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Cats are wonderful creatures who have a great deal to offer their human companions. It is believed that cats were first domesticated by humans around 5,000 years ago and were used to help protect farmers crops from mice and other rodents.

They are still a popular domesticated pet today, generally not for their hunting abilities but for a variety of other reasons which we will look at below.

Cats do fine living in small homes and apartments:

T hey don't need a great deal of space to run around like many breeds of do as long as they are provided with an enriching environment which high up perches to sit on, plenty of toys and lots of games with their human guardians.

Cats are easy to care for:

Unlike dogs, cats don't require walks (although some cat owners do walk their cats on a leash). Their care is fairly minimal. Regular scooping of litter trays, feeding twice a day, grooming requirements are low in shorthaired cats.

Pet owners have been shown to reduced levels of stress, depression and lower blood pressure. Cat owners have been shown to have an improved immune function, can help reduce the chances of allergies and asthma in children.

T o stroke, to have on your lap, to keep you warm.

Who can resist the beauty and perfection of a feline in the home?

Put an empty box on the floor or a large paper bag (never use a plastic bag), some catnip, toys and enjoy the show. Cats are immensely entertaining to watch at play.

They offer companionship and unconditional love:

I adopted a kitten after the break-up of a long-term relationship. She was always there to greet me when I returned from work, she happily snuggled up on the sofa with me to watch a TV show & she would hop onto the bed and sleep beside me, she would listen to me when I needed to talk. She was my loyal companion for many years.

The wonderful thing about cats is they rarely if ever smell. They are fastidiously clean, spending a great deal of their time grooming themselves and require very little in the way of (unless you have a long haired cat).

Well, most cats are quiet. Some breeds of cat such as the Siamese are known for their love of talking, but the majority of cats are fairly quiet. You won't upset the neighbours like you would with a barking dog.

Don't get me wrong, most cats love attention, but are also quite content to spend time on their own, (grooming, sleeping, watching the world go by). Most cats don't need constant attention.

As you can see, cats make great pets but they do require responsibility on part of their owners to ensure they are properly cared for. Cat care includes:

Twice daily feeding of a good quality cat food. for more information on what to feed your cat.

Providing medical care where necessary. This includes regular treatment for parasites, annual vet check-ups and vaccinations as required.

Meeting their emotional needs. Don't just get a cat and then ignore it. They require love and attention just as much as their human companions.

Regularly scheduled play. This is especially important for indoor cats. There are a vast number of interactive cat toys on the market to keep your cat entertained.

Providing your cat with the necessary equipment such as a cat bed, scratching post, litter tray, toys. for more information on cat products you may require.

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Cats As Pets - Why Cats Make Great Companions

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Cats are wonderful creatures who have a great deal to offer their human companions. It is believed that cats were first domesticated by humans around 5,000 years ago and were used to help protect farmers crops from mice and other rodents.

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Sarah H. asks: Why did people buy the pet rock when it was just a rock? For all you pet owners out there, has there ever been a time when you’ve just had enough? Enough hairballs, enough grooming, enough messes, enough vet bills and the like? After listening to his friends complain about such things…

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Gina Cioli/I5 Studio

Can I get a dog? Or a hamster? Or a boa constrictor?"

These days many parents are likely to be asked by their children to get a pet reptile. Reptiles are more prevalent than ever, after all. Not only are they on display in pet and reptile stores, but they also appear in movies, commercials and other media outlets. Whether this is a good thing or not - the "not" because of the possibility of impulse buying - whenever an animal is featured in, say, television commercials, a demand for that animal can arise, especially on behalf of children. One wonders how many giant day geckos have been sold as a result of the Geico gecko,chihuahuas because of the Taco Bell chihuahua, clown fish because of the movie Finding Nemo, and so on.

Personally, I love the fact that children are fascinated by reptiles and plead with their parents to keep them as pets. Luckily, reptiles can make great pets for them, provided the right approach is taken.

Too Cool for Thought

Being informed about an animal may seem like a no-brainer, but it has to be hammered home anyway. Many people buying reptiles, especially kids, can get so caught up in the "coolness factor" of the animals that they surrender to impulse buying, which is when an animal is purchased without any real thought as to its suitability as a pet for that particular person - not just now but in the future, too.

Whether you are asking a parent for a herp pet or a parent who has just been asked, there are three important things to consider regarding pet reptiles in general.

Gina Cioli/BowTie Studio

Many reptiles can live a long time. Will your 12-year-old still want that tortoise when he or she (the kid, not the tortoise) is 20 years old? How about 50 years old? Tortoises are famous for being long-lived, but many herps can live longer than 10 years.

