Which Pet Suits my Lifestyle?

Question

I have been thinking about getting a new pet sometime in the near future (probably this fall) and I wanted to see what sorts of animals other people would recommend for my lifestyle.

I am in my twenties and live in a fairly small (1600 sq feet) one-bedroom apartment in the middle of a moderately large city. I am a research assistant at a nearby university, and my while work schedule varies greatly from day to day (some weeks I work entirely from home....other days I don't get home until late at night) I am usually home most evenings. I am looking for a pet which can tolerate being alone during the days, but is also quite affectionate, trainable and friendly when I am there. I am willing to devote most of my free time training/socializing with my new pet. I do not have (or want) any children, the only other pets I have are fish. I am sort of interested in pets that require more socialization and time dedication, but I don't know if that will be possible with a full time job.

What animal/breed do you think would be best for me?

Have you ever kept this kind of animal before?

What sort of housing needs do they have?

What sort of general care do they need?

Can they be housebroken/litter trained?

is there anything I MUST do to ensure that this animal is a healthy, happy companion?

What sorts of vaccinations/veterinary procedures does it need?

Is it a good idea to get a friend to keep them company?

Is there any animal (especially ones others have recommended) that you think would be a BAD choice for me?

Answer 1

What animal/breed do you think would be best for me?

ferret ferret ferret. you do not get as much affection from a cat as you do a ferret.

Have you ever kept this kind of animal before? yes ive helped look after six and recently just got a baby one

What sort of housing needs do they have? a cage inside, if you have a balcony then it can stay outside in a hutch

What sort of general care do they need? same amount as a cat really, clean the cage every week, change litterbox twice a day. feed it twice a day

Can they be housebroken/litter trained? yes almost perfectly

is there anything I MUST do to ensure that this animal is a healthy, happy companion? feed it high protein high fat food, kitten food or ferret mix only as a main diet. treats can be any meat

What sorts of vaccinations/veterinary procedures does it need? just rabies vaccination and distemper which comes from dogs. You must neuter them male or female because both can become agressive when in season and if shes not mated she stays in season and can die

Is it a good idea to get a friend to keep them company? yes not neccesary but fun-wise 2 ferrets are way better than 1

Is there any animal (especially ones others have recommended) that you think would be a BAD choice for me? not real either cat or ferret your choice. i just suggested ferrets cos they are more affectionate and you get more fun. take them to the park excetera and they stay cute and playfull thier whole lives.

ps. they do not smell or bite if they are neutered despite their bad reputation

Answer 2

You could get a cat.  When the cat is older it doesn't NEED you to be there all the time, like a kitten.  But it is still very affectionate and will welcome you when you get home. We have had many cats, and they are all fine while we are at work. Any large animals would be BAD, dogs need a lot of excersize and are harder to leave alone.  You could get it another cat as a friend, but it depends on what the cat is used to.

Good Luck pet shopping!!

Answer 3

I agree with the 'cat people'.  A cat is independent and loving all at the same time. They are very easy to train and care for. And while 2 cats are just as easy and twice the fun, one would not be lonely, just provide kitty entertainment, like toys and a warm bed in a sunny window.  As for vet care, have him/her spayed or neutered, the requisite 'baby' shots and annual boosters. That's about it.

I love bunnies and they make wonderful pets, BUT indoors, they do require more diligence in training. Yes, they can be litter box trained, but it is not nearly as easy as training a cat. Another thing to consider with bunnies as well and guinea pigs, who also make excellent pets, is their desire to chew.  This chewing includes, but is not limited to your furniture, shoes, AND household wiring (possible fire or shock hazard) like stereos, TVs, refrigerators, etc...yes, you can keep them in a cage all day, but what fun is that?

I also love reptiles, BUT they are rarely what you would call 'affectionate'. I think 'interesting'  would better describe them as pets.

Rats and hamsters are easy to care for and affectionate, but, honestly, it's hard to beat that cute bundle of kitty fur greeting you at the door after a hard days' work.  

Good luck and much love with your choice of companion.

PS.... I would also suggest a pound kitty, as there are so many of these adorable bundles fur just dying for a loving home like yours .

Answer 4

I think a cat would be best for you. When they are raised with plenty of love and afection, they can be incrediby loving and loyal. It will suit your schedule nicely, because they are able to pretty much take care of themselves. Unlike a dog, you can leave a bowl of food out and they will only eat it when they are hungry, not just cuz it's there. They can "let themselves out" by using a litter box, as a dog would need to be walked. If you don't come home til very late some nights, a dog may chew stuff up if he's hungry or mess on the floor since he hasn't been let out. A cat has a certain level of independence, so if you need to be gone for a day or two, it will be fine left alone. You don't have enough time for a dog, and no other pet would be the snuggly, loving friend you seem to be looking for. Your cat doesn't need a companion animal cuz he'll have you, but you can get him another cat if you like. If you  do get 2 cats, make sure they get along well before leaving them alone. Your cat will need to be spayed or neutered and get yearly vaccinatons. Your vet can provide you with more specific information. Enjoy :)

Answer 5

1. Ferret

2. Yes

3. Search ferret cages, i suggest at least a 3 level (around $150)

4. Shots, nails clipped, cage cleaned at least once a week

5. Litter box trained, really easy

6. Not really, just give them proper food, space, and I suggest getting it a friend (2 ferrets)

7. Just regular precautionary shots

8. Yes it is if you aren't home a lot they will keep each other entertained

9. A dog, which needs to be taken out every 2 hours and constant attention

Ferrets are lovable and trainable pets. They sleep around 14-18 hours a day which would work with your work schedule. They are really active and playful during the time they are awake.  

