To feel really hard done by because I don't have a pet?

[Horseseeker2016]

I love animals. I'd love to have a cat, or a dog (or both) and a horse.

However DH and I both work long hours with a long commute so we have accepted having a pet would not be practical. We both had cats and dogs in our families when we were growing up and I've had a horse on loan (one weekend day per week) although this has now come to an end, so we know how much time and attention animals need. We would only want to get an animal if we could look after it very well.

But I do feel like I'm missing out on something amazing, and that my life would be so much better with animals.

I know this is a first world problem, but just fancied a moan. Can anyone relate?

Our cat is the least maintenance pet ever. He only wants attention at food or bed time and is out the rest of the time.

Dogs are harder work than the baby and the horse takes up so much time!

Look at your local Cats Protection website. There will be lots of rescue cats wanting homes, many of them in pairs so they would be company for each other. They will NOT mind about you being at work all day if they have each other.

Have my Guinea pigs.

Get all the cats!

Totally agree that you should get a cat. Our cat couldn't give two hoots if we're out all day. As long as he's fed in the morning and when we get home, he's happy!

I'd say two cats, maybe a rescue pair. They do tend to like a bit of company if you are out all day but cats are fine with full working

Agree that cat with a cat flap is the way to go. They need nothing but breakfast and dinner and a bit of a stroke in the evening.
No need even for litter tray if they can go outside freely.

This is why we ended up with rats. First two, now we have 9 they are pocket sized dogs, but they do take a lot more time and effort than people think. They need an hour out off the cage a day really, and they need big cages, very big cages! And ideally you want to get your first pair/trio from a good breeder which can be a hassle with waiting lists and distances.

They're gorgeous though :) I wouldn't change my mischief for the world, even if I have somehow ended up with nine which is two more than my ideal number! They all have their own little personalities, some are cuddly, some just like running around and some like to find a dark corner to chill out in when they're out. You can train them too though their trainability is very much down to the individual.

Another one saying get some cats.
If you get 2 older rescue ones that are siblings they'll keep each other company. As long as you give them a fuss when you are home they are usually happy.

I saw this gorgeous boy on a local rescue site, imagine those eyes welcoming you home!

YY to think about getting 2 adult cats with an existing bond. They will keep each other company and you still get to fuss over them. Daily work is minimal, just feeding and litter scooping. Plus, cats are the best. There is nothing better than cats.

I feel for you, OP.

Dogs are really hard work and I wanted one for years, but there is no way we could have managed it in our 30s with the very young children and manic careers.

We only just got a dog recently (me, at 42!), despite my wanting one forever. She has really completed our family. Your life will get a bit slower at some point and you'll be able to manage.

Thanks for all the replies.

DH won't get a cat unfortunately. He says he doesn't like them, but if we go to visit someone with a cat he spends the whole time playing with it! I think he really wants a dog.

50Bales I'm currently taking riding lessons which I enjoy but hugely expensive (£70 for an hour private lesson so £280 per month) and that's just for one hour per week riding. When I say I'm not experienced I can ride perfectly well but I wouldn't have the experience to cope with a nutter on my own!

I think if you really want a pet you should get a cat. However, this attitude >> But I do feel like I'm missing out on something amazing, and that my life would be so much better with animals

They are a massive tie.
No going out straight from work on Friday night for a good drinking session.
Not buggering off for the weekend or on holiday without much planning or good family support.

They cost money to feed, vet bills, insurance.
You spend day after day cleaning up their shit.
Not for me thanks!

Although when I had 2 dogs I loved them to pieces!

^I think if you really want a pet you should get a cat. However, this attitude >> But I do feel like I'm missing out on something amazing, and that my life would be so much better with animals

I second the rabbit idea. Mine are litter trained too. They are really interesting animals: people only think they are boring because they are often confined to a hutch! If they can roam free, they demonstrate their athleticism, curiosity and intelligence, and their individual personalities shine through! One word of caution: chew proof all wires!!!

If not rabbits, guinea pigs can have huge personalities too!

Btw, I think pets do add huge richness and satisfaction to one's existence, and in some cases, that can be transformative! You obviously still need to have the practical side sorted though of course ie pet sitters for when you are away, enough funds for good quality food, housing and vet care, time for regular cleaning and exercise/ interaction etc.

Good luck op!

If you can afford to pay for part or full livery long working and commuting hours need not stop you from having a horse as they are well cared for while you are at work.

Pets are lovely, but they're not going to transform your existence. Getting cats massively changed my life. It made me look forward to coming home in the evening to a little furry ball of disdain love instead of an empty house, and I know DP feels similarly too.

Another vote for the Cinnamon Trust.
It's a horrible additional worry , and very upsetting, for elderly or seriously ill people when they're not able to care for their pet how they would like.
This is a charity that's very close to my heart, very pleased to see MNers suggesting it.

Blimey they are expensive lessons! You could easily get a share for that. Just be clear about what you want horse wise and avoid the nutters (equine and human)

I'm not trying to undermine anyone's pet! I have a lovely and much loved cat myself. But if you have decided for various reasons that it's not the right time to get a pet, it's not particularly healthy to dwell on how much better your life would be with one.

And if you are not set up for having a pet for whatever reason, having one would make life more stressful and not better.

£70 for a lesson!!!!!

It doesn't cost me that to keep my own horse per week.

I just wanted to say good on you for not getting a pet when you know its not a suitable time. I'm currently listening to my upstairs neighbours dog howling yet again because its been left all day yet again. Cruel for the dog and unbearable for me as a neighbour. Too many people get pets on a whim and then don't look after them properly.

I know how you feel! I'm renting (and will be for the forseeable) so I'm not allowed any pets at all

As has been suggested I'm thinking about joining borrow my doggy to get my fluffy cuddles. The alternative is probably sprinkling miracle grow all over my other half so he's furry.