Best pet that isn't a cat or dog?

[Nightingale]

So I may very soon actually be able to afford a place that has a spare bedroom, which would be a perfect place to put a... something into. A little guy! See, the problem is, I dunno what I want to get yet. I'm interested in getting a small pet of some sort, but I'm torn on which pet to get.

At first I was thinking of guinea pigs because I've kept them before and I love how much personality they have. Then I was considering some ferrets 'cause they're really intelligent and the ones I've interacted with have been a lot of fun. The free roaming potential of rabbits intrigues me, but I'm a pretty oafish person so I'd probably give one a heart attack... Rats also seem delightful, but I get the feeling that if I get a couple rats and like them I'll buy more and more rats and create a rattopia and I'm not sure I want to go down that rabbit hole at this stage in my life (I'm saving the really weird stuff for retirement). I'm not certain I trust chinchillas, but I'm open minded. Heck, I'm not above getting a relatively large reptile to scare away any white-picket-fence types who dare to visit my good pagan home. The only thing that'd be a hard no for me would be any animal that's super high maintenance or isn't fully domesticated - I don't trust that I'd have the capacity to properly care for them.

So maybe y'all can help me out here! Neopets aside of course, what are your favourite pets that aren't cats or dogs? Why do you like them? What are the downsides or things about them that surprised you? And in a world with so many interesting critters, how did you go about choosing the one you did?

[Raposa]

Depending on your local laws, chickens make great pets. They eliminate pests, feed you an abundance of eggs, and they eat almost all biodegradable trash. They're also smarter than they look! They aren't generally overly affectionate but they can be taught all sorts of stuff. Growing up, I had one that'd follow me to my bus stop.

I realize that's pretty unconventional though, and it doesn't match the description of your situation lol. They're just my favorite.

Guinea pigs and teddy bear hamsters are pretty fun. They're pretty big, and they can be interacted with similarly to rats. I'd recommend hedgehogs too, but they're a bit pickier about things like air quality, as much as I adore them.

[Nameless Ghoul]

I don't see any reptiles in your list of potentials but I have a Skink and a Cape House Snake and they're both incredible and very interesting creatures; the Skink is nice because it will eat veggie scraps and dog food so you don't need to get into rodent feeding; cape house snakes are some of the most interesting snake species I've ever kept, and incredibly underrated, they're similar in temperament to corn snakes, in that they're social and curious, but very beautiful and iridescent.
Otherwise, Geckos are classic.

As far as mammals go, I have a friend that keeps rabbits and they free-roam like cats or dogs do, so they're an interesting compromise for a soft companion that isn't a cat or a dog.

[kittyray]

I know a few people who love their rabbits! I know a couple people who have birds, but it's a really huge commitment and they can be very loud. I think snakes are super cute, but I know not everybody is into that.

I haven't had a pet other than a cat or dog as an adult, so I can't speak from personal experience on any.

[j03]

Reminder to follow our (you need an account to see links). If we continue to get one sentence posts, this thread will have to move to SPAM.

[Sqork]

Going to have to say a rabbit. This is chapo. Rabbits are honestly so loving and smart. Hilarious too. He gets the zoomies and does flips out of happiness. He hasn’t ever bit anyone in the house and also uses a litter box extremely well. Gets along with my French bulldogs wonderfully too. I’m sad that I didn’t ever have a rabbit growing up. They are such good pets. (you need an account to see links)

[Cinnamoroll]

The thing with any pet is to do your research into how to properly care for them. This includes their diet, habitat, vet and health care.

A lot of “smaller” pets are not “beginner” friendly. So it really depends on your past experience.

My husband used to have a lot of reptiles: snakes, various lizards, geckos, etc. even frogs (which yes, are amphibians I know!). Reptiles can be very finicky and require very specific habits and handling. If that’s your thing, I’d go for something small like a gecko of some sorts. Snakes and bearded dragons can be a lot more work.

If you go for guinea pigs or rabbits, remember they need a large habitat and varied diet to be healthy. A lot of people that have rabbits especially don’t know how to properly care for them and they end up in shelters 🥺

I am NOT a bird person so I won’t even go that route with you 😂

Also? Ferrets are cute but they are OH SO STINKY. And require a lot of habitat cleaning and maintenance. And I believe usually they need to be together in pairs (though someone correct me if I’m wrong).

[Kittyfish]

I recommend a leopard gecko! Okay so they aren't the most affectionate of pets but they're funny as hell and placid ones will happily hang out with you. They live for a long time and once they're set up properly, which is the hard part, the care is pretty low. They don't smell and mine was toilet trained to use one easily cleanable spot. As a big bonus you can leave them alone if you're taking a short trip somewhere and they'll be fine as long as they have water. My ex kept my girl when we broke up and I miss her a lot. The gecko, that is. Everyone that visited me loved to see her and hold her. It's important to get one from a good breeder, some from pet shops aren't that tame and you won't have as much fun with a fussy drama queen gecko, but you can get lucky. Mine from a great breeder had the most gorgeous temperament.
I also had a crested gecko that was ADORABLE and would jump onto you when you opened his vivarium door but he was a bit higher maintenance - needed to be kept moist and had a slightly more complicated diet.
Geckos for the win.

[Synth Salazzle]

I think a hamster would be really good for you.
They're cool af, they do best alone in their cage and will usually kill other hamsters, and aren't crazy hard to take care of. Not a pet that's hard to find vet care for, and can be affectionate.
Considering your constraints I feel like this might be the best option if you want a mammal.
I don't know anything about rabbit keeping but that may be the other best bet.

[Charizard]

Personally I think you should go for a pair of sibling rats (m/m or f/f). They are incredibly sweet and intelligent animals.
Hamsters are very self sufficient but do actually need a lot more than is advertised for them to be happy and healthy.
I'd say more than rats even. Rats are fairly simple. Have a larger cage with small gaps and lots of stable shelves to climb on and they have a great area to chill.
Chewy sells a really nice cage for just over $100 that would be awesome.
Mine used to free roam with supervision as well. Most store bought foods are well rounded for rats but supplementing their diet with fresh veggies and fruits is optimal!