Pet alternative to Cats

Yodel · Post by **Yodel** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 5:35 pm

Is anyone aware of a reasonable alternative to a pet cat? Make no mistake, I love cats, but as the result of a sibling's severe allergy, I can't own one. I live in a pet-less house, and would like an animal with the same qualities as a cat (self reliance, independence, amicable nature, etc.), but doesn't have the allergy problem. In case location is of importance, I live in a relatively large house in suburban New Jersey. I have ample lawn area, and my house is separated from a busy highway by 500+ wide expanse of woods.

I was thinking of a pig, but I'm not sure if it would suit my environment. Thanks for any help.

EDIT: Sorry that I didn't mention this: but dogs aren't an option.

GametagAeonFlux · Post by **GametagAeonFlux** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 5:46 pm

Pembroke Welsh Corgi. It is the most awesome dog ever. If this video does not convince you, I dunno what will.

-Legendary- · Post by **-Legendary-** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 6:36 pm

A dog named LEJ.
Huskey - Golden Retriever - German Shepard.

If it's not one of those, don't name it Lej.

Yodel · Post by **Yodel** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 6:43 pm

Can I have some serious answers?

Lambda · Post by **Lambda** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 6:56 pm

GametagAeonFlux wrote:Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Ein!

ya get what GTAF suggested

GametagAeonFlux · Post by **GametagAeonFlux** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 6:57 pm

Lambda wrote:
GametagAeonFlux wrote:Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Ein!

ya get what GTAF suggested

He edited his post after I had posted saying he couldn't get a dog. And yes, fuck yeah Bebop.

turk645 · Post by **turk645** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 6:57 pm

lol, ein.

In all seriousness though look into sphinx cats, they are hairless.

Yodel · Post by **Yodel** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 6:58 pm

And disgusting.

They look like they've been shaved, and flash-dehydrated.

-Legendary- · Post by **-Legendary-** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 7:02 pm

No Dog, no Cat, and looks good.. Hmm.. A Wolf, of Tiger.

.. There's not to many more choices :/

Yodel · Post by **Yodel** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 7:03 pm

How about a pig? I'm unsure if it would be too much maintenance.

Vaati · Post by **Vaati** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 7:17 pm

Yodel wrote:How about a pig? I'm unsure if it would be too much maintenance.

Pigs don't seem too practical...

My friend has two finches, I don't know if you like birds but they have a nice quiet chirp. I use to have turtles. They make good pets but I didn't pay much attention to them after awhile. So I eventually released them into a lake. Right now I have a toy poodle. He's awesome, but not very friendly to strangers. From the dogs I have encountered the friendlier dogs are bigger, but not always, of course.

Yodel · Post by **Yodel** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 7:24 pm

I was hoping to get something big, like a mammal, and something that doesn't necessarily need to be kept in a cage.

[IA]Paul · Post by **[IA]Paul** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 7:52 pm

Get a large, mutated hamster. Big, mammal, all it needs is food and water and a life-size running wheel/treadmill.

Lambda · Post by **Lambda** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 8:02 pm

domesticated hedgehog although welsh corgi would've been cooler

wikipedia wrote:Many people who claim to be allergic to cats and dogs are actually allergic to the dander produced by them. Hedgehogs do not produce dander. It is possible to be allergic to items surrounding the hedgehog, such as the hedgehog's food or bedding, but it is rare that a person would be allergic to the hedgehog itself.

CptnNsan0 · Post by **CptnNsan0** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 8:03 pm

if you guys don't have reasonable answers then don't just try to be funny and make up stupid choices. He's actually looking for an alternative and you're not helping the discussion

Kirk · Post by **Kirk** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 8:07 pm

What else is there for a "pet" other than a cat or dog? Everything practical is boring (lizards, snakes, birds, rats, Tasmanian devils).

Guess you could import a dino.

Yodel · Post by **Yodel** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 8:15 pm

Lambda wrote:domesticated hedgehog although welsh corgi would've been cooler

wikipedia wrote:Many people who claim to be allergic to cats and dogs are actually allergic to the dander produced by them. Hedgehogs do not produce dander. It is possible to be allergic to items surrounding the hedgehog, such as the hedgehog's food or bedding, but it is rare that a person would be allergic to the hedgehog itself.

They are cute, but are they good to hold and/or handle?

-Legendary- · Post by **-Legendary-** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 8:18 pm

Those don't produce dander, so no allergies if you get one of those :O!

Yodel · Post by **Yodel** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 8:19 pm

He's only allergic to cats and dogs with particularly long hair.

ScottyGEE · Post by **ScottyGEE** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 8:24 pm

Kirk wrote:Guess you could import a dino.

Yeah, I second that, they look fun

Otherwise, you don't have too many good options.