However, with today's busy lifestyle, owning a pet is a commitment many parents are not willing to make. Having a pet can give a child a sense of responsibility, if, that is, they live up to their obligations of taking care of it. Their upkeep is minimal but their cage will require cleaning every few days. Fish actually make a better adult pet as watching fish swim in a aquarium can be very relaxing and children prefer pets that they can play with. If your family is ready for the responsibility of a four legged pet, cats are easier to train than dogs.
Cats can be litter box trained as early as five weeks.
If your cat will be a house cat, it's a good idea to have it declawed or invest in a scratch post to save your furniture. However, they initially require a lot of time, patience and commitment. If you wish to add a dog to your household, there are a number of factors to consider before making your final decision. If you are set on a purebred, consider the temperament first. If size isn't a major factor in your decision, Retrievers and Labradors make excellent family pets.