i really want a dog or a cat!?

Question

i really want a dog or a cat or 2 cats, or even ferrets, but:
1. My mom MIGHT MIGHT MIGHT MIGHT (most likely not) have a dog that doesn't shed.
2. If i have a cat or 2 they will be fine when they are home alone, but dogs wont' be.
3. Cats shed all the time.
and if i don't get at least a ferret, i'm serisously gonna go mad. We have fish and hermit crabs. but....

uh, what's with you guys? ferrets don't bite. my dad likes animals, and his side of the family, almost every one of them have ferrets! that's how i got to love them!

Answer 1

Dog
WHY IT'S GOOD A dog will play with you and love you more than any pet we mention here.
WHY IT'S BAD It takes a lot of time and energy to care for one. Dogs bark. Some people are allergic.
NEEDS Dogs, especially large ones, need room to run around. Every day you'll need to: feed your dog twice, walk it at least once, and let it outside four or five times to poop or pee. Long-haired breeds need to be brushed regularly, and most dogs must be bathed every month or so. If you take a trip, you'll have to bring your dog along or board it at a kennel.
COST There's a wide price range, from a free mutt at an animal shelter to more than $500 for a purebred dog. You'll also need to buy a license, collar and leash, and take the dog to a vet for shots and spaying or neutering, so it can't have puppies. Annual cost: $225 to $1,150, depending on how much food it eats.
BOTTOM LINE If you're energetic, this may be the pet for you. But puppies need a lot of attention.

Cat
WHY IT'S GOOD A cat can keep you company while you read or watch TV. Many even prove quite playful, plus they purr when they're happy.
WHY IT'S BAD Nearly all cats are more aloof than dogs. That means they don't always come when you call them or play with you when you want. Some people are allergic.
NEEDS Cats must be fed daily. You don't need to let them outside to poop, since they use a litter box. But you do need to scoop the litter box out daily and clean it weekly. Longhaired cats need to be brushed regularly. You'll probably need help clipping your cat's nails. If you must travel, your cat can look after itself for a couple of days, as long as it has plenty of food and water. Don't forget spaying or neutering.
COST From free, for a shelter cat, to $75 to $500 for a purebred; annual cost: $300 to $400, depending on types of food and litter.
BOTTOM LINE Not as much work as a dog but still a furry buddy who can curl up on your lap


Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

What does "hypoallergenic" really mean?
To be hypoallergenic is to have a decreased tendency to cause allergies. Hypo means less, not none. Hypoallergenic dog breeds will still produce allergens, but because of their coat type, will typically produce less than others. People with severe allergies and asthma will still be affected by a hypoallergenic dog.

There is no such thing as a non-allergenic dog.

What coat-type makes the difference?
There are two coat types that produce a lesser amount of allergens: single-coated dogs, who do not have a thick undercoat, and hairless dogs. However even hairless dogs can produce enough dander to to affect a highly allergic person.

Hair-less Dog Breeds
Xoloitzcuintle (Mexican Hairless)
American Hairless Terrier
Chinese Crested (Hairless)
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Some of Single-Coated Dog Breeds
Chinese Crested (Powder Puff)
Poodles (all sizes)
Schnauzers (all sizes)
Portuguese Water Dog
Bichon Frise
Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
Coton de Tulear
Kerry Blue Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Bedlington Terrier


The FIRST Guide to Ferrets
A Brief History
Ferrets belong to the Mustelidae family and are related to mink, skunks, weasels, otters and badgers. Ferrets are the only domestic subspecies in this family and they should not be confused with the Blackfooted Ferret, an endangered species which is actually the North American variant of the Siberian Polecat. Because most hunting instincts have been bred out of ferrets, they cannot survive long in the wild and therefore should be allowed outside only when on a leash and under close supervision.


General
The average life span of a ferret is 8-10 years. Full grown females weigh about two pounds while males are larger, generally about twice the weight of females. The most common colour variations are shades of brown, grey and black, with the mask, feet and tails being the darkest in colour. "Albino" ferrets are white with pink eyes.

Ferrets require a dark, quiet place to sleep. The most suitable beddings are old towels, sweaters and pants in which they can roll up or bury themselves.

Ferrets are extremely curious creatures and will investigate anything and everything. This curiosity is the leading cause of premature death amongst ferrets! It is important to supervise your ferret at all times when he is at play and "ferret-proof" your home.

As with any small animal, ferrets are not recommended for homes with very young children.


Behavior
Ferrets have distinct and engaging personalities, and a playful, fastidious nature. They are latrine animals and prefer to use a specific area for this purpose, such as a litter box placed in an "out-of-sight" corner.

Their periods of greatest activity are just before sunrise and shortly after sunset. They sleep eighteen to twenty hours of the day, waking up twice a day for very active periods of about two hours.

