Which Pet?

[Lockdownbear]

Other than fish, I've never had a pet. I'd love a dog except DH has an intolerance to them, not convinced by the hypoallergenic status of some dogs.

We've kids are 4 and 10.
The 10 year old feeds the fish and gets upset when they die which seems to be often. So definitely keen for something that lives a little longer.
He'd love rabbits but I'm not 100% convinced, and which breed would be best for our family?

Hear me out... But rats.

They are super sweet, super friendly and intelligent.
They don't bite like hamsters/gerbils etc.
They can be trained to do tricks.
They love to sleep in pockets and hoodies.
They are more robust than smaller pets.

They do need a very large cage and a lot of research into food as a home made mix is better. They are prone to respiratory issues but a round of antibiotics usually suffice. They live for around 18 months to 2 years so longer than a fish but not dog type of commitment.

They are pocket puppies!

Also you would need to get 3 ideally. They cannot live alone.

Rabbits are usually considered a good pet for children, but in reality they often end up ignored and forgotten about. Most rabbits don’t like being held and cuddled (though obviously some do) and can be frightened by excited children who just want to love them. Once this gets realised, in many cases the novelty soon wears off.

Have you thought about guinea pigs? They are often more sociable and friendly than rabbits.

Rats yes - great idea.

Rabbits not so much. They’re not often very friendly and need a lot more work and space than people think.

Guinea pigs are lovely if you can keep them indoors. But they scare easily and aren’t brilliant for little children, good for older children. We have 5 in a huge indoor c and c cage (google them).

Hamsters are boring as they sleep all day and party all night when you want to sleep! Also, we’ve had about 4 of them and only one was tame despite all our best efforts!

My granddaughters had rats and actually they were adorable- very friendly and they get used to being handled and they lived the fuss.My daughter had Degus but I think they are maybe a bit more of a challenge as to their needs. Although very cute and friendly

Anything but rabbits

Rats as KTandthebear pointed out up thread. They also love to sit on your shoulder and whisper in your ear.

A kitten!

Would your husband be allergic to other fur too?

I second kitten, cats are really clean animals, loving friendly easy to look after.

Guinea pigs for sure. We currently have 3 that live in a big cage in our bedroom! They're mine, the kids are all late teens now and still come for a cuddle!

Don't get rabbits unless you're really prepared to commit to them for up to ten years.

They're lovely but delicate (classed as exotic pets) therefore can be very expensive, often very antisocial and really dislike change eg. boarding, and they can live a long time, my oldest one is 9. They also have to live in pairs so you may find yourself locked in a cycle of bunny ownership for the rest of your life!

Chinchilla? They can be great fun & have a good lifespan.

Cats are super easy and rewarding to look after - much less faff than rodents, less smelly, they actually like you ...

I honestly think a cat is the least commitment of any house pet (have pretty much had them all!). I think they are the best effort:reward ratio.

I've never had rats though and they do sound great. I really loved my indoor guinea pigs. Had them in a C&C on fleece, which I think is the easiest care set-up and they become incredibly friendly living indoors with constant interaction. However, it is a shed-load of work keeping them clean and stink-free enough to be in a communal area.

Rats make fantastic pets and very clean -I found females didn’t smell at all so long as they were cleaned out twice a week.

We have rabbits and they are 7 and 8 years old - a Dutch rabbit rescued and a netherland dwarf. They are amazingly friendly but always kept as house rabbits as with small dc I knew they’d be forgotten in the garden. They are litter trained.

It's a big no to rabbits for children. They don't like to be handled as they're prey animals. Their bones can break reasonably easily if your child wants to hug them or catches their leg awkwardly. They need a varied diet consisting of mainly hay, with specific vegetables and pellets. They can live 10-12 years (so, long after your kids are bored of them). They should have at least 60 square feet of space (see the RWAF a hutch is not enough info online). They need a lot of cleaning out as they do on average 600 poops per day. They shouldn't be kept on their own as they're social animals, so you'd need at least 2, which have to be spayed/neutered to stop them from fighting (plus other health benefits) and they need to be vaccinated annually.

I could go on and on. Please don't do it. They need a lot more time, attention and expertise than you'd realise in order for them to have a good life.

I definitely don't think I could love a rat. A cat could be an option, need to check out DH allergies and cats. Guineas look like a good option too .

Why do your fish keep dying, OP?

I would worry about how well you could look after guinea pigs if you can’t look after fish.

I strongly suggest an adult rescue cat - none of the hassle of a kitten (needs training, can be bitey, poo and wee accidents in the house etc)

The rescue will be able to help you find one who is ok with kids and happy to be stroked and fussed. We got a 4 year old adult boy and he's absolutely no bother at all, loves the kids!

As PP have said, we're first time rat owners. We adore our rats. We had never had them before and can't imagine life without them now. Such underrated, misrepresented pets. Honestly they're amazing. They make me smile every day. They are so loving and affectionate.
Just like miniature dogs.

Guinea Pigs and rabbits shit constantly, aren't good pets for kids, and their cages absolutely stink even when cleaned properly. No way. Get a cat.

100% Guinea Pigs!!! I got a pair of girls in 2019 for my son and I am honestly so completely and utterly in love with them both!
They require a good cage clean every week, nails trimmed and once over of eyes, ears, skin and paws etc about once a month, tend to throw a bit of hay and bedding out on the floor and they eat so much (fresh veggies, high grade kibble and hay every day) but my goodness I've fallen for them BIG TIME!
They have settled in so well, love company and cuddles, love little kisses and they give kisses back, their little wheeks in the morning never fail to put a smile on my face and they are just 2 rascals with such different personalities.

Sorry, I'm gushing now but I really just love our 2 girls 🥰

And I'd have to respectfully disagree with a PP that they don't make good pets for kids, ours have never bitten us even once and because they've been handled since a young age they both adore cuddles!

If you want the easiest pet, definitely a cat.
Or stick insects!