My guinea pigs have passed on just recently and I am looking into getting another furry friend. I do have a cat( but she has never bothered my guinea pigs) so this means I can't have something like a ferret, who needs to be able to roam the house. What would be a good rodent or other small animal to have in these circumstances?
2007-07-31 17:01:16 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Rodents
I agree, get a rat. When you let your rat out for its daily jaunt, just close the door so the cat doesn't get in. I like to put an old blanket out on my bed and let my girls run. Rats are self aware, which means they can think and have feelings much like we do. They're smart, trainable (including litter box), and extremely clean creatures. The worst part is that their life span is so short, only 3-5 years, and they're prone to tumors. I've found all of my rats to be generally healthy throughout their lives. I've only had to take one to the vet in all the years I've had them.
My boyfriend had never had a rat before, but he says they're quite a bit like a ferret, but they don't stink as badly and they don't need to roam the house. If smell is really a concern, pick a female, I find they're less musky.
2007-07-31 17:18:29 · answer #1 · answered by nepherym 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well sounds like your cat is very friendly because most cats like rodents . Sorry about your guinea pigs . I used to have a hamster but he passed on too then I got another one and you know he got older and passed on too . Its sad but it was its time . I have 2 guinea pigs right now and a whole lot of other pets . Ok well if your looking for something else then a guinea pig I suggest a hamster because your right a ferret should be able to roam around in a house same with a rabbit . A hamster seems like a very small guinea pig to me and they are very cute . They are very smart and playful same with any rodent . So I suggest a hamster and if you can take care of a guinea pig then you should be able to take care of a hamster . But it is up to you . Good luck !
2007-07-31 17:16:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unless the rodent and cat have grown from babyhood together, there is no good rodent to have with a cat.
This is not saying anything bad against the cat, even if it never bothered the pigs....it is a predator and to the rodent, it "smells" like a predator, which can severly stress the rodent which decreases it's life span.
If you must, get a rat, they are very clean and make the best pet of any rodent you could have. They are also loving and easily trained, they stress less tahn the smaller rodents ...but keep any electrical cords clear of the cage or area they are in because they do love to chew them.
Rays are also least likely to bite but (as you probably already know) you need to wash before handling htem because if they smell food on your hands, they might bite.
good luck and I hope this helps.
2007-07-31 17:10:12 · answer #3 · answered by mom tree 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have a ferret, 2 cats, and 2 small dogs. None of them hurt each other at all. The ferret has a 5 story cage, but he gets out to run around the house at least 3 times a day. He scratches to let us know he needs out. The cat was here, then the ferret, then the other cat, and the two dogs came at the same time.
2007-07-31 17:28:06 · answer #4 · answered by amber 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My cats never bothered my pigs either. How odd. I think it is because they know that they're supposed to be there. Not to mention they've never killed something like that before. I couldn't see a cat ignoring a rat or a mouse though.
I assume you don't want more guinea pigs? As a pig owner I'm biased to say pigs.
My sister has a rabbit that is left alone by her cat. I'd say rabbit if not pigs.
2007-07-31 17:10:24 · answer #5 · answered by MotaroRIP 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I suggest a pair of gerbils. Gerbils are social, intelligent, and curious. They are not easily startled and actually enjoy living in busy households. They can be potty trained and taught tricks with the proper techniques. Gerbils enjoy interacting with their owners. They are diurnal (awake during the day) and like to play. They are a lot less nippy than hamsters and will only bite if handled incorrectly or frightened. Gerbils have an average lifespan of 3 to 5 years. They are hardy creatures and family friendly. Gerbils must live in pairs or else they will become lonely and stressed. A pair of gerbils can be housed in an aquarium 15 gallons or 20 gallons long with a wire mesh screen cover. Their needs are basic and they are inexpensive animals, just remember that they are quite hyperactive and so need things like wooden tunnels, ladders, chews and toys to keep them occupied. They also like deep bedding.
2016-05-19 03:44:53 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whatever rodent you get, be prepared for the possibility that the cat may regard it as prey. Have a secure cage for it to keep it safe. The same goes for birds or other small pets. With this proviso, any small pet would be fine; the question is, what pet do you want.
2007-07-31 18:31:01 · answer #7 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ferret cause if the cat gets to "Bossy" the ferret can hold his own in a fight and prolly kick the cats butt cause they are just as quick and are hard to keep a hold of.
2007-07-31 17:55:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i would say a chinchilla, they are nocternal ,but are very cute and not that small .
2007-07-31 17:05:01 · answer #9 · answered by chels88yeah 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
a skunk
2007-07-31 17:13:17 · answer #10 · answered by Benjamin R 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