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Welcoming a furry friend into your home is something lots of us dream of. But if you’re a parent, it’s important that you consider your options carefully.
While pets are fun and can bring immense joy, they can also be a lot of work. With busy family life, you might not have the time to properly care for a pet.
For example, while a fluffy puppy might be a tempting option, you have to bear in mind that puppies are hard work and a long term commitment.
In this article, we’ll take a look at six of the best low-maintenance pets for kids and families.
1. Fish
This might seem like an obvious and boring choice, but fish are a fantastic option if you’re low on both time and space.
Fish are incredibly low-maintenance. They also don’t make any noise, which is great if you live in an apartment or semi-detached house.
You might be tempted to grab a goldfish and a simple fish bowl but, while fish are low-maintenance, they aren’t no-maintenance. We suggest investing in a proper fish tank, along with water pumps and other necessary equipment to keep your pet happy.
2. Tortoise
Tortoises might be slow, but they’re adorable. They’re also pretty low maintenance and, depending on the species you get, won’t grow too big. This is a fantastic pet if you have a bit more room and some outdoor space.
Tortoises live on a diet of various plants and vegetables such as green peppers, strawberries, and tomatoes. So, you won’t have to go out of your way to purchase special foods.
The only downside to this amazing animal is the tortoise lifespan. Some tortoises can outlive their owners but, much like their sizing, the lifespan varies according to the species. We recommend doing your research before taking the plunge.
3. Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs are a popular pet for children. They’re small, soft, and incredibly fluffy. They’re also easy to handle and pretty low maintenance.
However, we recommend doing your due diligence when it comes to guinea pig enclosures. Guinea pigs need plenty of space and bedding matter that’s deep enough to dig little tunnels. They also need a constant supply of chewing material for enrichment. So, while they’re low-maintenance, it can take a bit of work to prepare for the arrival of your new pet.
Much like tortoises, guinea pigs do fine on a variety of vegetables like carrots and grain. It’s a good idea to supervise your kids to ensure they don’t overfeed their new friend.
4. Hamster
Hamsters make excellent first pets for kids. Once you’ve setup their home, these furry friends are simple to care for. Make sure to add a water bottle, food dish, and, of course, a hamster wheel for exercise.
Similar to guinea pigs, you’ll have to put some thought into your hamster enclosure. While little cages are adorable in their bright colours, they’re often not suitable for hamsters. Despite their small size, hamsters need a lot of space.
5. Cat
Cats and dogs remain the most popular pet choice. However, cats are definitely more low maintenance pets for kids, because they don’t require as much walking, washing, or grooming.
Remember also that short-haired cats will require less grooming time than long-haired felines.
If you’ve set your heart on a kitten, it’s recommended that you go for two rather than one. This will provide a playmate, and reduce the risk of boredom and stress in your new pet.
6. Bird
Depending on the sort of bird you choose, you’ll soon learn that they can be simple to care for and don’t require a lot of human involvement.
You can also opt for a bird that enjoys socialising and hanging out with the family.
It’s essential to choose a bird cage that’s spacious enough, with at least twice the length of your bird’s wingbeat between perches. Birds also love a range of meals including seeds and nuts, pellets, green vegetables, and fruit.
Would any of these low maintenance pets for kids suit your family home?
Catherine
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