Hamster vs. mouse vs...
October 31, 2017 11:29 AM Subscribe
What small pet should I get for my daughter?
We got a sweet, adorable kitten a week ago - that I will have to return because my allergies to him are insane (please no attempts to help with allergies, trust me on this, also just found out I'm pregnant so the allergy pill-popping has to stop).
My daughter is going to be very upset about this. We got this kitten to replace our cat that passed away recently (I somehow wasn't allergic to her).
What is the best small pet we can get for her? I would LOVE to get a guinea pig, I adore those lovlies, but after years of having them I developed a bad allergy to them as well. Also, no bunnies unless someone can convince me. I had a rabbit when I was little - it was awful, mean and bite-y. It grunted and barked. Nasty creature. And they're so big you feel like you have to let them roam, but when you do it they only poop everywhere and chew electrical cords.
No chinchillas, they are too long-lived.
Hamster? I think they're gross and also bite-y, but hey, it will be her pet.
Mouse?
Rat?
Bird?
Ferret? (how common are ferret allergies)?
We got a sweet, adorable kitten a week ago - that I will have to return because my allergies to him are insane (please no attempts to help with allergies, trust me on this, also just found out I'm pregnant so the allergy pill-popping has to stop).
My daughter is going to be very upset about this. We got this kitten to replace our cat that passed away recently (I somehow wasn't allergic to her).
What is the best small pet we can get for her? I would LOVE to get a guinea pig, I adore those lovlies, but after years of having them I developed a bad allergy to them as well. Also, no bunnies unless someone can convince me. I had a rabbit when I was little - it was awful, mean and bite-y. It grunted and barked. Nasty creature. And they're so big you feel like you have to let them roam, but when you do it they only poop everywhere and chew electrical cords.
No chinchillas, they are too long-lived.
Hamster? I think they're gross and also bite-y, but hey, it will be her pet.
Mouse?
Rat?
Bird?
Ferret? (how common are ferret allergies)?
Most birds will not be that fun for a kid, they generally don’t like cuddling or being held or pet. Well, some hookbills may (e.g. lovebirds or African greys), but you shouldn’t get those for a zillion other reasons (rather expensive, live a long time, etc.) People with a lot of skill and patience can get a budgie to be fairly affectionate, but that won’t happen with a small child.
Ferrets are very challenging in their own ways. They can escape anything, will steal your shit, hard to get rid of if it doesn’t work out.
Honestly, you should not get any exotic pet without lots of research, especially without prior experience and with a small child as nominal master.
I’d go with a rat over anything else you listed, they can be quite fun and affectionate, notably smarter than mouse or hamster, don’t live that long.
posted by SaltySalticid at 11:42 AM on October 31, 2017 [16 favorites]
Ferrets are very challenging in their own ways. They can escape anything, will steal your shit, hard to get rid of if it doesn’t work out.
Honestly, you should not get any exotic pet without lots of research, especially without prior experience and with a small child as nominal master.
I’d go with a rat over anything else you listed, they can be quite fun and affectionate, notably smarter than mouse or hamster, don’t live that long.
posted by SaltySalticid at 11:42 AM on October 31, 2017 [16 favorites]
A pair of female rats. Smart, friendly, and far less likely to irritably bite you like hamsters love to.
posted by PussKillian at 11:43 AM on October 31, 2017 [22 favorites]
posted by PussKillian at 11:43 AM on October 31, 2017 [22 favorites]
How old is your daughter? I ask because if she is young, the pet care will most likely fall to you, and when the baby is here ... ugh.
posted by jillithd at 11:54 AM on October 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by jillithd at 11:54 AM on October 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
Not a ferret. They require hours a day of interaction, can be very bitey and unpredictable in a way that makes them not great with small children.
posted by threetwentytwo at 11:55 AM on October 31, 2017 [7 favorites]
posted by threetwentytwo at 11:55 AM on October 31, 2017 [7 favorites]
Sorry to say, if you've had allergies, I'd be cautious about rats; I know someone who developed a really terrible allergy to them after a period of exposure. I'm not sure if there's a way you can do allergy testing or something, to check ahead of time?
posted by LobsterMitten at 11:55 AM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by LobsterMitten at 11:55 AM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
A friend had a very sweet gerbil- you can (gently!) pet them and they can run around on a table and they chew cardboard in a really cute way somehow? They don’t live all that long, though.
