They help develop a sense of responsibility and emotional intelligence.
Zoologists and psychologists have revealed at what age it is appropriate for a child to have a pet. It is best for a child to be born into a family that already has animals in the home. Through such interaction, the child’s play skills (around the age of three) and direct emotional communication, typical for the period from two months to one year, can develop more effectively, according to experts. They explain that it is during this period that a child’s emotional intelligence, which many people try to develop as adults, begins to develop.
However, children under 10-12 years old are not capable of independently caring for animals without the assistance and supervision of parents. Often, the responsibility of taking care of the pet falls on the adults, as the child quickly loses interest. For a child around the age of five or six, a guinea pig would be suitable. It does not bite or scratch, is easily tamed, and has a long lifespan. The child can help feed the guinea pig and assist with cleaning its cage, suggested zoologists. For children older than seven years, experts recommend getting a Syrian hamster, a budgerigar, or a fancy rat. These animals are easily tamed and require simple care. Adults should monitor the availability of food and water, as well as remind the child to maintain cleanliness in the cage.
Zoologists noted that it is not advisable for young children to have a chinchilla (nocturnal and cannot be petted), a rabbit (can scratch heavily with its hind legs), or a very small puppy (children may accidentally drop or injure the puppy). Of course, children have different personalities. One child may not be able to take care of a hamster, while another can handle a sporty horse at the age of 12, summarized the experts.
Актуальні тенденції у світі домашніх улюбленців 2026.
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