Children’s Interest In Pets At Christmas

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29385, 12 December 1960, Page 2

Children’s Interest In Pets At Christmas

Children scurry along the footpath, through the door of a pet shop and round the corner to the puppies. “We have dozens of them in every day, especiallj’ the tiny tots,” said an assistant in a Christchurch pet shop. The shop was preparing for the last-minute Christmas rush. “You can’t hide a kitten on the top of the wardrobe,” said the assistant.

Parents should think carefully before deciding on such a present, It would be kinder not to get a

puppy or a kitten if you are going away for the holidays. “Baby animals are just like real babies—they need lots of

love and lots of looking after." said the wife of the manager of the SPC A. animals’ home 'Mrs

L R. Glanville). It was unfair to go off to the beach for the dav and leave the puppy behind. Space available for exercise must also be considered. The larger varieties of dog are not suitable for town unless owners are prepared to take them for a long walk every day. In a small flat with no garden, a goldfish or a bird would be more suitable. Kittens and puppies need a carefully-watched diet at first “Give them four or five feeds a day of chopped meat—about one ounce each time.” said Mrs Glanville. She suggested varying the menu so that they get used to eating anything in emergencies. A little vegetable and a cereal food at breakfast were a good idea, but they should not have too much starch or fat. They should be given as much fresh milk as they will drink and fresh water as well. “Some cats prefer water after a few weeks: others will drink milk for ever.” said Mrs Glanville. When they teething, both kjttens and puppies should be given a large bone to chew on

At night they should be put in a box lined with newspaper and a blanket, she said. If possible something from the mother’s bed should be brought for it would smell like her. A dirt box should be placed

close by. and should be changed frequently. “They won’t go to it if it smells," said Mrs Glan-

ville. Kittens needed a toy—a pingpong ball or a pom-pom, she said. But she warned against playing

with small animals too much. “They need plenty of sleep; if they want to go to sleep, leave

them alone.” she said. Limited Space Budgerigars and canaries make attractive pets for someone whose space is limited. All they need is a cage which is cleaned daily, fresh water, and plenty of seed. Fish take little looking after. The greatest danger is over-feed-ing. Water plants should be placed in the bowl to assist the oxygen supply, and the water should be changed occasionally—about once a week for a small bowl with perhaps two fish and less often for a larger bowl. White mice are a favourite with some small boys. They should be kept in a wooden cage, and fed on brown bread, milk, and bird seed. Guinea pigs are suitable for a home with plenty of garden. They will eat anything green. They should be kept in a hutch that can be moved to different parts of the garden.