when I was old enough to care for them alone) and always had problems keeping them healthy (and alive for that matter!). Apparently, it is pretty easy for a hamster to get "wet tail" which will eventually lead to their demise. That's what the three or four I had all died from. the others are right that really the only animals that don't require major upkeep are fish and even they are a fair amount of work. I'd wait until she's older (I've learned that the hard way with my daughter) and can be more responsible in the care and upkeep of an animal.
Beta fish.
I have many pets, 5 right now (2 dogs, 2 cats and a cockatiel) but the fish was the easiest.
Did the hamster. Didn't like them and they don't live that long. Did the tree frog, loved them but they got Red Leg and died.
I would've thought the cat was easiest but it didn't work for you, so go for the fish.
If your daughter has allergies, I absolutely would not recommend a hamster. Even if she's not allergic to the animal, she will likely be allergic to the bedding. Also, considering her age, it will be your job to take care of the hamster. Also, if you found a cat too messy, you may well find a hamster too messy. Also, hamsters are nocturnal animals, which really doesn't match a young child's schedule.
I strongly recommend just getting her a Beta fish. They just need a small tank and can amazingly survive neglect. YOu should change their water on a weekly basis. This is what I got my son, who wanted a hamster, because I knew a hamster would not survive in our home. Also, hamsters often only live one year - this Beta fish has been around for well over a year. You can get really colorful ones, so taking your daughter to Petsmart to pick one out will likely satisfy her desire to have a pet. We keep ours on my son's bathroom vanity in a very small tank - that keeps any mess (from food flakes) in there. Also, you can buy really attractive vases and rocks/plants to add.
