Although they are most comfortable around other guinea pigs, they will also adapt readily to the confines of a cage, if space in the home is at a premium. Since a guinea pig comes in a variety of color schemes and fur textures, your child may enjoy the selection process at the pet store as well. Some diligence is required with replacing the bedding and maintaining the food bowl, but guinea pigs are otherwise very self-contained. However, guinea pigs do not take well to other aggressive animals, primarily cats and dogs. If raised together from birth, then guineas may lose their natural fear of a dog, but cats are rarely tolerated well.
Guinea pigs are prone to stress-related problems if their environment is too frenetic.
Perhaps the very definition of a child's pet, a hamster can provide many hours of entertainment for young owners. Hamsters tend to do better in a crowd, so you may have to consider getting at least two hamsters for your child. Large aquarium tanks provide adequate shelter and protection, although any other small animal cage will suffice if you are concerned about breakage. Make sure you have a good supply of fresh bedding, and have instructed your child on the importance of a clean animal bed. You may allow the child to add the appropriate amount of fresh bedding, then perform the weekly clean-out yourself.