posted by MadamM at 11:58 AM on October 31, 2017
posted by MadamM at 11:58 AM on October 31, 2017
Rat(s) (I'd get a pair, half the fun is watching their own social interaction). Friendly, sociable, pretty sturdy, and seem to actually enjoy being handled.
posted by drlith at 11:59 AM on October 31, 2017 [8 favorites]
posted by drlith at 11:59 AM on October 31, 2017 [8 favorites]
Hedgehogs are really cute but I know nothing about their suitability as pets.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 11:59 AM on October 31, 2017
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 11:59 AM on October 31, 2017
Response by poster: Hi, my daughter just turned 7. I think she can handle feeding and watering. Cleaning of cages would be a joint effort. I'm heading to the doctor tomorrow; I'll ask about an allergy test.
posted by kitcat at 12:00 PM on October 31, 2017
posted by kitcat at 12:00 PM on October 31, 2017
No on hedgehogs, they are rather locked in to being nocturnal and they are easy to spook. They can be a good pet but require lots of careful interaction, and never get fully tame. Not good for a 7 yr old. Very cute though.
Actually, I’d advise against any pet that is not domesticated for a kid that age, so then it’s back to mice and rats.
posted by SaltySalticid at 12:07 PM on October 31, 2017 [6 favorites]
Actually, I’d advise against any pet that is not domesticated for a kid that age, so then it’s back to mice and rats.
posted by SaltySalticid at 12:07 PM on October 31, 2017 [6 favorites]
I'd say there's a reason why seemingly everybody had a hamster or gerbil as a pet when they were 7. Easy to take care of, awfully cute, and relatively docile. Just make sure to secure the cage.
posted by General Malaise at 12:19 PM on October 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by General Malaise at 12:19 PM on October 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
This is really random, but I just learned about the kinkajou. They're really cute and they're said to be fun pets. Please check that, don't take my word. And allergy testing in advance of any new pet. (Are you sure you're allergic to the new kitten and not some other new factor? Sad.)
posted by JimN2TAW at 12:20 PM on October 31, 2017
posted by JimN2TAW at 12:20 PM on October 31, 2017
I had two domestic female black-and-white rats when I was a kid (probably 10 or 11 years old). They were brilliant. Sociable, curious, smart, liked interacting with me and each other. They lived for about 2 years.
posted by heatherlogan at 12:25 PM on October 31, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by heatherlogan at 12:25 PM on October 31, 2017 [4 favorites]
I would second the advice to be cautious about rats if you're allergy prone. I'm also allergic to cats and when we got rats I quickly developed an allergy to them as well. They seem to be one of those animals, like cats, that a lot of people are allergic to. We've also had mice and I think I might have a mild allergy to them but if I do it's not nearly as bad as with rats.
I used to have ferrets because I was allergic to cats and wanted a small, intelligent pet. I love ferrets, but they're a bad pet for most people. See my comments about ferrets in this thread.
posted by Redstart at 12:36 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
I used to have ferrets because I was allergic to cats and wanted a small, intelligent pet. I love ferrets, but they're a bad pet for most people. See my comments about ferrets in this thread.
posted by Redstart at 12:36 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
" Kinkajous dislike sudden movements, noise, and being awake during the day. ... They live an average of about 23 years in captivity."
posted by SaltySalticid at 12:37 PM on October 31, 2017 [11 favorites]
posted by SaltySalticid at 12:37 PM on October 31, 2017 [11 favorites]
Get rats if allergies allow. They’re smart, playful, and incredibly cuddly and affectionate. They will snuggle up to your daughter, display physical affection for and focus on her, and seek out her companyin the same way a cat or dog would but hamsters really don’t.
posted by moonlight on vermont at 12:40 PM on October 31, 2017 [10 favorites]
posted by moonlight on vermont at 12:40 PM on October 31, 2017 [10 favorites]
A friend of mine had rats and they were great. Super affectionate and fun. She said that mice looked cute, but that their urine was very smelly. Rats, presumably, don't smell as bad. Note that you can be allergic to rats as well.
There are breeds of cats that are good for allergy sufferers. Off the top of my head, the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex, Siberian (?), and, from personal experience, the Bengal.
posted by It's Never Lurgi at 12:46 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
There are breeds of cats that are good for allergy sufferers. Off the top of my head, the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex, Siberian (?), and, from personal experience, the Bengal.
posted by It's Never Lurgi at 12:46 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
Have you considered a reptile? I have a leopard gecko who I love to pieces and is pretty easy to care for. Not sweet and cuddly like furry things, but you also would likely not have allergies. Also he DOES have a personality!
posted by Malleable at 12:50 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Malleable at 12:50 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
Male cockatiels will flirt and sing, and enjoy being petted. They are noisy but not generally screamers.