Housing and Food
Ferrets are active animals and should not be caged unless required. If it is necessary to confine them, they should always be kept in a cage large enough to allow separate sleeping, eating, litter and play areas. A cage of 30 inches by 18 inches can house one to three ferrets comfortably for a few days or for travel. If confined for too long, clawing and gnawing at the cage occurs and dental damage is often the result.

Ferrets must be fed a basic diet of a high quality dry ferret or kitten food. They enjoy fruit or sweet vegetables such as grapes, bananas, carrots, peanut butter, etc., as treats. Dairy products, nuts or similar items which the animals may swallow whole must be avoided.



Health
Neutering/Spaying
All ferrets should be fixed or neutered before they reach sexual maturity for the following reasons: 1) Unneutered animals give off a very pungent and unpleasant smell to attract mates, and

2) once in heat, female ferrets remain so until they mate successfully. If mating does not occur, the females will succumb to aplastic anemia and die a most painful death.

Fixing the ferret reduces the animal's odour, extends its life, and increases his compatibility as a companion.


De-scenting
Relatives of skunks, ferrets also have scent glands located at the base of the tail which they can release if fighting, mating or frightened. De-scenting is a minor operation to remove these glands. To prevent an unpleasantness should your pet become frightened, consider having him descented: Properly done, this will cause him almost no discomfort.

A ferret's teeth must be checked regularly as many break their fangs when playing. This can cause excruciating pain, making the animal cranky and "bitey."

Ferrets require yearly vaccinations against canine distemper and in some areas rabies also.



Ferrets and You

If you like young children, have little household in-and-out traffic, don't mind little accidents, and are an early riser, then you will probably get along well with a ferret. They are ideal pets if you live in an apartment, have allergies, and are an early riser.

If you aren't home much, have children under the age of ten, don't enjoy chaos, or have a busy lifestyle which would prevent a ferret from roaming freely, then these little beasts are not for you.

Answer 2

Cats Don't really care. Dogs are more affectionate. Ferrets smell. I've had all three. I would go with the cat if you vacation a lot, a dog if you want some lovin, and a ferret if you don't mind something biting you that smells. I prefer cats. If you get anything, get another pet that will keep the first one company. My dog is obsessed with the cats, and my cats treat each other as brother and sister. My ferrets are dead now, but they were happy together.

Answer 3

your mom sounds like a neat freak to me, (no hair), then if thatis true she diffently won't go for a ferret, they have definate odor about them. A cat is good, they can be self sufficent, but they still need human contact daily. They do shed and hack hairballs, if not groomed weekly, or given a hairball remedy med. even food that says they will shed less, does not stop the shedding. But I would try to prove to your mom that your resposibly by helping around the house maybe babysit a friend or neighbors cat for a couple days or even volenteer at the local shelter hat way if it doesn't work out with your mom you can give the cat back and be adding to the over whelming shelter population. Good luck and have patience.

Answer 4

I would get one or two cats. If you look it up on the internet, some breeds of cats DON'T shed! But would you want to spend the money for a breed of cat? Or get a mutt kitten? I think that you should go to your local animal shelter and adopt one! That is the best way because then, you're saving an animal's life. I do not reccomend DOGS. I don't like them because they are just too LOUD, and they can NOT be left alone. For sure, get a cat.

Answer 5

I know how you feel, my dad doesn't like animals either. I wanted a Ferret to until I found out that they stink worst than dogs. We had a Dalmatian, but I've never had the desire to get a cat. But if I were you I'd be happy with any of the 3 I got.

Answer 6

Here's a few small dogs that don't shed:
Maltese
Yorkshire Terrier
Chihuahua

Dogs are like having kids. They are a responsibility and require more attention than cats who are likely more independent. Cats shed, yes, but perhaps consider short-haired breeds that don't shed as much.

Answer 7

Not all cats hate dogs My cat loves my dog

Answer 8

u may want to get a little dog like a minni pinchser or something and if it heds get a little room for it whe your gone for the day

if you get a cat then get this thing on tv its like the pet vac or omething it get underneath the coat and stops fur from sheding and catand dog love it and it makesbarly ay noie o it wont frighten the animals

and if you get a ferret they bite and stink but are quite easy to take care of oo and.
i have long haired cats of them and short hiar and we dont brush them that often and we have a bighouse and thgey neer shed unless itsthe summer thats when we take them out and give them like a rilly long petting and brushing brushing.

good luck and mom's are hard to reason with!!!lol

Answer 9

Most everyone understands the need to keep little animal companions that are mammals; they're so soft &nice!

Here's how I see your problem: you have to decide which is more difficult to solve, leaving animals alone and unattended, or cleaning up kitty fur.

Here's a hint: a barely damp washcloth will whisk kitty fur right off upholstery even better than those expensive sticky rollers!

Answer 10

You need a chihuahua they dont shed.Some cats shed but they usually stay outside and you can crate train a dog.

Answer 11

Get a cat - get a hairless cat called a Rex and they will not shed. They are so ugly they are cute. But pricey