Best family pet?

[Beks1]

My DC have been begging for a pet for years, they really want a dog and that would be lovely but It would be home alone a lot during the day which I don't think is really fair. DS wants rats but I really don't like rats, they creep me out. I had lots of pets growing up but I've never had any as an adult so it's been a long time

Don't get something else if they want a dog. I don't mean get a dog - but if it's 'second best' in their eyes they won't look after it, the animal will suffer and it will be all down to you (which will probably be the case anyway). Tell them they can have a dog when they have their own home.

There isn't a best family pet there is a pet that suits your family best.

Whatever it is fish to pony be prepared that you will be the one looking after it.

If you got a dog can you find doggy daycare?

What pets did you have growing up?

Definitely don't rush into getting a pet. I have a lot of pets, I'm a licensed animal "entertainer", but I basically go into schools and clubs to encourage responsible pet ownership. Never rush into getting any animal.

Do you want a pet because ultimately it may be you that ends up taking care of it.

How are they with cats? Do you have friends with adult cats they could visit and see what they are like with them. Ie see how much they enjoy an adult cat (rather than the novelty of a kitten).

Most cats are fine being alone for large parts of the day especially if they are outdoor cats but I wouldn’t get a kitten if you can’t commit to being home with them whilst they are young and settling.

I love cats because they are not smelly, don't require walking them and are just generally 'easier' then dogs also because they don't mind so much staying home alone. And ours is curious and sweet, loves her humans but isn't really a lap cat.

But as others have said, there is no one size fits all when it comes to the best pet for families.

Siamese cats - they’re almost doglike

My oldest is nearly 13 and I have an 11 and 4 year old so my older two are at ages where they can help out and it won't all be down to me. They've come to accept we probably won't be getting a dog but they're still very keen on getting a pet. I definitely won't be rushing into it just looking for ideas of animals now that we can look into and see if they'd be suitable. Growing up I had dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens

It depends if you're looking for bare minimum care or enriching care. For example, you can get a rabbit, put it in a 4ft hutch with a bit of straw and chuck some pellets in for food. But a well cared for rabbit should have a 6ft hutch with a permanently attached run. They should have fresh vegetables daily and lots of hay. They need human company. They need things to stop them being bored.

That example serves for any pet. I have a dog, cats, chickens and a rabbit. They all take lots of care and attention and they are all part of the family.

What sort of interaction are the children looking for? Rabbits don't like being picked up, generally, but like a cuddle. Cats do their own thing, but can be very affectionate on their terms. Chickens are funny and affectionate, but make a mess of the garden. Dogs need exercise and attention, but give a lot of affection.

Cats are worth considering then. Rescue is always the best choice in terms of being ethical although different breeds ring different things to the table. I have a Birman who likes cuddles but keeps yo himself most of the time and a Bengal who seems to be more like a Tasmanian devil and destroys a lot, but likes to be involved in everything you are doing and "helping".

House rabbits in particular giant species are worth looking at (my rabbits are litter trained), if you have the space.

If you have access to safe outdoor space, or have a decent sized home, I would say get an adult cat. They can be affectionate and rewarding pets and provided your younger child is supervised until they understand how to behave, you should be fine. A decent rescue should match you up with a cat of suitable temperament.
They're perfectly happy left during the day, are pretty low maintenance but I would recommend getting insurance.
Caged animals generally require more looking after and space. Although some - like guinea pigs, can become very tame and friendly.
If you want a dog like cat, then one of the oriental breeds! But otherwise, I'd say a young adult cat would be perfect.

I had rats as a child it really is luck of the draw with them you get the vicious ones and the soppy docile ones (just like rabbits that i also have had). They are nothing like their wild cousins who are evil and sons and daughters of satin. Stick insects were really fun and low maintenance or indeed bristle nosed catfish that help clean their tank. All dogs were high maintenance. Be wary though of a pet that you can become really attached to that has a short life dealing with the death of a hamster isn't great every two years. I know someone who inherited some tortoises that their parent brought from woolworths in the early 60's (for 6 pence) that was a great pet very low maintenance and a third of the year it hibernates and to be honest outlived its owner so they never had to bury it plus you get the odd egg laid and it is fun to try and hatch it. (of course don't get a tortoise now they are endangered). Cats are good but i worry about their affects on wildlife and again some are very soppy whilst others hate humans until they bring back a live rat or half eaten shrew.

an honourable mention for chickens though they are fun almost never the sort of animal that can cause harm they are happy to be petted and you get eggs from them. We have had chickens for the last 25 years but you do need to accept you may need to put them out of their misery but you never become as attached as you do to a dog. Oh an nothing prepares you for the horror of a fox attack on a chicken coop my younger sister still checks the chickens are safely locked into the sleeping area 15 years later.

We have a dog. A chihuahua Jack Russell cross. He still needs a good 5 mile walk everyday.
He is needy, has to be in the same room as one of us.
But he's such a good dog and so loving and funny. He's a lot of work.

We also have two cats, they pretty much look after themselves. They are affectionate and more lap cats than anything

I guess it also depends on how old your kids are - would they be able to walk the dog after school? Our 2 year old dog is usually left at home from 9-2/3ish. We normally walk him before work and then get our eldest to walk him after school - if they want the dog they need to help out too! I had rats as a kid and they were actually very friendly and easy to take care of.

I would definitely go for a cat.

They're low maintenance, relatively cheap, can be left alone all day and are easy to care for. If you go for kittens, get two!