Some conure breeds are cuddlebugs, but also can be LOUD, and bird puberty can be a bitch if you get them young.
Cockatoos can also be lovey and cuddly, but they are prone to boredom and will self-mutilate if they aren't given enough attention/enrichment. For the next 60 years.
African greys are generally not cuddly birds and being a very intelligent creature they require a tremendous amount of daily care and enrichment for the next 50-80 years. (Ask me how I know.)
My bearded dragon likes to hang out with me and will nap on my chest and soak up my body heat. They're tank potatoes, and easy to care for -- once they're adults. Raising one from a baby takes much more attention and lots of crickets.
posted by ApathyGirl at 12:50 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
Some conure breeds are cuddlebugs, but also can be LOUD, and bird puberty can be a bitch if you get them young.
Cockatoos can also be lovey and cuddly, but they are prone to boredom and will self-mutilate if they aren't given enough attention/enrichment. For the next 60 years.
African greys are generally not cuddly birds and being a very intelligent creature they require a tremendous amount of daily care and enrichment for the next 50-80 years. (Ask me how I know.)
My bearded dragon likes to hang out with me and will nap on my chest and soak up my body heat. They're tank potatoes, and easy to care for -- once they're adults. Raising one from a baby takes much more attention and lots of crickets.
posted by ApathyGirl at 12:50 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
Gerbils, plural: a same-sex pair. They're social animals. Not as playful as rats, but not as timid and bitey as hamsters.
posted by holgate at 12:53 PM on October 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by holgate at 12:53 PM on October 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
I loved my gerbils when I was that age -- they're not nocturnal like hamsters so they're a little more amenable to being played with during daytime hours. Though if you get a male and a female, you will almost certainly have babies. And the parents will sometimes eat them. Which is less cool.
posted by Mchelly at 1:26 PM on October 31, 2017
posted by Mchelly at 1:26 PM on October 31, 2017
I love rats, adore rats, would have them again in a heartbeat, but I developed an allergy to them, and that's pretty common. Around 20-30% of lab workers who work with rats and mice end up allergic with them. Given that you're already allergic to cats, and allergies to other animals are one of the biggest indicators that you'll be allergic to rats, I think you would become allergic to them quite fast and hard.
posted by foxfirefey at 1:44 PM on October 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by foxfirefey at 1:44 PM on October 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
Hamsters are nocturnal; they're easy pets, but a lot of them are damaged or killed by kids who want them to act like a very small always-cuddly puppy.
Birds make fine pets, if your kid is okay with a pet you can't, well, pet. Some birds are pet-able, but there is no way to confirm in advance if you have a 7-year-old who can manage the kind of careful touches that a bird needs to be safe.
Can you find a non-allergenic dog? We have allergies, and have a poodle, which doesn't set them off. (Is long-lived, though. OTOH, a dog that's the kid's pet for the next 15-20 years is not necessarily a bad thing.)
Snake, lizard, and turtle are all possibilities if you don't mind a non-furry pet. Fish are less pets than mobile ornaments; with rare exceptions, you're not a person to a fish; you're part of the weird scenery that they may recognize as bringing food.
Check local laws about what kinds of pets are permitted - in my state in the US, gerbils and ferrets are outlawed. (Invasive species; too much chance of them wreaking havoc if they get free.)
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 1:49 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
Birds make fine pets, if your kid is okay with a pet you can't, well, pet. Some birds are pet-able, but there is no way to confirm in advance if you have a 7-year-old who can manage the kind of careful touches that a bird needs to be safe.
Can you find a non-allergenic dog? We have allergies, and have a poodle, which doesn't set them off. (Is long-lived, though. OTOH, a dog that's the kid's pet for the next 15-20 years is not necessarily a bad thing.)
Snake, lizard, and turtle are all possibilities if you don't mind a non-furry pet. Fish are less pets than mobile ornaments; with rare exceptions, you're not a person to a fish; you're part of the weird scenery that they may recognize as bringing food.
Check local laws about what kinds of pets are permitted - in my state in the US, gerbils and ferrets are outlawed. (Invasive species; too much chance of them wreaking havoc if they get free.)
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 1:49 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
Birds seem "clean" but they can be quite dusty and may stir up your allergies as well. There have been many good bird caveats in this thread, but I'd add: they need a lot of attention (even budgies) and live a long time. Don't get a bird unless you *yourself* are SUPER into the idea and ready to make it work. A 7-year-old is not ready to make that kind of decision for an animal that smart, social, and long-lived.
