What kind of domesticated animal is similar to a rat in terms of intelligence and curiosity along with being fairly cute and lovable, and will bond to its owner. I have previously owned 2 rats and they were amazing little creatures. They were trained and didn ' t even need a cage to live in. The problem is that I developed an allergy to rats, and although I put up with it and still kept my rats until they died of old age, I am not allowed to get another rat as the allergy is now too powerful.
In looking for another animal that could replace a rat, I found only ferrets, but that lead me to discover that my mum has an unconditional hate for ferrets for no apparent reason. So ferrets and rats are ruled out of my search, and I don 't want an animal as dumb as a guinea pig or rabbit, so is there anything else?
Suggestions of animals is fine, but if you can confirm whether they're legal to have in Australia would be even better.
Thanks in advance.
This may sound a bit too conventional but go get yourself a cat.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
Oh right you wanted info ...
Ok well I may be biased or whatever but if you Google the facts you will learn that cats are very smart and independent.
Cats have a very very sophisticated body language pattern (ie they talk when they move .. every twitch)
Cats will act on their own so if you want something that is trainable I shouldn't be posting however thus proves their intelligence.
A cats meow is not something that they would do in "nature" cats meow to talk to their providers (us) because they believe that's how we communicate (my cat I do believe thinks I communicate via smells ... but of course humans are smelly things)
Ahh well you probably wont get a cat cause they eat rats, but did I mention they are so soft and warm and pretty and ....
What about a Degu? Looks like a giant gerbil, a rat-sized gerbil. Very active curious creatures. Not kept them myself though.
Rabbits aren't dumb, mine come when they're called, definitely know their names. They're daft and impatient (like leaping out their run when the lid was open when they see their food bowl coming ...), but not dumb!
That's sad. I have owned rats and totally agree they are awsome!! you could try a mouse, i was thinking of getting a mouse after my rat died of old age but i got a rat instead. Maybe a hamster if you can get one or a gerbill??
A dog or a ferrets. That's all I can think of. Why would your mom hate ferrets? They are playful and love people. There has to be a reason she doesn't like them.
Maybe you could get a guinea pig or a Chinchilla.
Parrot.
mice .. they are smaller then rat but a lot more friendly ..
Guinea pigs and rabbits aren't dumb! They can be trained just like any other animal. If that's the case then you are ignorant and don't need an animal.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
But there are gerbils, hampsters, sugar gliders, and chinchillas. Hope this helps! If your really concerned about getting an ignorant animal I say go for a mini pig! They are smart. Easily trained. Can be litterbox trained. Don't get fleas, don't shed, will play with you and keep you laughing, don't require a lot of vetcare (no shots) not to mention adorable! They can be anywhere from 25-50lbs. Don't need much exercise and are inexpensive to keep. Foods 20 $ and lasts like 3 months. And you can harness train them.
