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Phemie
Guest
As far as I know Alberta is the only place where rats are illegal to own – the reason why we never requested a posting to Cold Lake.
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Phemie
Guest
Rats tend to go in the same corner of the cage but I’ve never succeeded in getting them to return to the cage to do their business. You don’t want to let them wander too much because they chew and they seem drawn to electrical cords.
We had one we’d let out of his cage in the evening. He used to jump on the couch and climb up on my husband, curl up on his stomach or in the crook of his arm for a snooze and a back rub. Or he’d hide under the love seat, coming out to steal popcorn from the kids who were sitting on the floor watching TV. One night he disappeared and search as we did we simply could not find him. I figured if we just left the cage open he’d return to feed so I headed upstairs to bed. Stopping by DD’s room to tuck her in and kiss her goodnight I was met by two beady little eyes and Arnold curled up between her cheek and her teddy bear. After that, any time we ‘lost’ Arnold at night that was the first place we checked.
Rabbits can be taught to use a litter box.
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Country_Gal
Guest
You should rethink cats. They are very low maintenance. You can leave your cat for a week with dry food out and water. There are some great litter formulas these days that are very good at odor control.
A key thing is to only feed your cat dry food. That makes maintenance much easier. If they want wet food, they can catch their own.
I personally prefer dogs, but that is a big commitment. I do have one cat, she is a really easy pet.
A key thing is to only feed your cat dry food. That makes maintenance much easier. If they want wet food, they can catch their own.
I personally prefer dogs, but that is a big commitment. I do have one cat, she is a really easy pet.
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DeniseNY
Guest
I’d have to disagree with this for a couple of reasons.
Even though cats can seem very aloof and “low maintenance”, they do need daily attention, Even though there are great odor control clumping litters, litter boxes should be scooped daily (unless you want to come home from vacation or a business trip and find that kitty decided to use your closet or bed as a toilet).
And leaving a cat alone for up to a week? What happens if the cat knocks over the water bowl or eats all the food in one day? What if he/she gets a nail caught on something and is injured? I doubt you could find any vet or pet care expert who thinks this is a good idea.
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smallcat
Guest
Gerbils are a good choice, too. Similar to hamsters but since they are desert animals they pee far less and so are not as stinky (you can go longer between cleaning the cage).Snakes are not in any sense cuddly but if you get a ‘domesticated’ corn snake, they only need to be fed 1-2 times per week and the cage can go for months without cleaning. Bettas are good fish- they handle dirty water better than most fish and are very pretty. I also concur that cats are really quite low-maintenance.
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His_helpmeet
Guest
Rabbits can make very nice pets. They are larger than some of the smaller rodents (such as gerbils and hamsters) so they may be a bit easier to handle for smaller children. Rabbits can actually be litter-trained in the same manner as a cat, so you might not need to have it constantly caged. One important point - if you want to get a friend for your rabbit, your best bet is another rabbit, but you will want to either get two of the same sex or get them both spayed/neutered (it IS possible to alter rabbits). Otherwise two rabbits will quickly turn into lots of rabbits.
Hedgehogs can also be raised and maintained in the same way as you would any small rodent. They can be a bit prickly but if they feel safe they will lay their quills flat and can be very friendly. Even if the quills are up they can be petted safely as long as you’re gentle - the quills don’t come out as porcupine quills do. (I speak from having petted a hedgehog.)
Another option is a chinchilla. These are very soft, small, rodent-like creatures. They can be very friendly. I think DH’s sister had one or two chinchillas at one point.
Your local animal shelter will be a great source of information. Some shelters don’t limit themselves to cats and dogs - our local shelter takes in all sorts of animals. They routinely have guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, birds, snakes, and gerbils. They’ve taken in chinchillas and I know they had a pot-bellied pig at one point. Our shelter has an agreement with a pet store to take care of some of their smaller animals (such as the rodents). At the very least, your animal shelter should be able to provide you with information about animal care and may be able to help you select an animal that meets the needs of your family.
Hedgehogs can also be raised and maintained in the same way as you would any small rodent. They can be a bit prickly but if they feel safe they will lay their quills flat and can be very friendly. Even if the quills are up they can be petted safely as long as you’re gentle - the quills don’t come out as porcupine quills do. (I speak from having petted a hedgehog.)
Another option is a chinchilla. These are very soft, small, rodent-like creatures. They can be very friendly. I think DH’s sister had one or two chinchillas at one point.
Your local animal shelter will be a great source of information. Some shelters don’t limit themselves to cats and dogs - our local shelter takes in all sorts of animals. They routinely have guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, birds, snakes, and gerbils. They’ve taken in chinchillas and I know they had a pot-bellied pig at one point. Our shelter has an agreement with a pet store to take care of some of their smaller animals (such as the rodents). At the very least, your animal shelter should be able to provide you with information about animal care and may be able to help you select an animal that meets the needs of your family.