Have y'all considered reptiles? A hardy kind of snake, or an iguana? All the furry things mentioned (I came in to say rats) are probably going to make you sneeze.
posted by fiercecupcake at 1:52 PM on October 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
Have y'all considered reptiles? A hardy kind of snake, or an iguana? All the furry things mentioned (I came in to say rats) are probably going to make you sneeze.
posted by fiercecupcake at 1:52 PM on October 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
Gerbils are clean, low-smelly, and curious and friendly. My daughter had one from about age 6 until 9, they're a lot of fun.
posted by AzraelBrown at 1:53 PM on October 31, 2017
posted by AzraelBrown at 1:53 PM on October 31, 2017
I knew a leopard spotted gecko named Lucy who belonged to a kid I used to babysit. She was totally charming and adorable, totally friendly, and would happily sit on your lap for neck strokes. I always stop by the gecko area at pet shops and say hello to them. They're really neat little creatures. And so cute.
posted by phunniemee at 1:59 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by phunniemee at 1:59 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: This is all very disappointing. I suspect that you folks warning of rat allergies are right. I'll ask the doctor how specific they can get with pinpointing specific animal allergies tomorrow. The guinea pig thing became quite dramatic for me years back (wheezing) and now this new kitty is causing wheezing too (along with itchy neck, eyes, constant unbearable sneezing). I always knew I was allergic to cats despite what I said above, but it just really meant that I shouldn't press my face up to them and take a deep breath, or touch them and then not wash my hands. I'll think about reptiles....
posted by kitcat at 2:06 PM on October 31, 2017
posted by kitcat at 2:06 PM on October 31, 2017
Is fostering pets an option? Then you could try ones out that seem plausible and keep the animal that ends up being the best idea.
posted by aniola at 2:12 PM on October 31, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by aniola at 2:12 PM on October 31, 2017 [5 favorites]
You can sort of test for rat allergy by playing with some (e.g. at a pet shop). Let them sit on your shoulder, hold them, pet them, see if your daughter even likes the idea. If you do that and don't have a bad reaction in the next 48 hours or so, then you're not highly allergic, and will probably be ok for a few years of rat ownership.
posted by SaltySalticid at 2:22 PM on October 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by SaltySalticid at 2:22 PM on October 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
FWIW, I am allergic to cats and guinea pigs, and not to dogs or any other rodents. So don't assume that some pet allergies = all pet allergies.
posted by Mchelly at 2:27 PM on October 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by Mchelly at 2:27 PM on October 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
Hi please don’t get a kinkajou. I worked with one at a zoo for years, and it was adorable and cuddly but if you woke it up it would bite. You’d have to pry it’s jaws open to get your finger back. We believed ours was an abandoned pet, which meant someone went through some work to get it and then realized their error. They also have the same problem hedgehogs have, they are nocturnal and unlikely to change their mind about that.
I’m racking my brain for a child appropriate pet that’s not a cat or a dog, it’s hard. Healthy reptiles and amphibians can carry salmonella, you might not want that around if you’re pregnant. If there’s a house rabbit society nearby you could see if they have one that’s litterboxed trained and good with kids, my friends have one and it’s an amazing animal that doesn’t bite. If you have room a few chickens could be fun, ones I got to be around as a kid would snuggle in my lap.
It’s great that you are trying to find a pet for her, good luck!
posted by lepus at 2:38 PM on October 31, 2017 [8 favorites]
I’m racking my brain for a child appropriate pet that’s not a cat or a dog, it’s hard. Healthy reptiles and amphibians can carry salmonella, you might not want that around if you’re pregnant. If there’s a house rabbit society nearby you could see if they have one that’s litterboxed trained and good with kids, my friends have one and it’s an amazing animal that doesn’t bite. If you have room a few chickens could be fun, ones I got to be around as a kid would snuggle in my lap.
It’s great that you are trying to find a pet for her, good luck!
posted by lepus at 2:38 PM on October 31, 2017 [8 favorites]
Just for getting this out of the way: did you have a fluffy-haired guinea pig or one of the sleek ones? The sleek version is much less problematic, hair and fluff wise. And they're cuter yet.
Other question: is there a chance that you can have a small stable outdoors? I had rabbits and guinea pigs out through cold winters, no problems. You need much hay and good wind screening but that's pretty much that. Or is the hair that clings tom kid's coat enough to make you wheeze?
