Considering to get one for my 5 Year-Old boy.
What do you think, Ozbargainers?
Tell your reason(s) and please don't say both.
Pet for 5 Year-Old Kid - Cat or Dog?
LMAKAMAKA on 31/10/2017 - 17:25
Comments
why?
iPet?
iPeck.
Tamagotchi
Might be easier with a poll? But I'd say dog, I think they make a better relationship with people and you can become closer to them, will be more like a real childhood pet and a part of the family.
In saying that though, you'll probably want to check what you can handle, at 5 years old you'd probably be the one looking after the dog (and a 5-year-old), and I think some breeds are easier to look after than others (amount of activity it needs, space, food etc).
Cats can be pretty cute though, and they can be fun little spazzes that roam around and have fun, but I just don't see the same connection personally.
I'd say a dog because dogs will generally put up with a lot more crap than cats. And dogs love attention. Cats don't really appreciate small children.
Also as others have said, if you do decide to get a new family member, please get a rescue animal.Get a pot plant.
Seriously.
Introduce your kid to hydroponic agriculture for christmas
What pet owning experience do you and your other half (if they are around) have?
Like everything with your child, you'll be setting the example. If you have a good background in one or the other then that is your starting point. If you have none in either then you need to fully consider all that is involved and what you're prepared to do to learn and do your job in this properly.
As others have said, you're the one who is going to be looking after it so you should choose based on that. A cat will require less work but a dog is more likely to be tolerant of a small child's affections. Choose your breed well if you get a dog - don't get a working breed unless you're willing to exercise it twice a day.
If you want a pet that a small child can look after, consider a fish (basic) or rabbit/guinea pig (more advanced). OR a stick insect, which is a good blend between the two (care involves misting the enclosure once a day and changing the gum leaves once a week).
When my son was five we got him a miniature fox terrier. A good hardy little dog that liked to play with him, that did not need much space or food. Barked when any one come near him or was around when they played outside so also a good protector. Spot lived to be 17 years old and became a life time friend to my son . There are thousands of Spot stories that get swapped by the family. We once had a cat.
Non-shedding dog. But you need to be hypervigilant for picking up 'Barkers-Eggs' and thus on top of hygeine.
Spend time with him around both to see which he has an affinity for.
Cat cafe time!
However, think about both or 2 cats as if there is no one home, then they can play together amd not get bored. Company is a big thing, especially in some animals.
Don't expect your son to continue the care either - happens but not often. Things to consider:
Do they actually want a pet?At 5 year old we got a pup - my son was used to cats. He dropped him thinking he would bd fine. He wasn't. That injury was a big problem in his later life.
The advice to get 2 cats or both is bad advice. Cats are very territorial and typically prefer to live alone. Some even suggest it's cruel to make them share space.
Many don't know about this, and it causes them a lot of constant agitation. They are wired to feel uncomfortable around eachother.
I had a boy cat and a girl cat. They were both happy together… Although it took them a while to warm up to the idea.
I agree, some pairs live pretty happily. I've heard it's more problematic to get same gendered cats. Boy girl mixes are more successful.
Actually it isn't for many reasons.
If you are not home during the day, they occupy each other instead of terrorising your home.
The optimal is 2 kittens who are already cohabitating and will immediately play together and cause less damahpge around your home.
Dogs in general prefer companionship and will bark less nad other bad behaviours.
Cats are not so reliant on companionship, but play/entertainment with another prevents damage nad other bad things.
Cats and dogs do not innately hate each other. We have many people seeing ours together and thinking it impossible.
Each has been introduced to this house at different times. Adjustment phases have been allowed for and with the he current cats, safe too,s and areas with a careful consideration to this - initially complete separation.
All were kittens of pups and all except 1, direct from a breeder.
Older pets can have learned behaviours. Rescues can be great and they cannot - deoending on the quality of the rescue organisation and the past of the animal.
In addition to all that, each animal is an individual and yes, some prefer to be alone.
