Quick Pet Thoughts???

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I want to get my son a low maintenance pet. We live in an apartment, so no dog. We have two cats.. which he loves but he gets frustrated that though nice, our cats are antisocial. He expects to be able to cuddle them, but they aren't so into it.

He does have a short attention span, so I'm thinking maybe not mammal.

I've been thinking for a long time about a turtle... but am concerned about salmonella, needs, etc.... I don't really know much about turtles needs, or specific species. Which might be a good kids pet, or not so much..

Ohhhh he's afraid of snakes and big or quick lizards.... I'm phobic when it comes to skinks...
And I'm allergic to rats, unfortunately.. I love them!


So... that said... any ideas?

This is tough, given the constraints.

Have you considered fish? Or other aquatic creatures such as the African clawed frog? They're rather low maintenance, often cheap, and can be visually quite beautiful. The problem here is that they're pretty much the opposite of cuddly.

Right.

He had goldfish years ago.. He sometimes still cries that he misses them. I'm kind of wanting a more long term companion.

I had thought turtle because he can kinda take it out and interact with it... and by the time he's lost interest (in 10-15 minutes..), the turtle would be ready to go back into his tank... but again, I have my questions about turtles...

I was hoping maybe some one would be like "Ohhhhhhh THIS is the best turtle for kids.." Or... "this is a nice lazy, non-scary-looking lizard" Or some other wonderful, fabulous animal I'd never thought of.

What about a chinchilla? They are very docile, low maintenance, and have such lovely silky fur that is a pleasure to touch?

You just have to protect it from the cats.

I don't know much about chinchillas... Don't they have really delicate tails? I had kind of thought about a hedgehog.. but again.. I don't really know anything about them. And yes, protect from the cats... my cats are really non-agressive.. Niko would probably die of freight if some weird animal approached him, but Boadi might swat.. Neither would go after another animal. But that was another plus with a turtle... They carry their hiding place! lol....

When we had rats, Boadi just wanted to sit on the cage, but the rats didn't like it and would bite the pads of her feet.. until I put something on top of the cage to protect her.

African clawed frogs can live up to 15 years, cost about $18, and look like this:

Ohhhhh he's super cute!

I personally LOVE frogs... They are my most favorite animal EVER. Most of my knowledge comes from books though and pertain to my favorites,, the poison dart frogs. I can be a bit fanatical about them at times... I've wanted to have them for years.... but anyway... A frog might be an option.. but I don't think my son would love one as much as I would.

The chinchilla seems a little high maintenance... special diet and spray urine when scared.... ugg... I dunno bout that.. they too are super cute though

How about a guinea pig? Although, I think you have to buy them in pairs (well it's recommended or they get lonely). They are easy to look after, just need to provide water, food and clean their cage out. They are also friendly (in my experience) and will happily sit on your lap for a cuddle. Also, I have found males are slightly friendlier but don't know how true that is in general.

How about putting a hormone band on the cats? That could make them more social.

Bearded Dragons are fairly calm lizards, not to mention the fact that they are gentle (a friend of mine had one), so you can take them out and handle them. Their supposed to be fairly low maintenance too.

Bearded Dragon Photo He's kinda cute, too!

We got a kitten at the end of last year and it's been the best thing for my son. The cat is now "older" and puts up with a lot from him, but he is the same and upset the cat doesn't want to snuggle him. I don't know WHY that would be when he is constantly sticking his face into the cat's tummy and squealing about what a fat tummy the cat has. I know when people do that to me it makes me VERY snuggly.

I like weird pets so I'm not one to advise. I have kept rats. I love tarantulas. If I were in America I would have a hundred different tarantulas (I actually did once, well close to 100 anyhow). Tricky with cats but not impossible. Ferret?

Most "non mammals" aren't very cuddly and as many are prey for cats it makes it difficult. What does he think he might like? These guys are awesome.

What my son really wants is a dog.. and as much as I would love to give him that.. as I said, we live in an apartment and can't.

A friend suggested just having him volunteer at the local shelter walking dogs and what not.. Not a bad idea. However he still misses that bond..

I dunno. I've been trying to figure out the best choice for about 3 years now. lol

How about a rabbit? They are cute, cuddly and tiny. You can keep them in a cage, unlike a dog. Their poop is just these little pellets. I've never had a rabbit, but I've had a friend tell me that they are very smart and dog-like. I could be totally wrong here, but thought I'd mention it in case you found it helpful.

Hmmmmm they eat pellets, poop pellets... There are miniature breeds...I think. lol (Did I mention my apartment isn't that big? LOL) I'll think on it.