Anxiety is a frustrating illness to deal with. One way some parents try to help children with anxiety is by getting them a companion pet to give them a friend. Here are ten small pets who can be wonderful friends for a child with anxiety.
Fish
Fish make wonderful pets in that you can choose the level of care and expertise required by choosing different species. Some fish are very low maintenance and just need to be fed periodically. While your child can’t hold or cuddle their fish, they can observe them in their tank and relax by spending time decorating their tank.
Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs are extremely affectionate, intelligent rodents. They need a varied and nutritious diet, but they love pets and cuddles. Children can spend supervised playtime with guinea pigs during the day by setting up a fun area full of toys for the inquisitive little furballs to explore.
Dog
Many dogs can be trained specifically to help people with anxiety. These breeds are renowned for their emotional intelligence and comforting presence. Adopting a purebred dog and caring for it can be somewhat expensive, but it’s easy to find a vet who can help in the event of medical issues.
Duck
It might sound strange, but ducks can make great pets. If you have a body of water and the budget to adopt at least two or three ducks, you’ll find them to be excellent companions. They’re also adorable, which doesn’t hurt. They can be somewhat low maintenance, as they prefer to spend most of their time in water away from the indoors.
Iguana
Iguanas are great starter reptiles. Typically, keeping reptiles is complicated and expensive. However, iguanas are very laid back and can become accustomed to human handling. Once they’ve warmed up to their owner, they can become genuinely sweet pets.
Rat
Rats are intelligent, gentle, and love making friends. Adopting two or three rats can offer your children wonderful companion pets. Rats love solving puzzles and can even be trained to perform tricks in exchange for rewards. They’ll even cuddle, and love being hugged by their owners.
Spider
Spiders might not be cuddly, but they don’t deserve their dire reputation. They’re fascinating little creatures who can eat numerous pests. They require a terrarium to be kept as pets, but your child can spend time admiring their web-weaving skills. You can even observe them as they hunt if you hang around after dropping their food off.
Cat
Cats are a common pet for lonely or anxious people due to their loving personalities and gentle demeanors. There’s nothing quite like coming home from a long day to pet your beloved cat and hear their soft meows. People with anxiety can relax while reading a book and listening to their kitty purr in their lap.
Read More: The 5 Best Types of Fish for First-Time Owners
Ferret
Ferrets are energetic, playful, and inquisitive animals. They’re similar in personality to cats, just amped up to 11. If you’ve got a young child with anxiety, they could benefit from spending time playing with happy ferrets. They can be a bit expensive to adopt and care for, but they’ll reliably bring a smile to your face with their noodle-like movements and playful antics.
Read More: Why You Should Not Buy a Betta Fish For Your Child
Rabbit
Rabbits are among the gentlest pets you can care for. They’re soft, sweet-natured, and quiet. These are all great traits for a child with anxiety. They can also live up to ten years, which means your child will have more time with them, unlike some other smaller pets.
Read More: The 10 Worst Dogs for Kids
