Best pet for 9 year old? Update- got a leopard gecko!

[Karen]

I'd vote for a guinea pig, as they can be happier in a confined space than a rabbit would, and both dogs and cats tend to see bunnies as prey. A guinea pig can be in its cage, and can come out for playtime in a ball to run, or fence off an area for them to run and play ... they are sturdier than a hamster, and easier to interact with than a gerbil. A parakeet's noises might prove irresistible for the cats, and one cannot underestimate the persistence of a curious feline.

[Husky_mom]

A parakeet's noises might prove irresistible for the cats, and one cannot underestimate the persistence of a curious feline.

add to that the mess.. parakeets are messy (feathers, seed, water.. all over the place)... one can handle that but a 9 yr old might consider it too much...

the guinea pig is probably the best as Karen said.. can do well confined and he gets interaction with it..

[BitsyNaceyDog]

My vote is for a pair of guinea pigs too. If you're looking for something smaller I'd probably go for a lizard, maybe a leopard gecko.

[Suki Wingy]

Ooh actually leopard gecko is a good idea. I know a few belonging to kids.

[JuniorxMyxLove]

I'd say guinea pig as well I got Pepsi when I was nine [which means he's about 7 years old right now] and I took care of him all by myself

I have found guinea pigs to be much more affectionate than hamsters, and if you are careful with supervision they can actually interact quite well with dogs and cats [my one cat is VERY protective of Pepsi, and the dog/other cats tolerate him]. They do require a bit more care than some of the other small mammals, but I think it's worth it in the end. Plus, they're quite happy to chill in their cage or on your lap, and they're so darn cute!

One thing I would say though...guinea pigs are quite social so if you are considering a piggy, you might want to think about getting two.

[Pembroke_Corgi]

Thanks for all the input! My nephew would really love to have a cat, but I don't think that's the best idea since our cats all get along really well and I don't want to change a good thing. Plus, he can help care for and play with the cats we have, and they like having someone who plays with them often.

He is leaning towards a leopard gecko for his own pet. I've been reading up on how to care for them and am nervous about having a cold-blooded pet. As long as you have a heat source and cooler area for them, is it pretty easy to keep them the right temperature? I've never had a reptile before!

I'm going to have my nephew read up on leopard geckos before we get one so he can help select the right home for it, etc. I'll update when we get the pet (maybe next week) with pictures!

[snakemama]

He is leaning towards a leopard gecko for his own pet. I've been reading up on how to care for them and am nervous about having a cold-blooded pet. As long as you have a heat source and cooler area for them, is it pretty easy to keep them the right temperature? I've never had a reptile before!

I use under-tank heaters (like thin plastic sheets that stick to the bottom of the tank) for my reptiles, and I bought a thermostat to keep them at exactly the right temperature. Once it's set up, it's very easy to keep the temperature correct. Set-up is pretty straightforward too!

If you have any more questions about leos or reptiles in general, I'd be more than happy to help you out.