[also: fuck allergies]
posted by Namlit at 2:55 PM on October 31, 2017
Other question: is there a chance that you can have a small stable outdoors? I had rabbits and guinea pigs out through cold winters, no problems. You need much hay and good wind screening but that's pretty much that. Or is the hair that clings tom kid's coat enough to make you wheeze?
[also: fuck allergies]
posted by Namlit at 2:55 PM on October 31, 2017
Response by poster: Re: guinea pigs - I had both (I've owned 5 over my life, also one set had one litter and the other had 2, so that's about 20 piggies). About 5 years ago I picked up a hairless guinea pig in a pet store and rubbed it on my neck to see what would happen. I wanted him very badly. But, itchy rash ensued.
Yes F allergies. Maybe someday outside, but seriously our Northern Canadian winters...heating would be necessary.
posted by kitcat at 3:00 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
Yes F allergies. Maybe someday outside, but seriously our Northern Canadian winters...heating would be necessary.
posted by kitcat at 3:00 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
We had mice and now a gecko. My child would have switched to a gerbil had we been unable to get a gecko. Two females to keep each other company, whatever kind of rodent you get.
posted by kerf at 3:05 PM on October 31, 2017
posted by kerf at 3:05 PM on October 31, 2017
Re: suitability of a hedgehog... Hedgehogs can be very difficult to handle - my best friend had one for a couple years, and it was cute, but it took her as an adult quite a little while to learn how to pick it up and handle it without getting poked; I'm not sure how much success a 7 year old who wants to cuddle would have. [okay, best friend says
me:
people on metafilter is asking about the suitability of a hedgehog as a pet for a 7 year old
bestie:
Fuck no
A hedgehog is a nocturnal angry ball of spikes 😛
me:
You eventually could handle it and pet its stomach, but that took awhile, right?
bestie:
Like two years
and even that was still rare
She was still more likely than not to hiss and quill at me when I put my hand anywhere in her cage
They are much fiddlier about their exercise options than hamsters or gerbils due to the unusual length of their legs in proportion to their bodies
Can’t safely put them in the big running balls, and you have to get a specific type of exercise wheel for them or risk them breaking legs]
It had to go to an exotic animal vet. He put on leather gloves to handle the hedgehog. One day, a friend at the time went with Bestie to a vet appointment and took a video of it screaming, which for a long time had a lot of hits (A LOT of hits) on YouTube. In short: very cute, not recommended. :/
posted by joycehealy at 3:44 PM on October 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
me:
people on metafilter is asking about the suitability of a hedgehog as a pet for a 7 year old
bestie:
Fuck no
A hedgehog is a nocturnal angry ball of spikes 😛
me:
You eventually could handle it and pet its stomach, but that took awhile, right?
bestie:
Like two years
and even that was still rare
She was still more likely than not to hiss and quill at me when I put my hand anywhere in her cage
They are much fiddlier about their exercise options than hamsters or gerbils due to the unusual length of their legs in proportion to their bodies
Can’t safely put them in the big running balls, and you have to get a specific type of exercise wheel for them or risk them breaking legs]
It had to go to an exotic animal vet. He put on leather gloves to handle the hedgehog. One day, a friend at the time went with Bestie to a vet appointment and took a video of it screaming, which for a long time had a lot of hits (A LOT of hits) on YouTube. In short: very cute, not recommended. :/
posted by joycehealy at 3:44 PM on October 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
Oh yeah, that reminds me.. Lots of vets aren't trained to handle birds, even budgies, so if you go the feathered (or scaled) route, make sure there's a good exotic vet near you.
posted by ApathyGirl at 3:48 PM on October 31, 2017
posted by ApathyGirl at 3:48 PM on October 31, 2017
It would definitely require a heating pad (and a non chewable one) in Canada, but I had a hairless rat in middle school and he was the freaking sweetest thing. They're bred from rex rats (with the kinky hair - Darwin had curly whiskers), which are supposed to be hypoallergenic, like the cats but maybe less investment?
One of the best animals I've known, died at 2 of a chest cold. Rat sweaters. Lots of teeny rat sweaters.
posted by theweasel at 4:26 PM on October 31, 2017 [3 favorites]
One of the best animals I've known, died at 2 of a chest cold. Rat sweaters. Lots of teeny rat sweaters.
posted by theweasel at 4:26 PM on October 31, 2017 [3 favorites]
Congratulations! And... so sorry to hear about the allergies.