Cute baby reptiles can get big. Visit an animal rescue and ask how often they take in green iguanas, large constrictor snakes or African spurred tortoises. These species are the primary candidates for the grew-too-big-for-me-to-take-care-of-it category, but additional reptiles, such as most monitors, tegus,red-eared sliders and others, may outgrow enclosures that were fine for them as babies but are no longer.

Will the animal get the proper care? Proper husbandry is a must for any animal whether it's scaly, furry or feathery. Knowing how long animals will live and how big they get is important, but a herp's specific care requirements should be researched - and determined realistic for a youngster to provide - before it is brought home.

The good news is not all reptiles are very demanding pets. This is one huge reason why some make great pets for children. Read on, and you'll find there are seven other reasons why reptiles make great pets for young people.

Gina Cioli/BowTie Studio

1. Reptiles are "Low-Maintenance" Pets.
Pets such as dogs and cats, though beloved by millions, require a lot of attention. Reptiles don't.

For one thing, pet reptiles don't need to be fed every day. Every other day is fine, and some don't even need to be fed that much. Although not recommended for children, huge pythons have been known to go a year without eating! I would never recommend that a pet snake be fed only once a year, but only feeding them a couple times a week is fine.

When discussing pets, the issues of hair and the maintenance that goes along with it often come up. I wonder how many owners of long-haired dogs and cats wish their pets didn't require all that maintenance and cleaning. Grooming their beloved pets may be a labor of love for many, I suppose, but consider the convenience of keeping a reptile. It doesn't have to be groomed, and people are not likely to be allergic to it.

Another facet of a reptile's low-maintenance reputation is in regard to the animal's need for owner interaction. This is aside from what's required for general health, such as feeding and cleaning. Reptiles need both - like any pet. But dogs, for instance, need their owners' love and attention for their psychological well-being. Neglected dogs can become depressed and frustrated, which can result in damaging behavior. This is one characteristic that makes dogs so endearing to so many people - not because they may misbehave and chew on your coffee table, but because they crave affection from "their people."

Reptiles don't crave affection from their owners. Although many accept handling, most are simply tolerating it. Some may actually enjoy being handled, and many reptile owners say their pets love being held. The bottom line, though, is that reptiles are also content to be left alone, and they won't chew up your furniture if you do so.

Moreover, there's this: A pet reptile doesn't need to be taken for a walk to go to the bathroom.

2. Reptiles Don't Require Much Space

You already know how large a reptile gets is an important nugget of knowledge to possess. Some can get very big. African spurred tortoise hatchlings, for instance, are the essence of cute when you see them marching around their enclosures like little tanks. But over the years those cute little tortoises turn into behemoths. Granted, the adults could still be considered cute, but I'm not sure how cute you will think they are if one has burrowed into your backyard and unearthed your entire sprinkler system.

The reptile species I recommend for children (see "Case's Dozen" sidebar) remain a manageable size and will not require a room-sized enclosure. Most will do fine in a 20-gallon terrarium or enclosure of similar dimensions: approximately 3 feet long and 1½ feet wide. Some, such as a single crested or leopard gecko, or a kingsnake, could even be kept in a 10-gallon terrarium. Turtles and tortoises will need more space. The leopard tortoise, for instance, can grow to about 20 inches in length and weigh 30 pounds; it will eventually need a pen in which to roam.

Yet the space a reptile requires for exercise is meager compared to some pets. Here again I'm thinking of dogs and how they need space to run and play. For this there are dog parks, but when was the last time you saw a reptile park? They don't exist because reptiles don't need to exercise the way dogs do. The space within their enclosures is all they require.

3. Reptiles are Easy to Feed

Insects and rodents are readily available. Plus, some reptiles from my list such as bearded dragons and tortoises eat fruits and veggies. There are commercial diets for reptiles, too.

If you keep one of the snakes on the list but don't like the idea of feeding it live mice or rats, there is an alternative: frozen rodents. They are widely available. Just remember to thaw them before offering them to your snake, and don't use the microwave, or things could get gross. You can use hot water to thaw them. You may have to jiggle them a bit using long forceps to get the snake to strike.

One argument for feeding frozen rodents rather than living ones is that live rodents can bite snakes or harbor parasites that may harm the pets. Such parasites die during the freezing process.

Yet many hobbyists prefer to feed live rodents to their snakes. Many find a snake's feeding behavior interesting to watch. When feeding live rodents, though, never leave one in a snake enclosure unattended, especially overnight. A live mouse or rat could gnaw on your snake and cause it severe injury.

