What pets do you have/had, and what do you recommend?

I'm moving into my own house in June and finally get to have my own pet, because my campus policies have been no animals allowed in dorm rooms. I want to know what sort of pets y'all have, and what you would recommend for a first-time pet owner.

I really want a dog, but unfortunately I just don't think I have enough time to take care of one, as this summer I'm working a 9-5 every day. I'm looking for a social animal, so no birds. Based on my research I've narrowed it down to a cat, bearded dragon, or rat. If you have any other suggestions, or preference, tell me let me know why.

Things to consider:
-I'll be living in a highly active house, there will be a lot of people coming in and out at all times, but I live in the master bedroom
-During the summer I work 9-5 Mon-Fri, and during the school year I have class generally 3-4 hours a day.
-I don't have too much disposable income, so not looking for something wildly expensive to maintain

For previous cat owners, how much do you generally spend per month on food/supplies/vet visits?

Feel free to post pics of your cute or not-so-cute creatures.

 

Bringing a cat into a house like this and the fact you really don't have time for it, would be very unfair to the cat

 

I've had hamsters, rabbits, cats, dogs, birds, lizards, snakes and pretty much everything you can imagine as a kid. Rabbits and hamsters are too stupid to be much fun and hard to train not to shit and piss right when the urge hits them. Birds aren't any fun at all. Snakes and lizards are pretty fun to keep, but not cuddly. Dogs are obnoxious most of the time. Cats can be dicks.

I recommend a small species of dog or a cat that you get as a kitten and get a solid bond with.

 

Dog or cat, if certainly there is no allergy and you are ready to look after the pet

 

Rats are extremely intelligent and fun to teach things to. And you don't feel so guilty for leaving them alone for long periods.

Cats can be chucked outside all day if you have to.

Lizards are cool to look at for the first 10 minutes.

 

I have a few redfoot tortoises, they are awesome.

feed fresh food every night, change the water ever 2-3 days, no noise, no smell,
and long as the substrate bedding is moist, and they have a good heat lamp with some fresh veggies they are happy

 

i have 1 dog and 1 cat and there annoying haha

 

My brother likes animals, so far we had
*hamsters
*Fishes in 3 aquariums
*Degus
*rabbits
*1 dog which died after 12 years, now having "fresh" one
*Turtle
*some parrots
*some other small bird idk it's name in english
*some lizards now
Fucking zoo.

Bro finds it interesting to take care of these lizards, however I don't like any other pets than dog, eventually cat. Cats are cool aswell and definitely cute, but they like to make a lot of mess and you cant interact with them and teach them all commands and tricks like you can do with dogs.

 

hahahaha sorry but you got a "fresh one" hahahaa

Like you can take a old dog back to the shop be like i dont want that one any more lol

 

Hey! maybe you should think about owning or purchasing a fish tank. It is relatively cheap unless you were to absolutely 'spec' out the fishtank. Also variance of prices for the relevant fish etc. But its pretty therapeutic! worth a shot imo.

 

How is it unfair to the cat, cats dont mind being by theirselves + hes only working from 9-5?

 

I have a brown pug, they’re cute and chill asf defo recommend getting one

 

Chameleon or a dog, or both

 

The downside to rats is that they only live for about 2 years though

 

I recommend getting a rat. I had one for several years, her name was Freya. She never bit me,! Her cage was always open. except for the nighttime, and she was free to roam in my flat. By the way, I never had any problems with her scratching or biting any furniture, cables, etc.

 

Cats roam around a lot and they are usually okey without their owner with them for long periods.
The most animals just needs a little more attention when they are young and mostly another pet that they can play with.

Lonely pets can get depressed so be careful.

 

Buy a dog, a Bouvier
thank me later

 

I have a Pomeranian

 

I have a cat. Even though they're pretty easy to care for and don't want as much attention as dogs, they do still want a fair amount of attention. On the plus side, they can be quite affectionate and make way less mess than most pets.

 

If you're getting a cat, keep in mind that it could scratch things. You'll probably have to get it a scratching post. Or you could declaw it which isn't very humane. Personally I'm against declawing cats.

For dogs there are different types of breed to look at in the future when you have more time. Some have a lot of energy and would require a lot of exercise (Siberian husky for example) while others don't (bulldogs). Dogs can shed, some a lot more than others. So it's very important to do research about the breed you want. Also be prepared at the possibility of them ruining your things.

I'd go with a rat to start with like Roary suggested. Reazlied this is a fairly old thread though, did you end up getting anything?