I am allergic to dogs and cats, but what pets could I own that would be non-allergenic yet fun?

Question

I am thinking maybe fish, an iguana or other lizard. Iguanas seem smart. And they are cute. Please advise on what kind of pet would be good for a medium apartment that would NOT make me sneeze but which would be fun to interact with. No kiddie answers or dumb replies, be serious please.

Answer 1

There are several breeds of hairless cats that you could look into. You could check into poodles. I know alot of people with dog allergies are not allergic to them, but not everyone can have them. Without specific testing, I wouldn't encourage you to run out and get any dog hoping that you will not have a problem.

An iguana may sound like a great idea, but they are quite hard to take care of. There are tons of them turned over to rescues every day because people think it is a cute ,easy, smart animal.Then they get it and find out differently. (We used to run a reptile rescue and it is crazy the number of calls for iguanas we used to get.. always looking for someone to take them, never for anyone wanting one)
I am not sure what would be "Fun" to interact with. Fish won't do much, snakes aren't really fun, though they are interesting, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rabbits all may cause your allergies to flare. There are some hairless hamsters you could check into as well. (pic... http://www.petoftheday.com/archive/2004/December/04.html)
As far as reptiles a bearded dragon would be much better than an iguana. Or even some kind of uromastyx lizard. Check into some of them.
And while salmonella CAN be an issue with reptiles, only a very small percentage actually carry it. And if the owners have good hygiene (washing hands after handling the animals) it shouldn't be an issue.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

There are 2 problems. First, allergies are different for everyone. Without getting tested, there's no way to know exactly which animals you'll be allergic to. Second, reptiles are a bad idea. You can get salmonella from them.

What about one or two small birds? Parakeets, canaries, finches, cockatiels, and lovebirds are all domestic birds that can make great pets. Apartment life can be tricky for birds; just be sure to keep them away from the kitchen.

Since you're in an apartment, you may want to check with your landlord to see if certain animals are prohibited.

Answer 3

OK. First thing to consider is what are you looking for? Are you looking for interaction? IF so then the smaller lizards that have been mentioned are not the best. Yes you can handle them but it requires attention and these lizards also eat crickets or insects that will require reular trips to the pet shop to purchase.
The BEST and MOST favorite reptile i owned was a LARGE Iguana. You need to find a LARGE one to achieve a pet that will be easy to maintain. Lionel had a large rabbit cage about 4 x 4 feet. Inside he had a heat rock and things to climb on. I left the door to the cage open 80% of the time and so In the room he lived in, he also had a large fake tree to bask in the window and he would stay up there for hours upon hours. Lionel ate a mixture of vege's that i could pick up when i did my regular grocery shopping. He was very tame and i handled him every single day. I also had two cats and they got aong well. He would often sneak cat food from thier dishes and they tried to play with his tail. He was truly a joy and died of old age. IF you get a SMALL young iguana you can not allow them this free reign without fear of them getting loose or what not. Also it has been my own experience that they are not nearly as tame and docile in thier juveile stages. Most people give up thier iguanas as a prior poster mentioned but this is because they are not handled regulary and then become tail whippers. To have a healthy iguana you have to understand the correct and proper diet or you will have an ill animal. A mixed diet of greens and even rose petals (without pesticide) . The key is they need a wide variety of certain vegetables and fruits. Another tame and easy to handle large lizard is the Bearded Dragon. Alternatively a bird can be fun also and less exotic. :) I am not as into birds and mine woke me up if i didnt cover it and wasnt quite as cool . ;)

Answer 4

Yes, you can get salmonella from reptiles, but not if you're careful. I have a leopard gecko and a milk snake. Both are really sweet and fun to play with. The Gecko has a cheaper upkeep, but she is kind've a picky eater, so I am having trouble find food she likes. The milksnake is a little more expensive to feed, but I never have problems finding his food, since he loves mice. I am hoping to get a lavendar cornsnake soon, too. If you're concerned about salmonella, just be sure to wash your hands after handilng your reptile and you should be fine.

Answer 5

Lizards are GREAT pets. I have a Leopard Gecko and he is AWESOME!!!! Lizards occupy a small space and they are low maitnance. I would definitely go with a Leopard Gecko. Iguanas are a little rough for a first time lizard owner. They thrash their tail and you could get clawed. They also get pretty big. Leopard Geckos are somewhat boring though. They are one of few species of geckos that have claws instead of pads on their toes. They are also one of the geckos that have eyelids. They are very pretty, and they have many different colors and patterns. They can be albino, leusistic, etc. Use the links for any other questions.

Answer 6

You could find a dog that does not shed- poodles, schanuzers (?), and multi-generational labradoodles and many more. Most people with dog allergies are allergic to the dander- these breeds don't have dander and so are usually good for allergic people. So no need to go to fish or lizards just yet.

List below...

Answer 7

A hairless cat won't make any difference because the thing that the people are allergic to is a protein in the cat's saliva. I'm not sure of the answer to this question, but I just wanted to make sure that you didn't get false information.

Answer 8

As reptiles and amphibian are not subject to pet dander, any of them will make good pets. I personally have a bearded dragon, who is quite a character. Also I have a royal ball python. She is a bit easier to take around places. She goes with me to the store, the park, just where ever I go, and she always get quite a reaction, especially from children and single mothers.

Answer 9

fish are boring so i suggest maybe an iguanua as you said or if ur not allergic to gueniea pigs. o yes, most people are not allergic to dogs that do not shed. a non shedding dog would be a shih tzu. i have one and my sister is allergic but it works great.

Answer 10

Fresh-water fish are fascinating to watch and easy to care for. Reptiles are a lot more work and expense. Try hanging around one before you buy it - you might be allergic to them too.