Baby stage (without an abuse background) should be purchased at the same time and enter house together. Adjustment will be much quicker.
I've owned a cat for almost 14 years now and could speak from experience in growing up with an outdoor cat.
Cats are very interesting creatures in the way they behave and interact with humans. The upbringing of a cat (first 3 months) will determine the personality of the cat for the rest of its life. I got my 2-3 month old cat from my piano teacher who lived on a farm. He was semi-wild and didn't like being touched until he demanded.Long story short, I have come to the conclusion that outdoor cats (maybe indoor cats as well) make you a more generous, giving and humble person. Why? because you need to work for their attention. When I walk towards my cat, he walks away from me. When I go somewhere and sit down (with no face to face contact), he will come towards me and expect me to pet him but not all the time as he will just sit next to me. Each cat demands a certain petting style which you pick up on through their body language. If you want your 5yr old boy to be better at reading body language, interacting with other people, be more giving and generous, then get an outdoor cat. When they're kittens, he can play with them. Cats will always make you think and teach something about what they do and why.
I've had the opposite experience. We adopted our cat when she was 4 from the RSPCA, they said at the time that the cat had not been treated well and did not like to be touched and/or picked up and did not get on well with other animals.
After a month or 2 i was able to pick her up and even WWE body slam her (softly of course) into the couch pillow's, where she would stay on her back until i stopped rubbing her belly. Can definitely say that the personality she had for the 1st 4 years of her life has changed completely changed. Especially since we now also have a dog and the 2 are inseparable, mainly as the cat is now partially blind (she's 15 now) so follow's the dog for walks around the garden and the dog makes sure she doesn't walk into things.I think the longer you live with them, the more they trust you. My cat would certainly walk away from strangers but not from me. My cat lets me hold his paw, rub his belly, clean his ears, groom him around the tail and sleeps on my bed occasionally because he knows me. I think because he's more mature now and knows that he hasn't got much to live (nasal tumour because he's a white outdoor cat), he's a bit more carefree and humble. My cat only became more attached to me over the past 2 years. The 12 years before, he wasn't this affectionate.
It's a good thing you have a dog to look after her. At least they keep each other company. My vet suggested I put my cat down around August this year but I know he's not ready yet. Trying to give him the best life possible.
Croc
crikey
With cats - just remember you're the pet.
I think in many instances pets choose owners……that is how it has been with me. What do others think? I have recently become the proud new parent of a nine week old ginger tabby (boy) He was rescued from a quarry where his mother gave birth to him. He is just the funniest and sweetest furbaby you could ever have. His name is BRUCE.
Agree, my cat came to my front door as a tiny kitten and mewed, her owners thought it would be a good idea to lock her outside so she didn't poo in the house. They let me keep her for $20. Best $20 I ever spent
sweet
Get them a high yield investment.
A rabbit! Absolutely perfect for a 5 year old!
Noo they poop too much
Rabbit poop is easy to deal with. It's the chewing everything that sucks.
Indeed, ours has wrecked many electric wires and cost me $$$ replacing chargers etc.
I don't think a 5 year old can eat a whole rabbit. A quarter should do.
A rabbit kept in a cage… cruel IMO.
If they are kept outside they may get fly strike.
Lovely pets, but most owners will neglect them relative to the care that they actually require.
Dogs aren't easy but what you will get back in unconditional love will make it worth it.
My 5 year old human and 2 year old dog wrestle and play together all the time. It's beautiful to watch.
You need to be prepared to walk it and clean up after it. These are official Dad jobs and don't expect anyone else will do it.
"These are official Dad jobs and don't expect anyone else will do it." - Yep, mostly.
.
Get a kelpie. They love kids and will play with them non-stop day and night. Kelpies are very friendly and affectionate.
Or get a dumb cat that doesnt mind being rough handled. My neighbour has a cat and you should see some of the things they do it and it doesnt scratch or bite them.
