African pygmy hedgehog or bengal cat?

Question

I live in an apartment on my own and I want a pet. I've decided on either of these.

There are pros and cons with both of these.

Hedgehog

Pros - easy to keep, doesn't live too long (I haven't got my life completely sorted), I rent so if I do move I doubt they would have too much to worry about it (most places here would have it in the lease no pet, but here those things are just guidelines, if it's small it's fine), easy for other people to mind if I leave the country (max 6 months)

Cons - it sleeps all day, since I live on my own it's not the best company

Cat

Pro - I have always loved cats, it's good company, I just want one!

Con - If I move it might be harder to get a place that will accept the kitty, it'll be harder to get someone to mind it if I leave the country, more expensive then the hedgehog

Long story short, I'm depressed at the moment, living on my own and it would be nice to have something with me. I love animals. The main thing is since I'm depressed I don't know where I'm heading, I'm still young and would like to travel but I honestly can't think past nest week at the moment. I do believe having a pet will help me, it has in the past, but I am worried about the amount of responsibility. I have had alot of cats in the past, mainly strays.

Answer 1

I'd say to go with the pygmy hedgehog, that would be the more responsible options. Seing as you're not completely sorted. When you are settled in one place then it would be better to start looking at a Bengal cat. Think about how stressful the poor kitty would find moving! My friend had a pure breed pedigree kitty before, and when they moved they could no longer keep it so it went to a friend, that freind also moved the country so kitty ended up homeless. Hope you make the right descision! :-)

Answer 2

I know this is a hard decision!

pygmy hedgehog are so cute but if i was you i would have a bengal cat!

Well i hope that helps!  :)

Answer 3

Sorry to sound a little unenthusiastic about this for you but why say that one of the reasons for you getting a pet would be because it wouldn't live very long - ok ok I know you said that you don't know what life holds for you but surely it should hold security for the little animal you intend to look after.

I have a bengal cat and like u have had a lot of moggies in the past if your depressed I wouldn't recommend this breed to you as they are very very vocal and demanding.

pets are a great comfort 4 us so i would reccommend you scrap both ideas (you cant cuddle a hedgehog) and if you decide to buy something get a drawf rabbit or a hamster  - when handled frequently from a early age both will give you more affection and will be a lot easier to keep and a lot more cost effective

Hope you dont think I'm trying to rain on your parade but I think either of the 1st two would be a mistake for you

Answer 4

Hi there... a hedgehog may be a better pet to consider since you are uncertain what your future plans may bring.  

A bengal cat is a very demanding compared to the typical domestic cats.  They require a considerable amount of attention and interaction so if your lifestyle changes this can be very stressful to a bengal.  Respectively, as with any pet it is a lifetime responsibility (average lifespan of 15-17 years) and  commitment and having to consider rehoming a cat can be very stressful to their well-being especially bengal cats.  Perhaps you would like to read the following question I answered regarding bengal cats care and temperament: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

A couple alternatives are...  volunteering at a feline rescue where you'll always be surrounded by cats in need of attention and care. Fostering cats/kittens which is very rewarding.  

Answer 5

The way it sounds id go with a cat my friend had a hedgehog and they arent good company at all cats will cuddle purr and love, a hedgehog not as much they sleep alot and really dont show affection which is what it sounds like you need.good luck  

Answer 6

Hedgehog!! They are the cutest thing ever and when they play its hilarous, especially when you get them a ball.

Answer 7

Sounds like the safer bet is a hedgehog.

Bengals are wonderful cats - but they're NOT for everyone. Their health, behavior and eating habits are NOT like an average house cat.

Bengals can live to be in their 20's, and if you want an animal with a short life span, the Bengal is NOT for you.

If you're looking for a cat who will lay around and sleep in your arms - Bengals are the really wrong breed. Bengals are athletic hunters by nature, and have no time to schmooze. Bengals generally hate being picked up, and both my cats will allow being picked up for no more than (literally) a few seconds. My Bengals will sit on my lap, but only when THEY want to, and on their own time. (Some people's Bengals will never sit on their lap.) However, both of my cats are more than happy to curl up next to me when I sleep. Bengals are affectionate, but in their own way, and always on their own time. Bengals will generally not allow you to pick them up and plop them on your lap for petting - and if they do, they usually won't stay there for more than a few seconds. Bengals are much too busy for that!

In general, many, but not all Bengals enjoy water. Mine won't get in the tub if there is more than paw-deep water in it. However, she drinks water ONLY from the tap, and refuses to use a bowl.

Bengals are prone to IBS (diarreah) and sensitive tummies, which may require a special diet (read: expensive diet!) so be prepared to dish out some extra bucks if your pet is exhibiting these problems (which will also require at least one - if not multiple - vet visits to make sure your kitty has IBS and isn't sick).

Also, if you're away from home more than 8 hours a day, or vacation often, a Bengal is NOT for you. These cats need a lot of attention, and left alone they can be very destructive. Really, owning a Bengal is a lot like having a dog. You wouldn't leave a dog unattended for days, and for the same reasons, you shouldn't leave a Bengal unattended for days.

Also, you don't want to let these cats outside. Letting (any) cat outdoors increases the likelihood of it being killed by another animal or disease such as FeLV. Especially dangerous about letting your Bengal outside is the fact that, since these cats are so interesting looking, it could get stolen. Also, it may startle people who are not educated about what a Bengal is, or isn't.

You will also need to buy a few very sturdy toys for your Bengal. They play rough, and play often. Again, Bengals are sort of like dogs. They're known to play fetch, and play in water. Regular cat toys usually don't stand a chance with Bengal play!

Ah yes, and they're vocal. If something's on your Bengal's mind, s/he'll be sure to tell you aalllllll about it - be it 3 in the afternoon, or 3 in the morning. I've had plenty of caffeine-necessary days.

Owning a Bengal is also like having a 2 year old running around your house, begging you for attention. Mine is very sweet, but she craves a LOT of one-on-one time. You MUST dedicate a lot of time to them if you own one. Bengals do not act like a regular house cat who will leave you alone and doze on your couch for hours at a time - they're very, very active and must be excercised regularly.

Unfortunately, a lot of people get enamored with their looks, and don't realize what they're getting into when they buy a Bengal.

I adopted 2 retired breeders. My female originally cost the breeder $2,500 + shipping. I only paid $150 for her. I'm not sure how much the male I just adopted originally cost, but his adoption was $150 as well. I've had the female for nearly a year, and the male I brought home very recently.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

I also encourage you to join some Bengal Yahoo! groups and ask your questions to other Bengal owners and breeders. They are happy to help, and it's a good idea to get a lot of feedback from people who actually own this breed.