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cat3gs
Guest
We had pet rats too. Loved them!! So sweet and smart. Easy to take care of too
They used to wander around the table when the girls were doing their school work.
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His_helpmeet
Guest
Reading this over, I realized I needed to make a small edit: the pet store agreed to take care of some of the smaller animals from the shelter. If you go on the shelter web site, they usually have a statement by some of the rodents and birds: “This animal can be viewed at x pet store.”
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masondoggy
Guest
Well I’m partial to doggies and birdies 
…but I wouldn’t recommend either unless your truly dedicated to meeting their more complex needs.
I do agree that cats are low maintenance. But please don’t let it go outdoors. Outdoor cats just don’t fair too well. They’re much safer indoors.
Really, all you have to do is provide a clean litter box and food/water. Maybe a vet visit once in awhile. But they’re not high needs like a dog would be. And the kids may be less likely to lose interest in a cat like they would a rabbit or gerbil.
…but I wouldn’t recommend either unless your truly dedicated to meeting their more complex needs.I do agree that cats are low maintenance. But please don’t let it go outdoors. Outdoor cats just don’t fair too well. They’re much safer indoors.
Really, all you have to do is provide a clean litter box and food/water. Maybe a vet visit once in awhile. But they’re not high needs like a dog would be. And the kids may be less likely to lose interest in a cat like they would a rabbit or gerbil.
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Country_Gal
Guest
I disagree about not allowing cats outdoors. Even my cat fanatic friend lets hers outdoors. A smart cat learns to get away from danger, as long as they have an escape route. Cats get a lot of joy from exploring their environment. They also help with rodent control.
My cat is free to go outside if she wants to. When I moved to my new place, she didn’t venture outside for over a year. Then, all of a sudden she wants to go outside again. I think she was afraid of the birds of prey that frequent my area, but now has figured out whats what.
If something happens to your cat, it’s a good lesson in life and death for youngsters. They are always happy, then, to get a kitten again. But my cats have always done well outdoors.
My cat is free to go outside if she wants to. When I moved to my new place, she didn’t venture outside for over a year. Then, all of a sudden she wants to go outside again. I think she was afraid of the birds of prey that frequent my area, but now has figured out whats what.
If something happens to your cat, it’s a good lesson in life and death for youngsters. They are always happy, then, to get a kitten again. But my cats have always done well outdoors.
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3DOCTORS
Guest
^^^^^THIS.^^^^^
Kids are too easily distractible, and it’s not the pet’s job to “teach” them responsibility. It is dependent on the humans to be good stewards of it as part of God’s creation, and there are too many times when the adults get a pet but their own attitude is “meh, it belongs to the kids.” The pet should be a loved member of the family. See below.
I help with a rabbit rescue, and we get many rabbits surrendered to us - or worse yet, brought in by a kind person who found them “set free.” We had one that was left in a cage on the front porch of a home that the people had moved out of, in 100-degree heat!
Domestic rabbits can’t survive in the wild well at all. Their non-camouflaging coloration makes them easy targets for predators, including cruel humans. “Easter bunnies” are often dumped when they hit puberty about 6 months later. Spaying and neutering is highly recommended for any pet rabbit, as without it you’re going to have more behavior issues and health issues, and a harder time bonding the rabbits if you have two. Some rescues have resources to get these surgeries done at affordable rates; otherwise they can run $200 and up for the spay, less for the neuter.It breaks my heart to see how families get rabbits “for the kids” and then the rabbits get the short end of the stick. We do see success stories, but they usually start when the parents are consistently on board and enthused about the idea of getting a pet, and have done their homework on care, behavior, problem-solving, and other challenges that a living creature brings into a human dwelling. That goes for any animal, not just a rabbit. Cats and dogs and guinea pigs, even hamsters I’ve seen get surrendered to humane societies.
Please understand, I’m not saying your family might not be one of the successful ones, but it seems that you’re not at that point yet, and it’s not a high priority for you. Making the kids happy in the short term isn’t reason enough to bring an animal into your home. Please take time to think, pray, learn, and discern about this.
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DarkLight
Guest
Cats are not near as low-maintenance as some people think. There are some lower key animals out there, but even they need regular attention. And if you want a certain personality (cats or dogs) get a young adult rather than a kitten or puppy. Also beware that calmer animals may find young children too stimulating and become frightened or withdrawn.
