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Original poster

Advice on a new pet — not cat or dog

23 replies

Runnynoses · 27/12/2023 18:58

DH has a cat allergy but we heard of Siberian cats which can be hypoallergenic so looked in to getting one. We had a visit but DH is now sneezing and itching and it’s clear we won’t be able to have a cat after all.

DC are gutted, especially my 16 yo DS who
was extremely keen. He’s had some MH issues and seemed to really perk up at the idea of a cat.

I’ve thought of a dog but really don’t think I can make the commitment nor that I would love a dog as much as it deserves.

I would like to get a pet though, as the DC were so enthusiastic and I feel unkind denying them.

I’m clueless. Any suggestions? Rabbits/gerbils/guinea pigs? Or is this a “how long is a piece of string” question?!

OP posts:
cockapup · 27/12/2023 19:01

I would suggest guinea pigs. I got these for my kids when they were young and couldn't believe how responsive they were. I swear they knew their names 😀 and would come running if you called them.

They didn't smell and were easy to look after and liked being petted. But get more than one.

BoobyDazzler · 27/12/2023 19:02

Guinea pigs are wonderful pets, as are Rats.

Original poster
Runnynoses · 27/12/2023 19:04

Thank you both, that’s interesting.

I’ve got a phobia of mice and rats so I don’t think I could manage either of those. Though maybe it would be different if I’d chosen them rather than stumbled across them…

OP posts:
blackpanth · 27/12/2023 19:07

I had guinea pigs growing up. They make amazing pets x

blackpanth · 27/12/2023 19:07

I had guinea pigs growing up. They make amazing pets x

Autumn1990 · 27/12/2023 19:10

If you’ve got a reasonable sized garden chickens make good pets. The brown rescue ones are the friendliest but try and get them from someone privately rather than the big rescues as the big rescues save everything and charge a lot per hen and a lot don’t make it.
Experienced chicken keepers who take 50-100 out of a laying shed will pick the best ones who have the most chance of surviving. I lost 2 out of 20 that I got.
don’t get a cockerel no matter how friendly it appears
My children pick the hens up and carry them round. The hens are happy to be stroked as well.

blackfluffycat · 27/12/2023 19:34

House rabbit?

annabianca · 27/12/2023 20:07

Are you OK with the relatively short lifespan of some pets?

Original poster
Runnynoses · 27/12/2023 20:46

@annabianca I’m a bit bothered by it tbh.

OP posts:
cinnamonandnutmeg · 05/01/2024 20:19

@Runnynoses Would you consider a parrot? They can be very affectionate, cuddly pets and they're certainly not short-lived! They're a big commitment though. They're very intelligent, so they need a lot of stimulation to keep them from being bored.

If you might be interested, have a look at one of the rescue and rehoming charities like Birdline. It's more like a long-term fostering arrangement with them - you have to be a member (£25 a year) and you sign a form promising to return your parrot to them if you end up in a position where you're no longer able to care for it, and never to sell it. Their volunteers are lovely and they take a lot of time matching people to the right birds.

Ratfan24 · 05/01/2024 20:26

I know someone with a chinchilla and they think it is a bit like a cross between a rabbit and a cat. They are quite friendly if hand tamed and can be let out to run round the room but also happy to be in their cage when necessary. It is very soft to stroke and quite long lived which is nice. I also think they may be fairly hypoallergenic although your husband would need to check on that. They do need a good sized cage and best kept in pairs so fairly expensive to get set up

Pigeonqueen · 05/01/2024 20:38

If you are considering Guinea pigs make sure you really do your research, so many people don’t. They can live up to 8ish years, really need to be kept inside (they don’t do well with our extremes of temperature in the U.K) and most indoor cages are far too small. Google c and c cages - Kavee cage in particular are very good, that’s where we got ours from. We have 3 in a 7ft by 4ft indoor c and c cage. Don’t use sawdust or wood shavings to line the cage as it can give them respiratory issues. Use paper based puppy training pads (so it doesn’t matter if they eat them) or fleece washable liners. So many people give them straw as bedding but this can cause eye issues - and they can’t eat it. They need a LOT of meadow hay as bedding and fresh every day to eat. It helps their teeth as well.

Vets bills for Guinea pigs can be huge as they’re classed as exotic pets. We had to have one of ours have an op to have an eye removed (due to a hay poke!) and it cost us £700 plus medications. They aren’t cheap. Just something to be aware of.

Saying all that, they are amazing animals and I love them to bits. Ours wheek whenever we walk in the kitchen, ever hopeful for some snacks!

(Had Guinea pigs all my life).

Firsttimebabymama · 05/01/2024 20:44

Sphynx cat?

Otherwise I had a chinchilla growing up and he was sooo friendly and made a lovely pet.
Also rabbits make lovely companions, especially if indoors. I had an indoor rabbit for 10yrs that was toilet trained, she was a great pet and people always commented they didn't know a rabbit could be so friendly/cat like.

I'd spend time with both and see what you like.

Mortimermay · 05/01/2024 21:00

I agree with the previous poster about guinea pigs. They're lovely pets but they're harder than people think. You'll need more than one but try to get a matched pair if you can. We had 3 previously who absolutely did not get on and cost us a fortune in vets bills and a near death when they started fighting. We then had to separate them all in different hutches. Sometimes people think they can be left to fend for themselves but they're actually really social animals and like to be around people and activity. Ours will wheek when they hear the fridge door opening or any rustling of packets in the kitchen! You also have to be careful what you feed them and we also had a vets bill due to an eye ulcer caused by hay poke. But I could watch them for hours, they love being snuggled and they definitely know who their family are - they're quite wary of any visitors.

Cookerhood · 05/01/2024 21:04

I know you said not rats, but they are brilliant pets. Intelligent, trainable, affectionate, like small puppies. Can be a bit smelly though & you need several.
The main problem with them is that they will break your heart by not living long enough & you end up in a cycle of getting a new one to keep the older ones company.

Evenstar · 05/01/2024 22:32

If your husband is allergic to cats it would be wise for him to spend time with any other animals to make sure he isn’t allergic to those too. I have two family members who can’t keep any furry pets due to allergies.

Floralnomad · 20/01/2024 13:35

I’d take your husband to look at some oriental Shorthair cats and Devon Rex before you give up on the cat . Aside from dogs / cats I think rats are best as they are friendly and do want to interact . We have guinea pigs and while they are lovely and squeaky they don’t actually do much .

Astrabees · 22/01/2024 11:44

If your DH has allergies please check him out with any other potential pets before you get one. I am very allergic to Guinea pigs, but not to most other animals, though cows can set me off too. My son has a bearded dragon that is a huge character and very friendly.

Original poster
Runnynoses · 22/01/2024 13:24

Thanks all.

OP posts:
CadyEastman · 23/01/2024 07:11

I've had cats, dogs and guinea pigs. I would say the GPs were the ones that I was most allergic to. I think it's a combination of their fur and the dust from their bedding.

BluJanuary · 23/01/2024 07:16

Guinea pigs were/are always a big love of mine. Perfect if you like a pet that will mostly sit on your lap and eat! Another pet that is high up on my list are rats. They are usually very sweet pets too. Both of these animals very rarely bite. Guinea pigs need a lot of floor space whereas rats need a high cage with multiple levels - so Guinea pigs potentially take up more room.

TeenDivided · 23/01/2024 07:19

We, well DD2, have indoor GPs and also a snake (different rooms!).
The GPs are good if you have space. The are friendly, don't take loads of looking after, don't live forever.

clpsmum · 23/01/2024 07:33

We have an axolotl and she is great. Would love an iguana or bearded dragon

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