she wants a rat, but I told her that was out of the question. I want an animal that's easy to take care of and good for my daughter. I would get her a dog, but my husband's alergic. any sugestions?
2006-06-10 15:45:07 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
There are some dogs that seem to not affect people who are allergic - check with a vet to see which ones.
Actually my daughter had a rat for her kids and they quite liked it - I didn't!
Guinea pigs are good and fairly easy to care for. We had several when the kids were young. But there is nothing as good as a dog!!
2006-06-10 15:50:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 14⤊ 2⤋
If you really think you would like to get her a dog, you may want to check into what are being referred to as hypoallergenic dogs. A lot of people with allergies don't have problems being around these dogs. Maybe your husband would do well with them. Anything mixed with a poodle (there are a lot of different mixes these days). Some are really cute and some not so much:) ome examples are maltipoo, peekapoo, cockapoo, labadoodle, or pugapoo just to name a few!.
There are also cats that don't seem to bother allergies. Tonkanese, Ragdolls, Siamese, Balinese and Korats don't seem to bother allergies like others. Tonks and Rags make wonderful pets. They are playful, loving, patient, and extremely tolerant as well as very smart. I'm told by owners of the tonks and rags that they are so friendly and easy going that NOTHING bothers them.
My sister has 2 tonkinese mixes she rescued form a local shelter. They are so gentle her kids pick them up (in sometimes awkward and unusual ways). The kids are 8, 6, and 3. The 3 year old can be especially rough. These are their first pets. They are amazing in their tolerance and general affection towards the children.
You can find a lot of info about these breeds on line.
Otherwise, guinea pigs make nice pets as do birds. It takes patience but you can teach budgerigars (a.k.a parakeets or budgies) to whistle, talk, sit on your shoulder and cuddle and they are both fairly inexpensive.
Hope this helps! Good luck
By the way, rats make some of the most wonderful pets. They are extremely social, easy to care for, intelligent, and fun to watch as well as interact with. When I was looking for a pet for my kids I did a lot of question asking and research like you, and found that rats were top on the list of best pets for kids. Unfortunately rats have a bad rep and my husband said absolutely not.
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2006-06-11 18:12:37 · answer #2 · answered by Tookie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
rodents make great pets. I had a guinea pig for many years and also have a bunny now. Bunnys are more responsive and need more attention than guinea pigs and you can bring them inside to play and they don't usually poo or wee inside, they are toilet trained, they train themselves. But you must handle them regular from baby or they aren't so great. If you have a big outdoor area bantams make wonderful pets, they are so tame and cuddly and will sit on your shoulder while you walk. Or what about a bird, again, handle it frequently any small animal will grow up to be a better pet if they are handled a lot. Try buying a baby from a friend or friend of a friend who has handled them from birth or near to it as they make better pets. Don't buy your pets from the pet shop, they aren't always the best pets because they are often taken away from their mothers too young. Im not keen on rats either but domestic rats are very different from wild rats. They look different, smell different and act different! They are clean animals, cuddly and responsive to humans. Good luck! Let us know what you decide!
2006-06-10 18:41:49 · answer #3 · answered by T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should get her a rat! They are actually great pets, and prob the closes to a dog.
They are nice and the smartest rodent. They can learn their name and how to do tricks. They are very social.
The only downside is their average life exp. is 2 years I believe.
But they really are great.
They are not that dirty. They groom themselves like cats.
You just have to clean the cage weekly just like you would for a hamster or pretty much any animal.
I think you should really consider a Rat. This is her first choice, so she is least likely to get bored of it so quickly. She isn't going to be scared of it because they do not bite.
It seems like the perfect first pet.
Try not to think about the reputaion of a rat and all the horrible things you hear.
Also thet come in a wide variety of colors. Not just black or white. They have 'blue ' rats that are a grey color. They also have hairless rats in case your husband is allergic to them too.
They don't need shots or anything like that either,
2006-06-10 20:04:06 · answer #4 · answered by Miss. Kitty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 3 cats and a dog. Cats are easy to take care of and very loving. Dogs need so much more attention. I have had fish...they can die easily and that would probably upset her. I've had a hamster and a rabbit before too. They are cute but require you to clean out the bottoms of their cages about once a week or so. The thing that I like about cats and dogs is that they are capable of loving you back and can be small and easily taken care of.
2006-06-10 16:35:56 · answer #5 · answered by Christy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rats are easy to take care of. Moreso, than a dog and most other animals.
2006-06-10 15:48:44 · answer #6 · answered by will 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok firstly NEVER get a pet for a kid that ultimately you do not want for yourself.. because either you will end up looking after it or nagging her too (even you will have to do constant reminders and checks) it is TOTALLY UNFAIR to a pet to say to your daughter "if you dont look after the pet we are getting rid of it" you are the adult, all pets should be FAMILY pets or belong to the Adults.. kids cannot understand LIFETIME commitment to a pet...
ok that said.. guinea pigs or rabbits are nice but smelly - cages need frequent cleaning, but otherwise are closest to a rat.
hamsters tend to bite so avoid them and being nocternal they are not good pets....
husband is allergic to dogs?? pick a hypo allergenic breed like Shih Tzu - but again a dog would HAVE to be a FAMILY PET...
2006-06-10 16:35:22 · answer #7 · answered by CF_ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a pet that you will be able to take care of. I have a child and I know that a child may take excellent care of the pet at first, but once the novelty wears off; the pet gets neglected.
2006-06-10 16:14:19 · answer #8 · answered by Josie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get a cat, but remember that they need rabies shots (even if they don't go outside) by law in most places and possibly a license in most cities.
I have four rats and they are great pets. Very tame and intelligent. But, that's up to you. At eleven, go with a cat.
2006-06-10 15:59:19 · answer #9 · answered by thewildeman2 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A cat is definitely an easy animal to care for. Be sure to choose a kitten wisely, though. A wild playfull cat can sure be a burdon when it's time to settle down for bed!
2006-06-10 15:58:18 · answer #10 · answered by Dr. Knowitall 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about a guinea pig? Guinea pigs are very easy to care for, love to be cuddled and are very docile. They are great first time pets. Bunnys are great too, very docile but very messy!! You will be cleaning the cage every other day. Hope this helps.
2006-06-10 15:51:19 · answer #11 · answered by dewdrop034 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