I checked the local "Pet Gazette," part of the "Oklahoma Gazette." It included an article from a local pet shop that specializes in reptiles. Disclaimer: one of the owners was my daughter's Girl Scout troop leader.
They do sell crested geckos, ball pythons (grows to four feet long), and various turtles. Red-tail boas can grow to eight feet long, and the owners did mention that a few years ago a person in another state became drunk and his snake killed him.
African tortoises can grow to 100 pounds and live to be 60 years old.
The owners rescue iguanas, but do not sell them. The owners mentioned that iguanas can become aggressive as adults, and reptile fanciers have a difficult time rehoming them once they are past the cute stage.
I would caution speaking with a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles, and get further information from breeders and pet clubs before investing in an exotic pet.
posted by TrishaU at 5:03 PM on October 31, 2017
I checked the local "Pet Gazette," part of the "Oklahoma Gazette." It included an article from a local pet shop that specializes in reptiles. Disclaimer: one of the owners was my daughter's Girl Scout troop leader.
They do sell crested geckos, ball pythons (grows to four feet long), and various turtles. Red-tail boas can grow to eight feet long, and the owners did mention that a few years ago a person in another state became drunk and his snake killed him.
African tortoises can grow to 100 pounds and live to be 60 years old.
The owners rescue iguanas, but do not sell them. The owners mentioned that iguanas can become aggressive as adults, and reptile fanciers have a difficult time rehoming them once they are past the cute stage.
I would caution speaking with a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles, and get further information from breeders and pet clubs before investing in an exotic pet.
posted by TrishaU at 5:03 PM on October 31, 2017
If rats are possible, they are really delightful. My daughter got a pair at about your daughter's age and they loved to sit on her shoulders, or on a chilly day they'd nestle into the hood of her sweatshirt. I am terribly allergic to cats but wasn't to the rats, and they can be trained to use a "litter box" in the corner of their habitat.
posted by padraigin at 5:23 PM on October 31, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by padraigin at 5:23 PM on October 31, 2017 [4 favorites]
I am a researcher who works with rodents as part of her job. Please don’t get a rat. If you suspect that you will be the one cleaning the rat’s cage, especially do not get a rat (the dander can cause allergies, but it's supposed to be mostly urine-related). I doubt the hairless rats will be any better.
Two of my labmates are allergic to rats. One gets an uncontrollable rash and sneezing if he’s exposed to rats for more than 5 minutes and the other breaks out in hives. Neither started out that way, they developed it over a period of several years of not wearing gloves/facial masks/protective wear around rats, etc (which obviously is not practical for a household pet). They are great pets and I have had pet mice myself, but I would not trust an allergy test now to tell you anything about whether you will become allergic in a few days/weeks/years.
posted by angst at 5:33 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
Two of my labmates are allergic to rats. One gets an uncontrollable rash and sneezing if he’s exposed to rats for more than 5 minutes and the other breaks out in hives. Neither started out that way, they developed it over a period of several years of not wearing gloves/facial masks/protective wear around rats, etc (which obviously is not practical for a household pet). They are great pets and I have had pet mice myself, but I would not trust an allergy test now to tell you anything about whether you will become allergic in a few days/weeks/years.
posted by angst at 5:33 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
If you live in California, be aware that ferrets are illegal as pets there (in addition to being a bad fit, I'd think).
I'd lean towards rats in your case, but definitely check to make sure they won't aggravate your allergies before getting them, and prefer reputable breeders or rescues to pet-store rats, as they are more likely to have been socialized well (or, in the case of rescues, the rescue org will likely have a better idea of their temperament). Definitely do your research on them, though; having at least a pair of the same sex in a large-enough wire cage is just the start of providing a good home for them.
posted by Aleyn at 6:13 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
I'd lean towards rats in your case, but definitely check to make sure they won't aggravate your allergies before getting them, and prefer reputable breeders or rescues to pet-store rats, as they are more likely to have been socialized well (or, in the case of rescues, the rescue org will likely have a better idea of their temperament). Definitely do your research on them, though; having at least a pair of the same sex in a large-enough wire cage is just the start of providing a good home for them.
posted by Aleyn at 6:13 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
The CDC recommends that turtles and other reptiles not be kept as pets in homes with young children due to the risk of salmonella.
posted by epj at 6:17 PM on October 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by epj at 6:17 PM on October 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
My suggestion is to get a small dog. They are easier to care for, honestly, than a lot of animals that need cages, special food, special vets and the like. The only hitch is getting a dog enough exercise. If you can manage that, and you are not allergic to dogs, I really recommend that you give the idea some thought. I had guinea pigs once - they were so cute, but it seemed like they needed so much more attention than the dog I adopted later on. As in, they pooped their cage really frequently so I had to clean it often, then it turned out the cage was too small and I needed a new one, and... and... and.
