What is the perfect pet?

I love cats, dogs, rabbits the whole gambit of mother nature's furry creatures, but if I was going to purchase a pet for my child it would be a collie, like Lassie. We have had several collies and they are the most loving, gentlest dog. They really bond with their owners. Because of Walt Disney lots of children want a dalmation, but they are far too high strung. I have a wonderful lady dalmation, but she is way way too bouncy. This Christmas I spent a few days in total pain from a sock in the cheek. I had been away for a couple of days and when I got home she was so bouncy and excited to see me that she clobbered my cheek with her head what pain, it swelled up, bruised it was like I was in a boxing tournament and lost. Now, I've learned to duck when she jumps. Hope your daughter loves whatever you both decide on and I'm sure she will

I would lean towards a cat. They are more independent, don't need to be walked twice a day, and they are cuddly. I have both dogs and cats and the cats are less needful by far. The other thing about a cat is that your daughter and the cat can entertain each other with toys as simple as a piece of string. Another plus for the cat is that you don't have to worry about the chewing that puppies do...yes kittens do their share of damage but they aren't anywhere near as destructive as a puppy would be. I am an animal person from way back and right now I sleep with four cats on my bed with me and then later in the morning my two doxies join me. Nothing is more soothing than to have your cat curl up with you and purr you to sleep at night. Also cats will develop the protective attitude that dogs have. I have had my cat attack an intruder and scratch the daylights out of him. They caught him because the cat scratches were so bad that he had to go to the ER. And the litter box problem has changed so much through the years; there are now self cleaning boxes that you don't have to scoop every day-though I clean the trap daily for the sake of the cats. So, by far if you start listing the plus and minuses of both options, a cat makes more sense. Shoot, you can even train your cat to retrieve! I have had many cats that would chase a ball or rolled up sock or something soft and bring it back to me to throw again. Your best bet is to sit down and list pros and cons for puppies and kittens and make your decision from that. I am sure that your daughter will love whatever choice is made.

I think a cat would be a good move up for your daughter, as long as you supervise her with the kitty until she learns how to treat the kitty gently. There are several breeds that are children friendly including the Persians, or if you go to your local humane society they can probably help you pick out a child friendly kitty. You might also consider adopting an adult cat from the humane society. That way you can be sure of the cats personality when you get it. You could choose a laid back kitty that doesn't mind being handled, and that might be better for you and your child. I love cats and have 2 of my own Ashley is my avatar, she is so sweet. my black and white, Carlye, is quite the little trouble maker but we love her anyway.

We already had cats so the move up from the hamster for us was a guinea pig, this taught the responsibilty of giving fresh water and food and gentle handling and also taught the not so fun bits of helping to clean out the cage. Is there a particular pet that she has always asked for? Cats are very independent but good to keep and if you have the time a dog but I personally don't have as I work and go away a lot and unlike the cats can't be left as they need walking often. The other question I would also ask is how much time have you got to look after another pet if the intial novelty factor with your daughter wears off as I always end up doing the bulk of it. Ellie :D

According to me the perfect pet to be at home is cute puppies and kittens...

maybe a 6 yr old should start out with a stuffed animal and pretend to take care of it as a real animal for a year or so, and gradually get her a real dog or cat or rabbit or fish or bird.

the thing to remember is that what is right for 1 family dosnt mean its right for another. Your best bet is to take your daughter to the pet store and have her look at what is available. IF she dosnt find "the one" try another store OR an animal shelter.

Personally I prefer cats because they are low maintanence.. however you'd have to find a kitty that was lovable and playful and like being held.. yet is calm. If you have the ability to train a puppy, a dog would be a loyal pet. Cats are very independant but can be loyal as well. What would you prefer her to have? Good luck with your choice.

you could do, if you have the time and space in your lives for a cat or dog. or if she's had a good go with rodents, rats are excellent pets for children. they're bolder, more affectionate and more interactive than hamsters, and more keen to be handled. they can be taught tricks, as they're really clever, and if you get two, they're great fun to watch together. despite what many mistakenly beleive, they are not dirty, and in fact are less likely to bite than a hamster, as they are calmer.

We have been thinking about getting a kitty for my 4 year old daughter. I would recommened a kitty over a puppy you don't have to worry about letting them in and out and cats liter train very easily. Plus kitties don't usually bite like a puppy can. I think she would really love a kitty she could cuddle with.

my daughter is 7, nearly 8.. and we got her a kitten when she was a year old. theyre inseperable. she takes care of making sure hes fed and watered everyday on her own. we also have a dog as well,but most of his care falls to me and my husband because shes really still too young to handle all of what a dog needs just yet. i personally advise getting yer little girl a kitten. theyre fairly self sufficient. just remember that the litter boxes will fall to you until shes older =o)

I'm a dog lover, but for a 6 year old girl I would say get her a kitten. There a little more tame to take are of and easer to teach. But good luck to you and your little girl on whatever you decide to get her!

Hi I just lost two Guinea Pigs & It broke my heart in half,I had them for 5yr's & it really is alot of more work then people think,I go around in my town Letting all that call me to let them know everything there is in taking care of the beuatiful creatures,I would go more tords a cat ,For a 6 yr old little one.Good Luck MRSKITTY