Cats and Dogs

[couchy]

My girlfriend wants to get a pet for our 3 year old daughter, which would be more suitable, a dog or a cat?

[andy hughes]

I would suggest that at three, your daughter is too young to appreciate the pitfalls of a 'new member' of the family. Children of that age are too young to appreciate that animals feel pain when poked or pinched, or teased, all natrual behaviour for a little one, but it can provoke retaliation in even the most passive pet. Similarly, a pet may resent what it sees as a fellow 'pack member' usurping the pet's place in the pecking order, which can lead to problems. If you are determined to buy a pet, why not try a fish or bird, something which won't require petting, but can start your child on the road to learning responsible pet keeping.

[couchy]

Thank you Andy.

[Leg of lamb]

It depends how spacious your living quarters are. I suggest borrowing a friend's/neighbour's cat, taking it into the living room, picking it up by its tail and swinging it round your head. If it bangs its head you probably do not have enough room for one of your own. You could also discount a dog as they tend to be larger.

[Leg of lamb]

Sorry about my last answer I do not advocate violence toward animals. In fact I love cats - they taste just like chicken.

[couchy]

Leg of lamb - thank you, pls advise what you think I should do if said cat makes it through your test uninjured?

[Leg of lamb]

Simple - have it put to sleep, get it stuffed and the kids can have hours of fun. And you don't need to bother with a litter tray.

[Haitch]

No she's not to young to "appreciate the pitfalls" my daughter is 2 & loves our Border Collie X to bits. It's not about which is more suitable but about teaching the child to respect the animal & to begin to understand it. We had our dog before our daughter so she grew up with it which may be easier. Cats can be more temperamental but dogs can be more harmful if pushed too far (I don't need to remind you of various cases that have hit the news - and sometimes, rarely,animals can turn for no apparent reason. Generally, from what I've seen of other people's dogs labradors & retrievers are pretty daft tolerant dogs that should put up with a fair bit of rough handling whilst your daughter is learning how to behave towards it. Always beware - animals can only be pushed so far! So only get a pet if you think your child is responsible enough. I've even seen someone waving their arm around with a hamster (still in it's cage) attached to their finger!