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In the News: Tails of Marin

By Gail Ellis

Children and Small Companion Animals

Most experts agree that raising children with pets is a great idea. Children who grow up with animals tend to be more empathetic and compassionate and have a greater sense of stewardship for nature. And learning to be responsible for another living creature is a valuable life lesson. Many parents first consider dogs or cats as a pet, but many small companion animals make wonderful friends for children. Here are some of the best.

Hamsters

Hamsters can be a great first pet for older, patient children. When handled often hamsters are gentle and easy to care for. It’s fun to create new habitats for them and they are interesting to watch. Just remember that hamsters are nocturnal, and many children find it difficult to wait until their friend wakes up to play with them. And a hamster running on his wheel can be distracting when you are trying to sleep at night! Hamsters have a life span of two to three years.

Rats

Domestic rats make wonderful animal companions. They are hardier than mice or hamsters and like to be held and cuddled which means they are suitable for younger children. Rats are as smart as dogs and can learn their names, to come when called, and even fetch. They’re quiet and clean, but they do like to nibble on things, so keep them occupied with plenty of wooden and cardboard toys. Rats eat both plant and animal foods. A typical lifespan is two to three years.

Guinea Pigs

These members of the rodent order are neither pigs, nor from Guinea. They are members of the cavy family and are one of my favorite animals. Guinea pigs are larger, making them appropriate first pets for younger children, and are active and vocal, with a sound for every occasion. They need lots of exercise, and will “popcorn,” leaping straight into the air, when happy. These friendly rodents rarely bite and are great with children age five or older. They can live up to eight years and eat a diet of hay, fruits, and veggies. It’s best to adopt a pair, but unless you plan to neuter the male, get two females. Handle them gently and often and you will have the perfect pet.

Rabbits

February just happens to be Adopt a Rescue Rabbit Month! Rabbits are larger and hardier than most small companion animals, and if kept indoors, can live to be ten years or older. Rabbits are happiest if kept in an exercise pen, with time spent visiting and cuddling while watching television or doing homework. They are easy to litterbox train and are clean, with very little odor. They are on par with a cat as far as effort which is to say, easier than a dog, but more time consuming than smaller pets. Their diet consists mostly of hay, with veggies and a bit of fruit as dessert. They are appropriate for younger children, with supervision, and older children, as a special friend.

A dog or cat can be a wonderful friend for a child but don’t forget the smaller animals that can be easier to care for, are more appropriate for apartment living, and best of all, a perfect first animal companion that will be treasured for their entire life.

Gail Ellis is the education coordinator at the Marin Humane Society, which contributes Tails of Marin articles. Write to Tails of Marin, 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd. Novato, CA 94949. For more information, call 883-4621 or visit MarinHumaneSociety.org.

Tails of Marin appears every Saturday in the Home & Garden section of the Marin Independent Journal