What shall we get? What do you have and would you recommend?

[sparkler]

We had a cat but sadly, four months ago, she had to be put to sleep very suddenly. We have had four months to recover from the shock and have now decided that we would like to get some kind of pet but are undecided what we would like. We are going camping in a couple of weeks' time for a week so shall be looking for something when we come home.
Thought about another cat but not sure we want one. Very lovely company but not sure we want to go through the dead birds/mice etc again.
We think it would be nice for dds to have the opportunity of a new pet as well. Thinking maybe a guinea pig or rabbit at the moment but not sure.
Suggestions/tips/advice gratefully received.
Thanks.

[RGPargy]

I think anything other than a goldfish or a cat can be too much hassle to look after! Even a hamster can be hassle because of cleaning it out, getting it out every day to play etc.

I think at least with a cat, they dont get offended if you tell them to bugger off when you dont want them on your lap, they are always happy to see you and are very independent. At least, all of this applies to MY cats! I think the mice/birds is a small price to pay for a pet that needs minimal looking after.

[RGPargy]

Oh and so sorry to hear about your other cat

[sparkler]

LOL
Forgot to mention we do have an aquarium and the thought of a house rabbit is a definite no-no!

[sparkler]

Thanks RGPargy

[cadelaide]

if it's between rabbit or g pigs def go for g pigs.
much easier, very very cute, smell nice and easy for kids to handle.
no great big sharp claws.

[kevinsmother]

Guinea pigs are lovely, can be very friendly and don't bite. Its fairer to get two, and if you get girls they will probably already be pregnant when you buy them!

[CescaD]

Sorry to hear about your cat.

We had lots and lots of pets when I was a kid (probably too many, but we lived in a farmhouse with lots of space). Nowadays I just have an ancient cat. Would love to have more, but live in a small flat.

Really depends what you are looking for, how much time, how much interaction etc.

Rabbits can be great. Fairly easy to look after and can be quite cuddly (not always though). Their poos are pretty easy to clear up, and they eat a fairly wide variety of things.

Also budgies are a lot more fun than you might think. But obviously not v. compatible with cats if you are ever going to get another cat.

Hamsters are harder work than they might appear. Being nocturnal, they scratch all night long and could keep you awake. And IMO they are a bit smelly.

[sparkler]

Like the sound of the guinea pig. Two would be good - dds could have one each then. Shall google and look into more about them. Thanks.

[nappyzone]

we have had gps and rabbits - gps rock - our rabbits were the devil in disguise! we have 2 gps at moment and they are so cute and lovely

[TheArmadillo]

gps are lovely.

They chat to you.

[sparkler]

You are talking me into it. You'll soon see a help me name our guinea pig thread!

[littlemisswhoops]

You want to speak to theslownorris about guinea pigs she bred them at one time!

[DoubleBluff]

We got a hamnster a few weeks ago he s lovely and great with DS's.
They love playing with him, he has one of those exercise balls.
Don't require a lot of cleaning out and food and bedding is cheap.

[wildwoman]

we got a hamster for both dds and they are great! They go in the exercise balls and it gives them a chance to get used to the girls without the risk of biting. They are really tame now with very little effort and only one bite.