What's a good small, cuddly pet to play with besides dogs or cats?

It's difficult to say, because cats are naturally predators and will usually have the instinct to attack and kill any small animals; which is probably what you're limited to as other options for pets. I've seen some amazing relationships between cats and other animals though. I've known cats that were friends with pet rats, ferrets and birds. Pet rats and other small rodents are usually good pets for beginner pet owners. I do not recommend rabbits, birds or reptiles for a beginner. However, rodents are a natural prey for cats, so you'll have to be very cautious if you want to introduce them. If your cats are known to eat mice and birds, then I would not even bother trying this out. Sorry, I know I didn't give you a clear answer, but there really isn't one for this circumstance. I hope that at-least helps with your decision.

Hi Jack! I would recommend a pocket pet such as a guinea pig or a hamster. They are relatively low maintenance (you will have to change their cage regularly as well as feed and give water to daily), but are fine with being alone while you are at school. They are also great pets to have, I had a hamster growing up named Alvin and he was really cool. Good luck with becoming a vet in the future!

Thanks for reaching out. Choosing a smaller of the parrot species if probably the best. Cockatiels, budgieregars are lovebirds can be great companions, are intelligent and fairly easy to care for. Longevity should be considered, as cockatiels can easily live into their 20s, and possibly longer. Hand-reared parrots tend to be more socialized towards humans, but can also lack the some bird-like traits. Do a little research, visit some pet stores. Good luck.

Thank you for your question about your guinea pig! In general, yes, guinea pigs are very social animals and thrive with a companion. However, there are exceptions to that general rule. To be able to tell if your guinea pig is okay without a companion, there are a few things to do. First is to ensure that your guinea pig is healthy and in a good body weight - this can be done by taking your guinea pig to a veterinarian for a wellness exam. It will provide you with a baseline for health, and then you can continue to monitor your guinea pig at home. Once you have determined that your guinea pig is healthy, then you can evaluate its behavior. If it hides a lot, or doesn't come out to see you or make noise when food is being provided, this may indicate that it needs a companion. Guinea pigs that are comfortable being alone will interact with their humans much like they do with other guinea pigs - lots of excitement! Also monitor the food intake - guinea pigs should eat lots of hay, a bit of pellets and vitamin C supplementation, and a bit of produce. If you are seeing a decrease in appetite, this may be due to a guinea pig being shy or uncomfortable (and can also be a sign of illness!). Lastly, ensure that they are producing lots of fecal pellets - they should be moist, of a decent size, and a huge quantity! I hope this gives you a place to start, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

A rabbit may be let out to roam. They are easily litterbox trained as well. You would need to fully "rabbit proof" the room though. This would entail keeping all wires, and anything else that could cause harm if chewed, out of reach.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You can get Lilli some huts and nesting/bedding material to hide/play in. Guinea pigs enjoy burrowing/tunneling so things like huts and pipes are fun for them. You can find plenty of options in pet stores, or make things your self out of shredded paper, toilet paper rolls, PVC pipe, etc. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!

I would recommend buying a cage with plenty of room for Daisy and Stella to move around. If they are new additions to the house I would take them to a vet for a good exam to make sure they are healthy. At local pet stores they sell bedding and food for guinea pigs. I recommend handling them often which helps make them friendly and become a good pet