When it comes to lizards, turtles and tortoises, a variety of commercially prepared diets are available. These are manufactured with the animals' nutrition requirements in mind. Although they could be considered complete diets, it's a good idea to vary your pet's menu. For example, owners of bearded dragons could offer crickets one day, a salad the next and then a commercial diet.

To make herp food healthier for your pets, you often want to add a calcium, vitamin and/or mineral supplement. Usually in powder form, these supplements can be applied to insects. Place bugs in a plastic bag with some of the supplement, inflate the bag with air, and shake it up and down until the insects are coated with the power. Then offer them to your lizard. Powder can also be sprinkled onto veggies and fruits.

4. Keeping Reptiles Provides a Lesson in Responsibility.

Being fairly "low-impact" animals, reptiles are better candidates to teach youngsters how to care for a pet than more high-maintenance animals. They are less likely to suffer the consequences of neglect as quickly as other pets.

No pet should suffer neglect, but children are known to occasionally forget to feed pets or clean their cages. Reptiles hold up to this sort of situation better than other pets. Of course, if the situation continues for too long, it's not healthy for the reptile either. At that point the parent may have to step in, but the basic principle holds true: reptile care is not as much of a chore as caring for other types of pets.

If a feeding is missed or other care requirement temporarily neglected, parents can discuss with their children how important it is to care for the reptile properly and correct the behavior accordingly. In the meantime, the reptile likely is none the worse for wear (unless the neglect is allowed to go on for too long - and nobody should let that happen).

5. Reptiles Foster Interest in the Natural World.

Reptiles are more exotic than other pets, which is a large part of their appeal. This is also the reason many television nature shows on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel focus on reptiles. Nature shows are often children's first exposure to reptiles and can provide the motivation for their wanting to own some.

My earliest realization probably resulted from watching Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. Marlin Perkins, a former curator of reptiles at the St. Louis Zoo, and Jim Fowler hosted the show. Marlin and Jim could be considered the predecessors to Steve Irwin and Jeff Corwin, but I doubt anyone would accuse Marlin of exhibiting anywhere near the energy level of these younger whippersnappers. Jim often handled the down-and-dirty encounters while Marlin narrated the show.

The reptile scenes during Wild Kingdom episodes, such as Jim wrestling a giant snake, were always highlights that got my interest in reptiles percolating. Soon I began looking for herps to catch and keep, and my love of nature is due in large part to my interest in reptiles. They were the primary reason I was out in nature in the first place. As I grew more interested in reptiles, I grew to love nature more as a whole.

6. Reptiles Don't Pose Much Risk of Personal Injury.

Sure, a pet reptile can bite. However, a bite from any of the reptiles on my list would be pretty inconsequential.

Deep within the souls of some people there's something that recoils at the thought of a snakebite. It's true that some snakes can deliver an impressive bite. Reticulated pythons have large fangs, and the bite of a venomous snake, of course, should definitely be avoided. But these snakes are not for kids or beginners.

A bite from more kid-friendly snakes, such as corn snakes, ball pythons or California kingsnakes, are minor wounds. These snakebites typically consist of a lightning-quick jab followed by a pinprick-sized bead of blood (or two) at the bite site. No pain is typically involved. I'm sure some particularly enthusiastic biters could inflict pain, but kid-friendly snakes are not known to be in that league.

At the risk of being labeled a dog- or cat-hater - I pretty much like all animals - think of the injuries these pets can inflict. When my brother and I were kids, his ear was bitten through by our dog, a miniature pinscher mix. I also remember an occasion when a cat's claw got briefly snagged in the corner of my eye. Pet birds have chomped on me, and rodents have bitten me, too. I once had a hedgehog that latched onto the skin between a friend's thumb and forefinger with surprising force. All of these incidents hurt more than any reptile bite I've experienced.

All animals can be unpredictable at times, but the chance of a Russian tortoise, leopard gecko or other animal on my recommended species list inflicting serious injury is pretty much zero.

7. Reptiles are Quiet.

Reptiles don't make as much noise as other pets; they certainly don't bark or yowl.

It's true that some geckos may emit slight barking noises, and frogs can make a variety of sounds. But for the most part, reptiles are a quiet bunch. They aren't likely to disturb housemates or neighbors.

Hamsters, rats and other rodents also can be quiet, but often they are nocturnal. If they're kept in kids' rooms, their nighttime activities and noises could distract children from falling to sleep.