If there is no one home during the day, there is no point in getting a dog, they are social creatures and need company, if no one is at home, means a possible barking dog all day long.
A dog needs exercise and toilet training, if there's no one home ???If thats the case get a cat, they only need "themselves" lol
I am a dog person, but too may people get a dog, and are not prepared to put the work in. Plus the cost of yearly vaccinations, heartworm tabs, flea preventatives, and any other ongoing vet fees, also desexing, council registrations, and the list goes on and on!!
Of course there are "budgies" which make good pets as well, guinea pigs etc
I have always had 2 dogs. It is mostly twice the work but that aspect of things is much better. I don't feel bad about leaving on its own for a long time.
Most people prefer one over the other, you need to make up your own mind.
Visit a rescue shelter, bonus not having a puppy / kitten all the hard work has been done. From experience rescued pets are soo grateful. Personalities have already developed so not lotto.I have a dog and silkie chickens. The chickens are friendly and very low effort.
Avoid rabbits and Guinnea pigs as they are pooping machines.Edit: each cat / dog have their own personalities mainly driven by their breed.
Think about the attributes you are seeking, understand your role and commitment. Pets are like children, be prepared for work it’s not all fun.
Thinking as the earlier poster, perhaps get a pot plant first.
dog, they are good
Dogs are better pets obviously
I never understand people buying pets for small children. A 5 year old has no real concept of animal ownership, and boundaries required sometimes with animals. My other concern is, who will feed it, who will walk it, who will train it, who will clean up after it, who will make sure its water bowl is filled regularly, who will make sure its bedding is OK, all vaccines up to date, shade when its sunny. etc etc etc. Certainly not a 5 year old. Dog ownership is a huge responsibility and the government should tighten the laws of obtaining animals. So my question to you is what is your 5 year old going to do. Pet it a few times and that's it?
Agreed.
Animals should only be enslaved if they serve a functional purpose. Hunting, tracking, protection etc. Given our industrialised society, owning a pet is purely vanity as you don't even need one for the above listed functional purposes anymore.
Silly statement
Pointless statement with no reason
You sir are an idiot
You are unreasonable and border line retarded. Making statements without reason, thinking they have value.
Given that you're going to be the one looking after it - get what you want (as long as it's a dog)
Don't get a pet unless you train yourself how to deal with it. Puppy training and obedience class. But get a dog if you do. I have small children and they love dogs. Also love cats but you get too many diseases from cats.
If you absolutely must get a pet - get a cat. Dogs are a lot of work and need a lot of attention and care, whereas cats are independent creatures who mostly only need food and water.
And human nails to scratch them.
5 year old…..fur real pets?
5 year old…..fur real pets?
Hello, this is dog
Hello this is 5 year old do you want to play?
I have cats and dogs.
dogs
high level of care and cost.
Good for someone who's active unless it's a toy/senior dog.
Much stronger bond. You feel more loved, and more sadness when something bad happens to them.
Teaches responsibilities.cats
self-care.
interesting to observe.
Endless photo opportunities.
Get him an iPad, animals aren't toys…
never said they are toys..
Neither are ipads! #expensive
Had a cat and while it was fine for the first 2 years of its life, it just started going feral. I reckon it snuck around to neighbours houses, stole other cats' food and ate native birds, etc.
Bought a puppy a few years in and while it was a righteous pain in the arse as a puppy, it was loyal and I could trust it with the kids - whereas the cat would attack unprovoked.
Have been wary of cats ever since and would stick with a small dog (ie, cat sized) if children were involved.
A dog. Simply because it will love your son and he will be able to play/muck around with it.
Get him a duck or chicken and when you're done with it - dinner.
That's true OzBargain spirit.
And if it's a hen free eggs in the interim
suggest a rat. Cleaner than a mouse, easy to learn and for a 5 year old perhaps a good start.
That's really good suggestion. Rats make excellent pets, they require only a little more attention than a fish but are smaller than rabbits so make less mess, plus have more personality and like being handled a little better.
