What Should Be Your First Family Pet?

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Is 2020 the year you’re going to get your first family pet? If so, do you know what you’re going to get? There’s a lot of choices when it comes to having a family pet, and some are easier to look after than others, so it depends on what you’re after and what will suit your lifestyle. If you’re unsure, then comparing a few furry and scaly friends might be a good idea, to begin with.

Cat

Cats are a very popular first pet for families; they make wonderful companions and for both small and large families with children of all ages. Cats are really independent animals, and some will spend hours outdoors exploring, while others love being inside. If you’re a family who is out of the house most of the day, then a cat would be the perfect first pet.

Bird

Finches and canaries are probably the best pet birds if you have kids because they are easy to care for and don’t require much interaction but are fascinating to watch. However, if you are looking for a bird that you can really interact with, then a budgie or cockatiel would be better. You can get some beautiful bird cages now too, which simply act as part of the décor in your house.

Dog

Dogs are probably the most popular pet there is, and with so many different breeds, there is a dog to suit everyone. Dogs do, however, need consistent training and regular exercise, but walking your dog is a brilliant way for you to exercise, and you may even make some new friends. If you work all day, though, and your kids are at school, then having a dog might not be the best idea for you as it’s not a good idea to leave them at home alone for too long.

Rabbit

Rabbits are happier in pairs, so if you’re going to get one, you might think about getting two. They also need quite a lot of space, so you need room for a decent-sized run or cage and a good garden. At first, you need to be patient with rabbits and handle them gently, so it might be worth waiting until your children are a bit older.

Guinea pig

Again, Guinea pigs love being with the company, so probably better to get more than one. They can be kept indoors or outdoors, but just make sure that you keep them warm in winter. They are alert, intelligent pets that enjoy being kept busy with toys and treats. They are ideal family pets.

Reptiles

The most common reptiles to have as a pet include the bearded dragon, crested gecko, leopard gecko, and a corn snake, all of which are happy to live alone as long as they are in their special tank with heating and lighting to keep them warm and healthy. Bearded dragons and leopard geckos are the best if you want a reptile you can hold, you just need to handle them regularly and gently to win their trust.