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Iheartcoffee
Guest
Start by letting the kids (and yourself) spend some time around pets you are considering. Ask to pet sit for a friend or something. Assess for allergy symptoms after regular contact with the type of animal you are considering. It is better to realize cats, dogs, etc. cause allergy induced asthma or other allergy symptoms BEFORE you bring one home for good and get attached to it. Allergy testing is available to confirm symptoms, and allergy shots work well even in children to help the immune system respond better to allergens. It is possible for many people to have an animal they are allergic to, but with proper medical guidance and some changes to overall care. (Don’t let the pet sleep in bedrooms or let the allergic person brush or groom the pet…etc.)
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on_the_hill
Guest
The question to ask yourself: How much do YOU want a pet?Good evening -
I have five children (4-12 yrs) and they’ve recently decided they “must have” a pet.
We had an outdoor cat when the oldest was two but he got hit by a car. I don’t have much experience with animals beyond that
I am open to the idea. I’ve already ruled out cats and dogs (too much work and I’d prefer something that stays in a cage/tank).
I wouldn’t mind getting a small animal but I honestly have no knowledge of their needs.
Cleaning once a week or so wouldn’t be a problem and of course we would provide food/water/etc.
I do think the kids are responsible enough to care for a pet with help from mom and dad, but I just need ideas on the best pet.
Because sooner or later, mom and dad will be the primary caregivers, no matter what kind of pet it is.I speak from a multitude of experiences.
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3DOCTORS
Guest
That’s it in a nutshell. And you sound as if right now the kids are plenty to deal with. Consider also that your kids will grow and change and you may be having them in activities and things - will the pet still get sufficient attention? Will it be cherished or cast aside? Some families do well with pets and would never be without one - they are just fond of animals, willing to learn about their care and commit to the lifespan of a pet. But other families bring in a pet when they really don’t have enough time or energy, patience, and room in their hearts to really love the animal in the way it deserves. It is dependent like a new baby in many ways, because it can’t go buy its own food or take itself for a walk or turn on the TV if it gets bored and lonely. So it gets sad, possibly develops behavioral problems, and the family practically ignores it or worse yet becomes resentful toward it.The question to ask yourself: How much do YOU want a pet?
I speak from a multitude of experiences.
You have to look deep inside to figure out what side of this you fall on. It may not be that you’re never ready for a pet, but if, as I said above, parenthood is still an adjustment, then now is too early to bring a pet into the picture. There are nice stuffed pets available, even animated ones, that could be enjoyed by the children. Or the family could visit animal shelters and try fostering an animal and see how that goes - that would be a way of knowing how deep the desire to have a permanent family pet goes.
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triumphguy
Guest
Apart from the fact it really is cold?
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Aunt_Raven
Guest
Guinea pigs though larger, are more fragile than hamsters; their backs are weak and will be seriously injured or be put in distressing, crying pain, if clumsily dropped. I would not recommend a guinea pig for a child under the age of 10, Though they are affectionate, guinea-pigs should be kept in (same-sex) pairs because they are sociable and will be too lonely on their own when the kids are away in school all day. Also they cannot be house-broken and so when you cuddle them on your lap you will have to keep them on a towel.
Hamsters on the whole make better pets for kids than guinea pigs. That they do not live long is a blessing if the kids tire of taking care of them – which is frequent.
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Magdalen2013
Guest
Before you get ANY pet – why don’t you and your children volunteer at a local animal shelter?
This way, you can determine if any of your children have allergies to various animals. This will also show them the work involved in having a pet.
Note – every animal (especially the small caged ones) will need a yearly check-up at the vets. Routine health care is a MUST. If you are not willing to do this, do not get a pet.
This way, you can determine if any of your children have allergies to various animals. This will also show them the work involved in having a pet.
Note – every animal (especially the small caged ones) will need a yearly check-up at the vets. Routine health care is a MUST. If you are not willing to do this, do not get a pet.
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HelenRose
Guest
Unless you are a cat or dog person, you are wise to rule them out. Especially dogs. They are like children and need lots of love and attention.Good evening -
I have five children (4-12 yrs) and they’ve recently decided they “must have” a pet.
We had an outdoor cat when the oldest was two but he got hit by a car. I don’t have much experience with animals beyond that
I am open to the idea. I’ve already ruled out cats and dogs (too much work and I’d prefer something that stays in a cage/tank).
I wouldn’t mind getting a small animal but I honestly have no knowledge of their needs.
Cleaning once a week or so wouldn’t be a problem and of course we would provide food/water/etc.
I do think the kids are responsible enough to care for a pet with help from mom and dad, but I just need ideas on the best pet.
A cat is much easier than a dog.
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Roxygirl1488
Guest
I didn’t know there were family pets outside of a dog or cat.
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