To care for a dog properly is a lot of work and is very expensive over the life of the dog. They need to be boarded when you go away, which is costly. Make sure you are fully aware of all the costs involved. Also research the health issues associated with various breeds, cancer, heart problems, eye conditions and other genetic problems can result in heartbreak.
Being a responsible dog owner requires a lot of time, care and commitment and therefore dog ownership should not be take lightly. I have owned dogs all my life and they bring a great deal of joy and companionship. Just make sure you a fully aware of what’s involved.Agree with many comments above about responsibility. A 5 year certainly won't be able to give the nurture a young pup needs or even an adult dog. It will definitely fall onto the adults.
Rescue dogs can be wonderful. For eg. a greyhound whilst seen as a type of dog that would need a lot of run around space. Not necessarily true. Greyhounds would be fine in an apartment setting, so long as they are given enough outside play time, usually daily.
There are a quite a few things that you should certainly consider, the type of breed is a useful criterion for selection. Big dog, small dog, grooming requirements, temperament around children, upkeep such how much do they eat! haha sounds odd, you might think. But a great-Dane eats way more than a toy poodle or shitzu. How much time activity they require and will you be able to provide etc.etc..
We have a little toy cavoodle… a little naughty but she so enriches our lives! :)
All the best
Maggie Dent (childhood educator type) recommends a guinea pig. A bit easier to look after than other pets, and are a good introduction to the responsibilities associated with owning a pet.
Especially good for young boys, as it helps them develop enpathy. She even recommended it would be helpful if the pet passed away so that the child could learn the breadth of empathy and emotion as they learn at a relatively young age. Intertesting theory that one!
And when you get bored of it, you can sell it to people in countries like Peru and recoup your investment. :)
Wow 2 pages of such 'helpful' comments!??
The original question was cat or dog! For a dog a Labrador is a good choice
Honestly maybe visit rescue group RSPCA etc - to choose a a dog or cat that is a few months old.
Maybe narrow down breeds via Google etcRemember hundreds of young animals will be dumped after Christmas by scumbags!
NEVER buy from a pet shop and maybe not Gumtree! If interested in a pup or kitten track down registered breeders
Have a look at www.dogzonline.com.au
Its worth doing your research! A dog especially great experience for a 5 yr old.
Dogs are fun, loyal, loving and part of the family.
i grew up with a labrador. growing up with a dog was fantastic. there was a very strong bond that is a really special thing to experience at that age. and always having a friend around to play outside with
my parents sometimes still talk about how close that dog was with me. like how i could mess with his food, but anyone else would get chased away. even still, i often felt like he felt closer to my parents. maybe because he gave them food, maybe because he was aware of the family structure and felt both sibling bond with me and parental bonds with them.
point being, your kids dog will be your dog tooi probably didnt take him out as much as i should have and all that stuff though. definitely be prepared to do a lot of work yourself, but try not to
Had a couple labs too, great dogs and friends. They are intelligent and observe the pecking order. Any dog is a lot of work, cared for properly. Like you, I could have done better for my furry friends, but I know they forgive me my faults. :-)
We all get busy and don't spend much time with our pets unfortunately. That's modern life.
I've had dogs for almost 20 years. I'm onto my second generation now obviously. Had a male and this one's female. Her male companion is a golden retriever. Lovely nature but will jump all over you (playful not aggressive) if you let him. My kids show a strong preference for the golden. He looks more like a teddybear and is less aloof. They take turns feeding the 2 dogs (supervised).
Sucky thing is my wife is terrified of dogs and hasn't been able to get past it, so she wants these to be my last. The kids have other ideas.
Some fears are deep seated and apparently intractable but I wouldn't give in to it but that's me.
I had one as a kid and they are great friends. A dog, cared for properly, is as demanding as a child. Get a dog, a gentle and loyal breed, if you intend to train it and teach the child how to care for an animal and provide him with an easy companion, provided it is a young pup - they can grow and learn together. Dogs are more interactive than cats, more communicative.