Answer 6

To start with, what size pet are you looking for? Are you looking for a pet that can be caged? What is your budget for owning an animal?

I would recommend looking in to adopting a cat (rescue one if possible!). Cats are affectionate yet don't require a lot of time or effort to care for. They're happy solitary when you're not home, but also enjoy your company when you are home. I have kept cats before and they are amazing pets. Cats can be litter trained. Cats require several shots yearly, so make sure you can afford at least $100/yr on vet bills (not including emergency visits). They need rabies shots and also feline leukimia (I think...it's rabies and something else, I forget what it's called).

Cats will enjoy a friend but it's not necessary.

A bad choice for you would definitely be a dog..the reasons are self-explainatory. A ferret would also be a bad choice (they are expensive and take a lot of time and patience to care for)

You could also consider getting some kind of reptile (Iguanas are a good choice).

Just some suggestions

Hope this helps!

Answer 7

I would rule out a dog as you are not at home enough. A cat will be lonely on its own but your apartment is not big enough for two cats.

Smaller animals like hamsters and mice are OK size-wise but not really trainable or companion pets. I hate to see birds in captivity - it's cruel. So in your situation, I really wouldn't bother with a pet to be honest.

Answer 8

a cat any breed i have a tabby

yeh she a very loving cat

it will need a litter tray,some toys, food (dry if ur gone alday)water,and a cat bed

thay dont thay take care of them selfs u will need to worm it and fla it tho

spend a few weeks with it when u first get it so it nows who u r

it will need its jabs a vet will b able 2 give u more info on this

no cats r quite happy on there own mine is

a dog thay need loads of attention  

Answer 9

i say a cat or rabbit because they are social and can both be litter trained(no walks necessary). I have had 1 cat and 8 rabbits. both animals are very curious and love affectoin. it will be a good idea to get two rabbits if you are not home often. And since most rabbits and cats and cats are under 10pounds i am sure you will bw allowed to keep it in your apartment. a dog might not the the best thing for you because they require more attention than you might be able to give. i do love them though. If you dont want a rabbit or cat get a tortoise i have two and they are not as slow or boring as people think.

-hope i helped :)

Answer 10

I think a guinea pig.

I had 3 guinea pigs.

They just need an aquarium cage or a plastic bin from Wal-Mart.

They need to be fed Timothy Hay everyday and they need fresh food and water everyday. (That may seem hard but believe me, ITS EASY!)

I've seen some guinea pig litter boxes and some of my friends have bought them and had success. They don't need any vaccinations but if you want a boy and a girl then nueter the boy (if you don't want babies.) Guinea pigs are affectionate and LOVE to be held. They can walk all around your house without crawling into corners. They don't need a big house and they don't bite!

Answer 11

You sound like a great candidate for a pair of rats! I'll answer your questions about them...

I currently own a pair of rats, yes.

They need a multi-level wire cage with a solid bottom and solid levels. It should be very spacious with a lot of room for them to climb. You need a lot of toys inside the cage to keep them entertained while you aren't  home, such as tubes, hammocks (a favorite), chew toys, cat toys, bird toys, ladders, and a wheel that is at least 12 inches in diameter.

They need at least an hour of attention a day once they are used to you, and they're going to need a large area for them to play in at least a few times a week. They are omnivores and eat mostly fruits and vegetables, but can also be fed crackers, noodles, meats, and anything that would be healthy for a human to eat! They love sitting with you and spending time with you, some will even sleep next to their owners! Harlan Teklad lab blocks are the best type of food for them, and some owners choose to feed a seed mix along with that.

I'm actually not sure if they can be housebroken, but they are very intelligent so actually I would assume they could be.

Just make sure it has a playmate, has a large enough cage, gets out for exercise often enough, and spends enough time with you. My sister owned my two rats for nearly a year before they were given to me, and she neglected them to a point where they bit me when I put my hand near the cage. They've been mine for a few weeks and slowly they've gotten better and better. Patience and frequent handling is a must!

They don't need any vaccinations, but if you ever notice the rats are acting oddly you should get them to a vet. Sneezing, itching, red crusty discharge around the eyes & nose are signs to look out for.

Yes, unless you will be around them 24/7, which you said you wouldn't, they'll need to have a friend of the same-s*x as a companion.

I think you'd be alright with anything except a dog. You aren't home enough to care for it.

I think a pair of guinea pigs would be another great choice for you, they take about the same amount of time and care, but are less intelligent and don't bond with you as much. I think you might enjoy a pair of rats more, but MY personal favorite is guinea pigs.

Answer 12

-cat would be a great choice. i would get a year old rescue. they are more independant but still playful.

-i have 3 cats, ones a year old, ones 10, and ones 13.

-really, they only need something to scratch on, water bowl and food bowl, and litterbox.

-general care is feeding and replacing water, and cleaning litterbox.

-yes, cats are the most easiest housebroken and litterboxed trained. year old will already know how to use litterbox probably.

-you must make sure that the cat is spayed/nuetered because you could get unwanted kittens.

-cats dont need a friend, but getting one is nice. cats are very independent.

-a dog would be a bad choice because they need WAY more attention than a cat. they need to be taken out regularly, played with, trained, etc.

hope i helped!