Thinking of getting a pet - recommendations?

[Bananas85]

Hi everyone, I have an 8 year old boy who is wonderful but he's been asking for a pet for quite a long time. I do feel a bit sorry for him as he's an only child, his cousins all live hours away and he's quite shy so doesn't have a big group of friends so part of me thinks a dog could be a perfect companion but I understand our lifestyle would need to change so its a big consideration.
Another option could be a cat as my son and I love them but my DH is not a fan and doesn't like them using litter trays inside (but also doesn't want an outdoor cat 🙄).
Does anyone have recommendations of breeds of cats or dogs or other pets that could work for a family of 3 (DH works from home full time so that part would be ok).

They're adorable. Mine accidentally had babies and they escaped through the little ventilation slats in the tank. I thought they were woodlice at first, then realised what had happened. I had to round them up from all over the place 😂 I love the way they just wiffle around.

Why don’t you sign up for Borrow My Doggy and that way you can all try out having a dog occasionally and see how it works for you?

A dog changed my life for the better. More exercise, lots of affection and fun. Pick a family dog like a Labrador or a golden retriever, easy to train and very gentle. They are a big commitment but totally worth it.

That's interesting! I have an extremely friendly chatty moggy black rescue cat who is like a tonkinese in many ways! OP, cats are fairly independent, you can go out for the day and leave a timed feeder to open at their usual dinnertime, have a cat sitter visit them twice a day during holidays and the biggest bonus for me is that they are self-cleaning! They are absolutely adorable and entertaining. Adopting from your local rescue is the best plan as they will know which cats are good with children. Have a look at the Litter Tray Mumsnet page for advice if you decide to get one or two. Good luck!

Thank you for saying so, I am normally the lone voice in these threads! Rescue centres are desperate for people to adopt. One of my DD’s boys had been in the centre for a year before she took him home. He’s a chubby, lazy little cuddle bug that just wants to snore on your lap with his little bear paws up in the air!

We have a miniature schnauzer, she completes our family.

They are so warm and silky and loving and bright-eyed.

We had no idea, it was only after she passed that I found out boys are recommended for temperament. We got lucky I think.

Also here for robot litter tray recommendations pls

Ooooo I'd never heard of a robot litter tray that sounds great! I'm thinking from the majority of these recommendations that a cat sounds the way to go. I potentially would have space to a catio along the side of the house but I dont think the location would enable access if we weren't there.

Now I've just got to convince the husband :)

Rats are like mini dogs and can be trained

Self Cleaning Cat Litter Tray, 65 Litre Capacity - Automatic Cat Litter Tray, Odour Removal, Efficient and Odourless, App Control, Self Cleaning Litter Box for Multiple Cats https://amzn.eu/d/09QOveBM

This looks very like the one I've got, maybe a little larger....

Depending on your husband's reasons for not wanting an outdoor cat, could you get a catio and the litter box be in there?
Or a robot litter box so it leaves cos away the poop until you're able to empty it.

I umpteenth against rabbits and guinea pigs. If you do it right it's too much work for a child. And hamsters are nocturnal, not great for kids who will be in bed before it gets up.

Rats would be a great idea, trainable, personable and awake when you are. My friend taught hers to dance and do tricks like a dog.

A cat of course. All day long. Bonus points if you get a Siberian forest cat!

It depends on your lifestyle as to which dog would be suitable.

but I would get a dog that you would be happy having as yours as ultimately it will be your dog and responsibility.

dont rely on a child promising you the earth about how much they will look after a dog as the novelty does wear off.

Ragdolls need to stay inside because they are gentle and dopy and easily run over. Same for Russian Blues.

Go to the cat rescue and see what they have you may find a duo of kittens who seem perfect, or a slightly older cat who likes you. They choose us not the other way around, most often.