The experience will be a gentle introduction to caring for a natural creature and the contact with 'nature' will serve him well in life. My 2c.
I think my best dog was a mongrel, cross between a wire haired terrier and 'something' else. Very loyal and protective.
*TheZohan above made a good suggestion, a guinea pig, or some such. Much easier all round, and can better tell from there if 5yo will fit with a dog.
OP should consider a star wars BB-8. Easy to recharge and makes a good pet with additional features.
Consider a chicken. Perfect for young kids. Eggs a bonus and kitchen scraps taken care off. Life span means the commitment isn’t as long term as your child gets older.
need a big enough yard though as they can easily destroy your lawn and attract rats and foxes.
I think fish best choice.cat or dog for adult ok. But for kid .some kid have problems with hair from cat or dog.go get small tank and some gold fish,easy take care than cat or dog,good luck
First, I wouldn't get either with a 5 year old around. When I was that old I tried to ride our dog like a horse, bounced on it, and broke it's spine.
Now, when the kid is 7…
A cat is only entertaining while it's a playful kitten. After that they're mostly boring food-pits. But a dog has that playful stage, but then chases sticks, balls, most of them go silly on the beach, etc. for years beyond the puppy stage.
- So with a granny in mind that wants a live lap warmer - a cat.
- With a child in mind - a dog.
Your parents should have stopped your fat ass get on that poor dog in the first place.
Not every 5yr old kid would do that though.We have always had a dog. They came before the kids and I'm onto generation number 2 of dogs. I wouldn't ever let my kids ride the dog. My lab has hip dysplasia and my youngest child knows not to so much as touch the rear half of the animal.
It's all about family education, you don't just get a pet because your kid likes it. If they are responsible & kind with animal, I don't see what all the fuss is about. Pet can be a kid's best friend.
[Sigh!] Another wisecracking know it all that knows zip. Amazing how you can not only see someone's build via typed text, but also TIME TRAVELED back a few decades. It had nothing to do with weight. Any 5 year old bouncing on any dog's back is going to break it.
Dog
Silk worms, short term investment, hours of unravelling the silk onto a matchbox,
Neither, save your money. But if you really need to, get an appropriate dog and spend the time/money to train him/her.
DOG
MAKE A POLL5 is way too young for a cat\dog or rabbit
Wait till they're older and learn to appreciate and take care of the animal.
5 is perfect if it's the FAMILY pet not the child's pet. They can start to learn about responsibility for a pet, but you can't give them sole responsibility.
Make sure you're prepared for the financial costs involved in having a pet. Vet bills and if they surgery during their lifetime is quite expensive.
http://kb.rspca.org.au/what-is-toxoplasmosis_515.html
Cats are a handful…Some children will end up blind or with different forms of brain damage due to societies need to keep cats as pets.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-71558/Can-cats-pas…
Your choice can affect others.
This is caused by a parasite (Toxoplasma gondii) which infects virtually all species of mammals (not just cats) and several species of birds.
Sorry, but if you eat cat poo then it is your own fault.
If your child eats cat poo then perhaps you should monitor them better.We have a Litter Robot cat toilet. I don't even have to scoop. Even better than the Robot cleaner.
Aside from that, even your own articles show that cats are not the primary cause of this…
Your agenda can affect others.
Negged, sorry.
Basic hygiene such as washing your hands after cleaning the litterbox goes a long way.
Any stats on yearly on resulting brain damage and blindness because of cats?
Is it in the hundreds?This has happened to my cousin's child, Cat scratched the eye and now she is blind, she got some disease.
You should consider if your lifestyle & finance fits for having a pet, whatever that is. And what your kid loves more, cat or dog. If you can, adopt from shelter. But nobody should tell you what to do here. Just like vegans will try stop people from eating meat.
Get an iPad.