There are also, as someone else pointed out, less-allergenic cats available. The Turkish Van is one, I believe - and they are supposed to love water, too. I haven't actually owned one though.
If you don't want a dog to be around for the next eleven to sixteen years, maybe consider adopting an older one - they don't get adopted as easily anyway.
posted by Crystal Fox at 6:49 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
There are also, as someone else pointed out, less-allergenic cats available. The Turkish Van is one, I believe - and they are supposed to love water, too. I haven't actually owned one though.
If you don't want a dog to be around for the next eleven to sixteen years, maybe consider adopting an older one - they don't get adopted as easily anyway.
posted by Crystal Fox at 6:49 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
Don't assume that if you're not allergic to rats now it will be safe to get rats. I had no signs of allergy to ours when we first got them, but it didn't take long for the allergy to develop.
posted by Redstart at 6:57 PM on October 31, 2017
posted by Redstart at 6:57 PM on October 31, 2017
I enjoy reading about birds but I've come away with the impression that getting a smart, long-lived bird is like getting married.
posted by sebastienbailard at 7:02 PM on October 31, 2017 [10 favorites]
posted by sebastienbailard at 7:02 PM on October 31, 2017 [10 favorites]
There are also, as someone else pointed out, less-allergenic cats available.
ymmv. My two siberian kitties trigger allergies in a friend and in a family member.
posted by sebastienbailard at 7:03 PM on October 31, 2017
ymmv. My two siberian kitties trigger allergies in a friend and in a family member.
posted by sebastienbailard at 7:03 PM on October 31, 2017
Cockatiels are really dusty and triggered my allergies and asthma, for what it's worth. They are fun little birds though.
posted by easy, lucky, free at 8:01 PM on October 31, 2017
posted by easy, lucky, free at 8:01 PM on October 31, 2017
If you give and then take away a kitten,...you better come back with a small non-allergenic dog. Anything else is going to be a huge letdown and frankly, rodents don't live all that long.
posted by bonobothegreat at 8:09 PM on October 31, 2017 [6 favorites]
posted by bonobothegreat at 8:09 PM on October 31, 2017 [6 favorites]
Gerbils! They are fantastic pets. Please MeMail me if you have any questions about them. I'm very happy to share information.
posted by elerina at 8:30 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by elerina at 8:30 PM on October 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
Rats are the bestest. I had mice and rats as a teenager, and seriously, the mice were barely sentient, while the rats were smarter than some of my schoolmates. And if you get them super young, or from a proper breeder who has handled them since birth, they will be really tame and snuggly.
posted by lollusc at 11:51 PM on October 31, 2017
posted by lollusc at 11:51 PM on October 31, 2017
I've had several types of rodents.
Gerbils are fun; they do best if you get a female pair. They chew a lot and can be noisy.
Mice are jumpy, fragile and hard to hang on to.
Rats are nice but they need a large cage; they poop a LOT and can be smelly.
I think I enjoyed hamsters the most. They are solitary, so having one is A-OK. Odor never seemed like a problem, and they're quieter than gerbils. I had one that was hand-raised (as opposed to pet store) and he was very sweet and sociable. My two subsequent pet-store denizens were also sweet but somewhat more timid. Neither ever bit anyone.
posted by dlugoczaj at 7:50 AM on November 1, 2017
Gerbils are fun; they do best if you get a female pair. They chew a lot and can be noisy.
Mice are jumpy, fragile and hard to hang on to.
Rats are nice but they need a large cage; they poop a LOT and can be smelly.
I think I enjoyed hamsters the most. They are solitary, so having one is A-OK. Odor never seemed like a problem, and they're quieter than gerbils. I had one that was hand-raised (as opposed to pet store) and he was very sweet and sociable. My two subsequent pet-store denizens were also sweet but somewhat more timid. Neither ever bit anyone.
posted by dlugoczaj at 7:50 AM on November 1, 2017
Oh, and if you go for a hamster, go for the regular size golden/Syrian/teddy bear, NOT the dwarf/Siberian ones. Larger are easier to handle and less fragile, and my friend's Siberian was, in fact, bitey, as opposed to my mellow Syrians.
