Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 8, 1993 TAG: 9307070462
SECTION: PARENT'S GUIDE PAGE: PG-10 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By JOANNE ANDERSON
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Cats are considered by many to be aloof and unsociable. Certainly, they are not as demanding as dogs for attention, but they are often very affectionate, sociable animals.
Dr. Kent Roberts, extension veterinarian and companion animals specialist at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, advises getting a kitten for children so the animal will get used to them while it is still the most impressionable.
"Kittens develop social habits and emotional bonding between 6 and 10 weeks of age. The little felines will learn to identify with the child and grow into a family's lifestyle. Grown cats tend to have set patterns, and changes can be difficult or may not occur," he said.
Kittens are easy to house-break and relatively simple to train in basics like where to scratch, whether or not they should be on counters and tables and whose bed they sleep on. The domestic shorthair is the most popular and personable cat breed and the best for kids. Persians have good dispositions, but their fur, like any long-haired cat, requires significant attention. Siamese cats can be high-strung and may not be as tolerant around children.
Puppies experience a little longer socialization development period, according to Roberts, between 6 and 13 weeks old. Many dogs make great pets for children, providing years of loyalty, companionship and protection, but they do require a lot of attention, especially as puppies. House-breaking and training can consume a great deal of time and patience, but all for the greatest return.
Dr. Mark Dallman of North Main Small Animal Clinic in Blacksburg warns that the parent getting a pet for a child must assume part ownership.
"Children need help learning how to handle an animal properly and can participate in feeding and keeping fresh water available, walking, cleaning up after and grooming." Lots of petting and cuddling in the early months will most likely result in a happy pet.
It is a good idea to learn about different dog and cat breeds in order to select one that will fit in well with the household and lifestyle. Dallman says it's important to choose a pet that appears healthy, alert and playful. "Excessive jumping and high energy may be signs of potentially aggressive behavior or a high-strung disposition."
Hamsters and gerbils remain popular among kids, but not particularly with the professionals. They tend to nibble or bite, are hyperactive and do not like being squeezed. Guinea pigs and rabbits make much better pets because they are more docile and do not mind being handled. Rabbits can be litter box trained, but careful consideration needs to be given to where they are allowed in a house.
Dr. Vanessa Rolfe, avian and exotic pet veterinarian, says that rabbits are real chewers.
"Their front teeth grow constantly and they need to keep them worn down. Electric cords and furniture legs are appealing, but it is more sensible to give them their own wood, mineral blocks or bleached bones or antlers to chew. Rabbits can seriously scratch if they become anxious or upset," and that should be considered if one is to be a child's pet, she said.
Rats and mice make interesting pets. They can be handled, but are caged most of the time, so they don't have much freedom, and interaction with the child is limited.
Rolfe works with several birds and says they make great pets for older children. They are highly social and intelligent animals and will bond to the "flock" in which they are raised. If raised among other birds, they will identify and socialize with birds. If raised with people since birth, the birds will consider themselves to be part of the people "flock."
"Parrots are some of the best bird pets," says Rolfe. "They will come out and eat supper at the table with the family and sit on your lap or shoulders. They enjoy being stroked on the head and some people take them when they go on vacation. However, birds are still wild animals, and they may strike if they feel threatened, even by negative body language."
In his book "Understanding Your Pet," Michael W. Fox writes that animals found in the wild and brought home may be observed for up to 48 hours as a learning experience, but should be returned to the place where they were found.
"Few wild animals will eat in captivity," he reports. "Help foster youthful interest in wildlife by purchasing guidebooks. Identification is fun, and imparting knowledge probably will stimulate your own curiosity. Lenses and binoculars are also useful."
Miniature animals, such as horses that are 34-36 inches tall at full growth, make good pets as long as all angles of keeping them and meeting their needs are addressed. Pot-bellied pigs, goats, sheep, cows and horses can provide companionship, good lessons in animal care and responsibility and many hours of enjoyment for children, provided the kids understand the nature of the animal and appropriate behavior and handling techniques.
Paramount in acquiring any type of pet for a child is understanding the animal's needs for housing, food, training, companionship and exercise, along with its disposition and life span.
Even with all this instruction and several good books on animals, it will take some quick thinking on your part when your young one appears with a puppy or kitten, a smile from ear to ear, eyes as big as saucers and incredibly serious promises about how the little creature probably won't grow very much and certainly won't be any trouble.
by CNB