I can provide a couple examples thanks to some pet rats I kept as a kid (I heartily recommend rats as pets; they're clean and affectionate). One used to drive me crazy by banging his water bottle against the sides of his cage, usually at night. Another pushed against the screen lid atop the cage. I placed a phone book on top to prevent the lid from being pushed completely off, and its weight resulted in the top banging down after the rat pushed it up. So the thump, thump, thump of the lid was somewhat irritating. Eventually the rats were moved out of my bedroom and into another room. None of these sorts of shenanigans are likely to occur with reptiles, including nocturnal species.

8. Reptiles - To Put it Simply - Are Really Cool!

There's a Wow! factor to reptiles. They appeal to kids and many adults. It's their exotic - some people consider it almost alien - demeanor and appearance. They never cease to fascinate.

There are plenty of reasons for youngsters to keep reptiles, and there are plenty of reptiles that make great pets. So the next time kids ask for a boa constrictor, instead of flat-out saying, "No," maybe parents could say, "How about a corn snake instead?"

And to any young people thinking about hitting up their parents for a pet reptile, remember this: Do your research first, and ask only for a pet you know you can care for properly. If you don't do that, you and the reptile could end up having bad experiences. If you see a reptile you like, read about it, learn all you can, and then approach your parents. Tell them why you think that reptile is perfect for you, and perhaps they'll agree.

Case's Dozen

If Russ Case had to pick 12 suitable pet reptiles for kids, he would pick:
1. bearded dragon
2. leopard gecko
3. crested gecko
4. corn snake
5. ball python
6. California kingsnake
7. red-footed tortoise
8. Russian tortoise
9. leopard tortoise
10. red-eared slider
11. painted turtle
12. common musk turtle

Captive Bred Is Always Best

Young hobbyists starting out in reptiles should be given the best chance of success, and captive-bred animals provide just that. Many species described in this article are widely bred in captivity, so buying a captive-bred pet should not be difficult. Captive-bred animals are already acclimated to captivity. They won't stress out as much as a wild reptile that's been captured and shipped. Many of these can become fine pets, but others harbor illnesses that might not be apparent at first. Such health issues are less likely in captive-bred reptiles.

Resist the Impulse

If you see a really cool reptile at a pet store, resist buying it unless you already know you can take care of it long term. If you are unfamiliar with the animal, go home and do some research first. Get the pet later. It's better to do it this way than to buy the reptile first, take it home, and then find out it will eventually weigh 100 pounds. Impulse buying leads to trouble. Learn before you buy!

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Gina Cioli/I5 Studio These days many parents are likely to be asked by their children to get a pet reptile. Reptiles are more prevalent than ever, after all. Not only are they on display in pet and reptile stores, but they also appear in movies, commercials and other media outlets.

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The small, furry animals are often purchased as pets and have a track record for being pretty adorable. Hamsters are seen as harmless little guys who enjoy the occasional pellet and a run in their hamster wheels.

You may wonder if there is anything more to this domesticated animal. Hamsters are rodents that look different than other kinds because of their stubby legs, short tails, and tiny ears.

If you're interested in learning more about them, read the fascinating and fun facts we have about hamsters below.

▪ There are 24 species of hamsters, so these small animals come in different shapes and sizes. The biggest hamsters available are the European breed, which grow to 13.4 inches (34 cm) in length. The dwarf hamster, on the other hand, is very tiny and only becomes about 2 - 4 inches (5.5 to 10.5 cm) long.

What is the most common hamster called?

▪ The Syrian hamster is the most commonly domesticated pet hamster around. These hamsters are sometimes called teddy bear or golden hamsters, and are usually around 6 inches (15.24 cm) in length.

▪ Hamsters were brought to the United States from Syria in 1936.

How are hamsters similar to owls?

▪ One surprising fact about hamsters is that they are nocturnal, like owls - this means they stay awake at night and sleep during the day.

▪ Wild hamsters dig underground tunnels that they live and have their babies in. These tunnels are protective storage places for hiding food and they keep hamsters cool in hot climates as well.

Do all hamsters act the same?

▪ You may not realize it, but hamsters can have different personality quirks kind of like humans. Some hamsters are very social and others prefer to be alone most of the time. You have to be very careful with the Syrian hamster, for example, because it does not like to share a cage with another hamster. Dwarf hamsters are quite the opposite and enjoy lots of company.

What do hamsters eat?

▪ The typical hamster diet consists of seeds, nuts, grained, cracked corn, and certain kinds of fruits and vegetables. Hamsters in the wild may eat other small animals like lizards and frogs, but not pet hamsters!

