Family pet, which creature is best?

[DaisyBrain]

We've had a cat previously but a bit wary now as we live next to a huge road. Not at all keen on dogs. Definitely not a rat. Can anyone recommend a good pet for our family? Ideally cuddly.

Not a cockatiel. They are said to be cheerful, funny and lively and very forgiving if you do something they don't like. Also tuneful.

Admittedly I've only got a sample of 1, but he is moody, hisses whenever I go near (even with food), shits all over me whenever I let him out (every day, for several hours as he likes company but only on his own terms eg he'll fly over and land on my leg and then bite me when he sees my hand is nearby, even though I haven't moved it). Just stands still not doing anything for hours except squawking a single loud note repeatedly, hour after hour. He really is the worst pet we have ever had.

Honestly, given your requirements, I think rats are one of the better options, along with guinea pigs. Rats are very sociable, can be trained to do many things, including the equivelent of using a litter tray. Birds can be good pets too, but I found the noise was an issue for me and the fact that really many should be able to fly around freely rather than stay in the cage all the time.

The other option is to get one of the pedigree type cats as many of them aren't supposed to go outside at all. A friend went for this option as they lived very near a dangerous, busy road. Her cat is very spoiled and won't go out even if you leave the doors wide open. She just has no interest. Just don't get a cat that is used to going outside.

Also, if you do consider a goldfish, please look into the proper care for them. Many put them into too small tanks without adequate filtration and they eventually die because their internal organs are squished. I was one of those people who had a goldfish for years that I won at a fair, in a small bowl without a pump. They are actually meant to live a really long time and can grow very large. My friends have them in their pond as they outgrew the aquarium.

guinea pigs

Our Guinea Pigs that we got today they are 8 weeks old. Love them already

Can i just offer a word of warning if anybody is contemplating getting a killer whale, particularly if you live in the UK.

Most of our water has fluoride added and even though it helps protect their dental cavities and keep their teeth very sharp for ripping up harbour mullet, seals and porpoise, the chemical once dissolved makes it particularly difficult to regulate the water temperature. Their dorsal fins can flop over and vets bills for this kind of thing start at around £675 for a single course of treatment. Further, killer whales are social animals and need to live in pairs or preferably larger numbers. For most people, finding space at home to keep one killer whale is going to be challenging, let alone a whole pod. On the plus side, they can be very friendly and love human interaction, but they will fare better if left in our ocean wildernesses and viewed from your lounge windows.

Thank you.

@jackdaw141

Can i just offer a word of warning if anybody is contemplating getting a killer whale, particularly if you live in the UK.

Most of our water has fluoride added and even though it helps protect their dental cavities and keep their teeth very sharp for ripping up harbour mullet, seals and porpoise, the chemical once dissolved makes it particularly difficult to regulate the water temperature. Their dorsal fins can flop over and vets bills for this kind of thing start at around £675 for a single course of treatment. Further, killer whales are social animals and need to live in pairs or preferably larger numbers. For most people, finding space at home to keep one killer whale is going to be challenging, let alone a whole pod. On the plus side, they can be very friendly and love human interaction, but they will fare better if left in our ocean wildernesses and viewed from your lounge windows.

Thank you.

Oh. So I shouldn't have got a whale to keep in the garden pond? Maybe I'll write a letter to Greenpeace asking for their advice.

Love
Emily
x

Polar bears look cuddly and there won't be an issue with the road as they can run really fast.... well that's what the artic foxes round our way say.

Sheep, get about 100 then they can block the road.

Guinea pigs. Although I would say that 3 is a better number than 2.

Geekster1963. Beautiful! Have fun with them. The little tufty one on the left looks like one of my favourite little pigs from my childhood. I have had so many over the years and all such memorable characters.
Enjoy!

Another vote for guinea pigs. Indoor ones can be particularly friendly and every piggy I’ve ever owned responds to the sound of a chopping board as all veggies are automatically piggy-bound!
Big enough for a decent cuddle, not very smelly if kept clean, awake during the day, usually friendly. Please look to adopt a bonded pair (or more if they are girls, but pairs if they are boys) as they need friends.
Shameless piggy picture, just because he’s beautiful.

Thanks Nicky2512 we love them and their personalities are already shining out. The one on the left is much more confident and loves her food, any food she’s there like a shot! We had our first cuddles with them this morning and they were a bit unsure but chatted to us after a bit.

You’ll just end up with a dog. Wait a while, tho, because people are taking the absolute piss with puppy prices currently, or go for a rescue.

@QueenofLouisiana

Another vote for guinea pigs. Indoor ones can be particularly friendly and every piggy I’ve ever owned responds to the sound of a chopping board as all veggies are automatically piggy-bound! Big enough for a decent cuddle, not very smelly if kept clean, awake during the day, usually friendly. Please look to adopt a bonded pair (or more if they are girls, but pairs if they are boys) as they need friends. Shameless piggy picture, just because he’s beautiful.

That's my guinea pig