Hello, I'm thinking of getting a pet......?

Question

I'd love a dog but i have a small flat and am out at work from 8am to 6pm so couldn't have one. What kind of pet could i get for company (recently split up from my boyfriend and am feeling a bit sad and lonely). I don't like cats so wouldn't get one of those. I was thinking about a mouse or something like that - do they need a lot of care? Any suggestions? Not too into birds either and i wouldn't be able to interact with a fish! Thanks x

This is for the person with the user id of "Alligator Speaks" - to suggest from my question that i would be cruel and torture an animal is beyond comprehension and belief. I am saddened and shocked at your reply. I have been a lifelong animal lover and always will be. What a ridiculous, rude reply you gave to my question.

Answer 1

Maybe a guinea pig. I have 2 and they are so sweet and they love to cuddle. Mine is rotten, they can hear a bag and they go to squeaking, thinking it is for them. My female just had babies on the 25th of Feb, so now we have 5. Try a guinea pig, they love attention.

Answer 2

Surely you wouldn't even consider getting a dog when you're working those hours? It would be unfair to leave a dog for such a length of time - they need companionship - and its not such a good thing to have them cooped up in a flat either. Hamsters are nocturnal so you might not get to see it very much - although I note you're up into the early hours, so you never know. Mice are nice little pets - I've had several - but they do rather have an odour - especially male ones. Have a chat with someone in the know at your local pet shop. How about some tropical fish - they are lovely to watch - such beautiful colours and so graceful. Good luck, hope you find what you're looking for.

Answer 3

Hi. I know how you feel...I would love a dog as well...but because of the hours I work it's just not fair. But well done on making the decision not to get a dog because of your hours...it shows that you're not selfish and you're thinking of another living thing.
We've opted for no pets...but if you do want one I would suggest a gerbil. They're very smart and great fun to watch. you do need to clean their cages every so often but much less work and attention required compared to a dog or a cat.
Or why not volunteer at a animal shelter...that way you don't have the responsibility of your own pet and you're helping out where it's needed...just a thought.

Answer 4

I'm gonna suggest a rat too (or a pair). They're not as smelly as ferrets, they're big enough to cuddle, and they're really intellegent. Think of the satisfaction you'll have when they come at the sound of their names.
They make excellent pets, you can have far more of a relationship with them then with most rodents, and they come in all sorts of pretty colours. They do live for quite a few years though, so as with any pets, be sure you're prepared to make the commitment.

In terms of amount of care, well I don't know how much you consider to be a lot. Best thing to do is have a look at lots of rat websites and make the decision yourself.

Answer 5

Rats are actually very loving, easily trained pets. They are not dirty creatures like alot of people think and can even be taught to use a litter box. You'd want to get a large cage with a solid floor (wire floors can harm the feet), soft bedding, toys for chewing, toys for mental stimulation, and food/water containers as a minimum. I'd recommend two of the same sex as rats are VERY prolific breeders (my experience is that females are better when you want more than one). This way they always have companionship. There are a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes to choose from and a few different coat options.

Answer 6

I would have said cat. But in fact I don't think you should get a pet. Just go out with your friends and enjoy yourself - you'll soon be over your BF and won't need a cuddly thing.

If you are determined to get a pet that you can interact with - how about a rabbit? There are the nice fluffy variety or the pink buzzy version - take your pick - or spoil yourself and get both!!!

Answer 7

A pair of gerbils(same sex pair) or a hamster.They don't need that much time spent on daily care and the gerbils will enjoy each others company while your out and the hamster would be fine alone.

Be sure to handle daily to get them tame.

A pair of rats(same sex pair again) would be even better as they are incredibly tame and friendly but they need a lot of attention as they are so fond of human company so you'd have to be prepared to let them out for a couple of hrs an evening.

Answer 8

You need a ferret! I know some people think they are gross, but frankly they are very misinformed. A ferret can be easily trained to go in a litter box. They can be in a cage, or have free roam of your house. I recently got one and I could not be happier. You can walk them on a leash even! She is so cute sleeping in her little hammock. They do need some exercise so when you get home, that would have to be done. All you really need for them to be happy is some contact and some exercise. They don't need that much veterinary business aside from the beginning. Most are sold already spayed and descented. They are born with the same glands skunks have, but it most states it is a law for them to be removed. Ferrets also need baths. I give mine one about once every two weeks. If you get one, once they bond, you will not be happier! This is a promise!

Answer 9

Hi, I wouldn't suggest a rabbit. I have 3 of them and they need a lot of love, attention and caring for. Since you got to work from 8am to 6pm, it'd be alone too much so yeah i would reccomend a hamster, gerbil or mouse. xxx

Answer 10

A dog may be the best for you, although you will have to pick the breed well (a small, calm one...do your research) and provide a suitably confined space for when you're gone. It will get you out for exercise, and is good for meeting others. A bunny is nice, but kind of limited. Rats are smart. If you want something along the lines of a rodent, check out chinchillas and guinea pigs. A bit more cuddly.

Answer 11

You could try getting a rabbit or a pair of guinea pigs. They should live inside, and although less loving than a dog, they do bond with their owner very quickly. They need their cage cleaning out a couple of times a week, but if you litter box train them (it can be done) then you can clean out the litter box every other day, and clean the cage once a week. I have a big cage, but to clean out it takes 20 mins. then they should have time out of the cage (more if the cage is smaller) and time spent on your lap.
Guinea pigs need a good supply of vitamin c in the form of fresh vegetables, so that is a consideration, but they are such sweet creatures to have around. They are more responsive than mice and hamsters. If you are lonely you could try getting a mini rex rabbit. they are good first rabbits, because they have such a sweet temper. They are friendly, and love to be stroked and petted.