posted by dlugoczaj at 7:56 AM on November 1, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by dlugoczaj at 7:56 AM on November 1, 2017 [1 favorite]
Do not get a ferret if you are looking for low maintenance. I acquired a stray ferret earlier this year and while I adore her, she is WAY more work than my two cats. I do not seem to be allergic to her (I am allergic to cats, though not my cats), and she is super sweet and would easily be small-child friendly, but whoa boy she takes a lot of time.
posted by tryniti at 9:16 AM on November 1, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by tryniti at 9:16 AM on November 1, 2017 [1 favorite]
I concur with the above suggestion of geckos - they don't have as much personality of a rat or cat or dog, but they can still be really great and they're probably much more allergy-friendly. Or, a snake? I'm not knowledgeable enough to know types but I'm sure there's a lot of information on pet snake suitability online.
Also, dogs are a lot of work and they're not a low-effort pet, but then again neither are many of the suggestions above. A nonshedding dog (yorkie, poodle, etc) might be worth considering. If you're concerned about meeting exercise needs, a senior dog might be a great fit.
posted by mosst at 9:19 AM on November 1, 2017
Also, dogs are a lot of work and they're not a low-effort pet, but then again neither are many of the suggestions above. A nonshedding dog (yorkie, poodle, etc) might be worth considering. If you're concerned about meeting exercise needs, a senior dog might be a great fit.
posted by mosst at 9:19 AM on November 1, 2017
Also, if it's more about being "hers" than being a pet, maybe a pet-suitable insect like walking sticks?
posted by mosst at 9:20 AM on November 1, 2017
posted by mosst at 9:20 AM on November 1, 2017
Man, I don't know. Unless your kid is really set on a hamster/gerbil/whatever, I don't think it's worth getting a consolation-prize pet. I had a few small caged pets as a kid, in the years between cats, and I never really loved or bonded with them like I did with cats. The best course of action might be to give your daughter and yourself some time to be sad about returning the kitten, and after a few months give her the option of choosing a small animal based on the advice here, if she's interested.
posted by Metroid Baby at 9:38 AM on November 1, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by Metroid Baby at 9:38 AM on November 1, 2017 [5 favorites]
I have to do this. Don't hate me.
Metafilter: a nocturnal angry ball of spikes
posted by It's Never Lurgi at 1:27 PM on November 1, 2017 [3 favorites]
Metafilter: a nocturnal angry ball of spikes
posted by It's Never Lurgi at 1:27 PM on November 1, 2017 [3 favorites]
We have a hamster. It sleeps all day and chews the bars of the cage at night. Is not awake when the kid is.
It's sweet and all, and we make sure to play with it each day, but it is very much NOT a replacement for a kitten.
posted by csmithrim at 3:03 PM on November 1, 2017 [1 favorite]
It's sweet and all, and we make sure to play with it each day, but it is very much NOT a replacement for a kitten.
posted by csmithrim at 3:03 PM on November 1, 2017 [1 favorite]
Bearded dragons are fantastic pets for kids. Very docile, fun to feed, interesting to look at, super easy to take care of. Fancy rats are also great as long as you're not allergic.
Hamsters are on a very short list of animals I hate. Seriously, I love almost everything, but I hate hamsters. When I worked in a pet shop I would actively discourage people from buying them if they hadn't already had one and known what they were getting into. They're delicate, bitey, stupid, nocturnal, eat one another sometimes, basically a perfect list of everything that sucks in a pet except "cute."
posted by gloriouslyincandescent at 12:35 AM on November 2, 2017 [2 favorites]
Hamsters are on a very short list of animals I hate. Seriously, I love almost everything, but I hate hamsters. When I worked in a pet shop I would actively discourage people from buying them if they hadn't already had one and known what they were getting into. They're delicate, bitey, stupid, nocturnal, eat one another sometimes, basically a perfect list of everything that sucks in a pet except "cute."
posted by gloriouslyincandescent at 12:35 AM on November 2, 2017 [2 favorites]
Rats are great pets. They only live a couple of years, though, so the death can be traumatic. You can train them like dogs - they are super smart, and if handled by humans from an early age, really affectionate.
posted by MythMaker at 4:17 AM on November 2, 2017
posted by MythMaker at 4:17 AM on November 2, 2017
Between your allergies, your child's age, and all the advice given here, might I suggest buying a ukulele?
posted by zaelic at 7:12 AM on November 2, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by zaelic at 7:12 AM on November 2, 2017 [5 favorites]
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posted by fairlynearlyready at 11:39 AM on October 31, 2017 [6 favorites]