Which pet is the least work? ( not fish)

[TickledOnion]

DDs 8 & 10 desperately want a pet. They claim they will loo after it, feed it, clean it etc. I suspect I will end up doing it all. I’ve said no to a dog as it’s too much work and no to a cat as I’m allergic.
Are guinea pigs hard work? Is there anything else I could consider? Or shall I just say no?

[copperoliver]

Can you get a hypoallergenic cat. ? X

[oakleaffy]

Cats aren’t easy!
They need litter box emptying, and certain types pine dreadfully if their people go on holiday
We had family cats and the worry about them quite spoiled the holiday- we missed them so much.

[EveryPlanetHasAYorkshire]

Guinea pigs live around 4-6 years, sometimes even longer. So I wouldn't get guinea pigs unless you believe your kids will still be interested by the time they're 14-16 and possibly older.

[oakleaffy]

@VenusClapTrap
So true about Guinea pigs and rabbits suffering appallingly.
Neighbours had them and they thumped so hard at night it disturbed people living nearby
They kicked and scratched, hated being handled and were impossible to re home.
Two were eventually set free in woodland but for domestic rabbits, they would be fox food by dawn.
Not to mention fly strike.

Rabbits and guinea pigs are really not suitable for young children..
plus there was a person on MN who admitted to torturing a hamster as a child, and feeling no empathy.

That thread seems to have been deleted.

[vanillandhoney]

Honestly? It sounds like you shouldn't get any pet.

If you're allergic to cats you're likely to be allergic to other furries and you don't seem to want to do any real animal care aside from the basics, which just isn't enough.

Your children don't need a pet - they can have them when they have their own place and have to be responsible for all the upkeep involved!

[Widdendream77]

We have giant African land snails and they are so easy and our little girl loves them definitely the easiest pet we’ve ever had.

[VenusClapTrap]

@TickledOnion

Thanks everyone. It was useful seeing all the responses. I think I’m going to say no. I like other people’s pets but I’ve never had one and don’t think I want the extra responsibility.

Good decision op.

[Toddlerteaplease]

Cars are awesome and very low maintenance.