What's a good pet for an 8-year-old girl? (not a hamster)?

Question

My daughter's hamster died yesterday. I have 2 cats that must have gotten the door on it's cage open during the night. They must have been chasing it and batting at it around all night. When I woke up in the morning, it was lying dead on the dining room floor. My daughter is extremely upset! I'd like to get her a new pet, but definitely not another hamster! What is an interesting pet for a girl her age. I want something that she'll be able to take care of and maintain by herself.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Answer 1

How bout a fish?

Answer 2

I would personally wait a couple of weeks and then ask HER what she would like.  I too am worried about the cats getting to the new family member.   A Houdini proof cage would be good!

Answer 3

TURTLE

Dog

Gecko

Lovebirds

Answer 4

a kitten

Answer 5

Fish or Puppy

Answer 6

Well, i'd try and see what she wants. Kudos to you, the best way to get over it is a new pet! What about a bunny, a turtle,a goldfish,  a lizard, or something. You already have 2 cats... so, idk if u need a new pet.

Answer 7

a parrot?? the last a long time aswell =] x

Answer 8

my friends kids have guinea pigs. they are too big for a cat to kill, I would think once they are grown that is. I myself cannot stand any rodent type animals LOL

We just got a dog, my girls are 7 and 9 and it has been wonderful. They love him and take very good care of him, of course I have to remind them to feed him and the cat for that matter LOL

Answer 9

she's old enough for a puppy with a little help and thats every kids dream! I've had dogs since I was born.

other then that fish birds (just more cat food!!) a bunny

Answer 10

another kitten or a puppy dog. Or a goldfish.

Answer 11

A guinea pig is an awesome pet. My entire family misses our pig, Porkchop. She passed away at the ripe old age of 8. Our family is very busy right now, and can't get another, but I can't wait until the day we time to devote to another one!

my suggestion, though, is to do a lot of research, and truly commit to your pet. I worked in a pet store for MANY years, and so many kids grow tired of their pets, and try to give them away. Also, make sure you have ample room for a decent sized cage. Sure, you can stuff an animal into a minimal sized cage, but they're likely to be less happy, and you'll have to clean them even more! That goes for any animal you may choose. The marchioro pet line is awesome! So easy to clean! Ok, I've babbled enough. Good luck!

Answer 12

I'd say a puppy. What kid doesn't want a puppy?

...But for her on her own? I had two parakeets. I loved them. They'd sit on my fingers and what not...

But the cats may get those, too.

Really, you can't get a little pet. The cats will get it.

Answer 13

Rabbits are really easy and live quite a long time too- so she'll have to be quite commited. Guinae pigs live slightly less and are still as lovable.

Good luck

Answer 14

gold fish

larger fish tank with tropical fish

hermit crab

make one of the cats hers to care for

bird (if the cats would be ok with ti)

Answer 15

I would think a bird.  They are fairly cheap and really easy to take care of.  You could show her how to empty the cage and change the water and food.  That is it!  Just make sure you keep it up and out of the cats reach!

Answer 16

I'm so sorry about your daughter's hamster! That's really hard because I'd actually be concerned that the cats would get at a new animal too. I guess I would say a fish or a rat. Again, I am hesitant because of your cats curiosity with rodents. But my daughter loved her rat, Princess. She was about 8 when she got her and they were best buds. They are generally gentle and make good pets. Both my kids have also raised pillbugs (roly polys) and they are quite hardy and easy to care for. But I'd definitely take some extra precautions on their enclosure, whatever you choose to ensure your kitties don't get in again.

Answer 17

a guinea pig is perfect but you have to be on top of things mine  died from old age but there perfect pets and lovable trust me

Answer 18

Fish & birds make good pets

Answer 19

A turtle!!! They are great, they are not boring as people say, they can even be teached!! And the maintenance is very ease and not as often as a hamster, the food is cheaper, and is a great pet for a 8 year old

Answer 20

i think a bird would be new and exciting. especially one of those pretty blue and yellow ones at the petstore.

or a ferret, but ive heard they were mean!

Answer 21

fish r sota boring... dog and cats? that could work out, my friend has a dog and a cat... what about adopting an animal at a local zoo, she could go in and visit it and boast 2 her friends that she has a hippo or an elephant ect.... what other pets r there... hmmm... A FROG?!!! or a lizard/snake?