▪ When it comes to food, hamsters could definitely be called hoarders. In fact that is what their name means in German. The hamster has pouches in its cheeks that they can stuff full of food - this is why they look chubby cheeked to us. Hamsters also like to burrow their food and hide it for eating later. Pet owners might notice bits of food under their hamster's cage bedding - this is very normal, and the hamster will get to it eventually!

The hamster's wheel!

▪ Hamsters need lots of movement and exercise; so many pet owners opt for a hamster wheel to put in their pet's cage. They also enjoy crawling through tubes and hiding in small, dark areas of the cage. Wild hamsters are similar and spend lots of time running and burrowing through the tunnels they create themselves in the ground. This is something domesticated and wild animals seem to have in common.

▪ Hamsters are popular pets, and for good reason because they are typically very gentle and not too difficult to care for. Hamsters do have the ability to bite and they will if they are scared or surprised. If they are treated well and not awakened during their sleeping hours, they will not bite or scratch. Hamsters, like any other animal, have the ability to protect themselves if they need to - but like many gentle and domesticated animals, they will not bite or hurt a human if unprovoked. They make very good pets indeed.

Do hamsters have good eyesight?

▪ Hamsters cannot see very well at all. Interestingly enough, hamsters get around by using their backs. Hamsters have scent glands on their backs which produce a unique but easy to identify scent. These little creatures rub their backs on objects so they can sniff their way back home. The scent trail becomes their helpful guide to safety.

▪ Mother hamsters are protective of their young - they will even put their babies in the pouches in their mouths if they are in danger. Thank goodness human mothers can't do that!

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Hamster Facts for Kids The small, furry animals are often purchased as pets and have a track record for being pretty adorable. Hamsters are seen as harmless little guys who enjoy the occasional pellet and a run in their hamster wheels. You may wonder if there is anything more to this domesticated animal.

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Fun Cat Facts for Kids - Interesting Facts about Cats & Kittens

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Cats are one of, if not the most, popular pet in the world.

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Use this site if you think dogs are the best pet!

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Animals for Kids: All about dogs and different breeds

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Dogs make great pets and are man's best friend. Kids learn about different breeds and special skills dogs have.

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Use this site if you think dogs are the best pet!

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This simply means that all our animals in care are currently scheduled to meet a potential adopter. Please check back frequently for available animals as new ones arrive often. Thank you!

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Use this website to understand the responsibilities associated with pets

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Caring For Pets Teaches Children Responsibility

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Use this website for some general facts about how pets can help owners!

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A pet is an animal that people keep for companionship and enjoyment. Most often people keep their pets in their home, but some pets may be kept in a stable or outdoor enclosure depending on the type of animal. See the fact file below for more information on Pets or alternatively download our comprehensive worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Facts About Pets

Many different kinds of pets can be found throughout the world.

Some people have dogs, cats and birds. Others have hamsters, guinea pigs and lizards. Some even have mice, rats, snakes and spiders. Many people have fish.

Horses, sheep and pigs are considered pets by some people. Some even keep chickens, ducks and rabbits as pets.

A pet doesn't necessarily live in the house. They can live in a stable, corral or outdoor enclosure of some kind.

There is now a medically-approved class of "therapy animals," mostly dogs, who are brought to visit people who are homebound or in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers.

Dogs and monkeys have been trained to assist people who are challenged in some physical way. Seeing-eyed dogs assist their blind owners and other dogs will alert their deaf owner when the phone is ringing or when someone comes to the door. There are even dogs that have been trained to known when their owner is going to have a seizure.

Some pets also spend time working to help the people who own them.

There are dogs that hold down jobs such as working with police departments to locate criminals, lost people and detect drugs or explosives. While these dogs are working they are considered to be a valued partner to their trainer. The trainer usually takes them home and they become a member of the family.

All pets require work. No one should consider having a pet unless they are prepared to take on the responsibility of caring for it.

The pet food and supplies is a muti-million dollar industry.

Having a pet has been known to make people happier and healthier.

Pets Worksheets

This bundle contains 11 ready-to-use Pets Worksheets that are perfect for students who want to learn more about man's friendly companions. Did you know? There is now a medically-approved class of "therapy animals," mostly dogs, who are brought to visit people who are homebound or in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. Learn more about it through these worksheets.

Download includes the following worksheets
Quick Quiz Domesticated Pets Exotic Pets Pets at Work
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Household Pets Facts and Worksheets for Kids * KidsKonnect

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A pet is an animal that people keep for companionship and enjoyment. Most often people keep their pets in their home, but some pets may be kept in a stable or outdoor enclosure depending on the type of animal. Click for more kids facts and information or download the worksheet collection.