Which makes the best pet??

Nala

Hi all,
Just wondering what your opinions are as regards what animal/type of animal makes the best pet! I only had 10 options for the poll so some animals share a category-specify which one exactly gets your vote if you want.

SantaHoe

For me it's got to be dogs... so much personality.
I suppose it all depends on how much time/effort you can afford to give your pet... I think cats are just as happy doing their own thing, a fish probably won't even notice you've left, but a dog will sit at the front door whining until you come back :P

elf-boy

Dogs are great but if you don't have enough time for them it's not very nice. snakes are great because you don't have to have loads of time because they don't need as much atention but I'm pretty sure they like being held. It's amazing watching them eat aswell because they swallow theire food they don't chew it. so the obvios chois is a snake or both.

Stark

Hamster or cat for me, don't have the time for a dog. I want to get a rat at some stage though I'm told they require the same attention as dogs.

Ali Cat

I'd say rats, they're great, as intelligent as dogs but if you have two they require less attention and certainlly less maintinance.

Sarky

It really does depend on circumstance. I wouldn't recommend a dog to anyone in a very urbanised area, it takes a lot of effort to keep it healthy and safe, and without the effort it's bad for dog and owner. If you have the space to let him or her run about freely then I couldn't recommend them enough. I love dogs, every dog I've had has been a member of the family, right down to the loss felt when they died. Any cats we've had, on the other hand, are like that annoying neighbour that comes over unannounced and helps himself to the food and drink, and just won't leave. Even when you kick them.

I imagine others want something else from their pets. I never had a snake, lizard or spider, so I don't know what its like. Do those of you who do get affection from them as you would a dog? What precisely do you get out of it? I genuinely don't know, please feel free to fill me in.

But I'm completely and utterly a dog person.

Our man in Havana

Well I guess I have the luxury of having a huge variety of pets - I adore my sugar gliders, richardson ground squirrels & my skunk. but I love my rats, dogs, cats etc too

Bottle_of_Smoke

I have a lizard and think she's great, intelligent, interesting to watch, v. little mess to clean up.

Admittedly not much affection but hey aren't girlfriends meant for that sorta thing?

Ba_barbaraAnne

I'd love to vote twice because I've got bot cats and dogs, but I think I have to go for cats as I'd hate not to have my 'queen' and her offspring around the house. They are good company, decorative, don't eat too much and keep the house and garden free from vermin.

I'd hate not to have a dog as well, but they need almost as much input as the children, and you are more tied to home as it's hard to get people to mind them for weekends.

OfflerCrocGod

Cats - they are just much better then dogs; they have soft fur and can be held and cuddled while dogs have rough fur that's more like carpet and they need your constant attention while on the other hand cats do their own thing. You don't see people bringing cats out for walks now do you As for spiders and lizards.....I just don't understand the point; they are not affectionate at all and you can't cuddle them, why go to the bother of having them just for show ?

fletch

OfflerCrocGod wrote:

Cats - they are just much better then dogs; they have soft fur and can be held and cuddled while dogs have rough fur that's more like carpet and they need your constant attention while on the other hand cats do their own thing. You don't see people bringing cats out for walks now do you As for spiders and lizards.....I just don't understand the point; they are not affectionate at all and you can't cuddle them, why go to the bother of having them just for show ?

Couldn't agree with ya more there Offler! I love my pussy. Most mornings she gives me a free massage, now what dog would give ya a massage. Plus dogs stink!

puntosporting

Dogs all the way,you never truly own a cat!
A cat pays attention to you when its hungry...

OfflerCrocGod

puntosporting wrote:

Dogs all the way,you never truly own a cat!
A cat pays attention to you when its hungry...

You don't "own" a dog you take care of a dog; much like you take care of a mentally retarded family member. Cats don't need to be waited upon hand and foot, they are not brainless and useless.

puntosporting

Have i upset a catlover with my views?
You do own a dog legaly by the way...

Nala

I hope this isn't going to turn into a Cats vs Dogs thread...

Bond 007-how many animals do you have?!?!?!
Do you own a pet shop?

I have 5 cats, 4 birds, 2 fish and 1 rabbit but you put me in the shade!!! :cool:

puntosporting

As it happens i have no problem with any animals,but as far as pets go dogs are my preferance.
I like to take good long walks with my dog,or even play a bit of ball.
I cant do this with cats so for that reason i prefer dogs!

DivX

For me personally I’d have to say dogs. They all have different personalities and can be very faithful, unlike my experiences with the cats we had over the years, mostly strays that came over from the neighbours when the foods wasn't tasty enough or whatever, Cat's have a rambling nature.

Like what everyone else said, depends on the pet keepers circumstances, space availabile\enviroment, time availability and even the owners personality and stage in life (remember how long some of these animals can live).

Horses/donkey’s and goats could be mentioned also under the pet heading, but there is an associated lifestyle with these also.

Bessacadia

Dogs!

For sure - a dog LOVES you back, you don't just feel it, but you see it too. I have a cat as well, and I love him to bits, but I'm sure he would love any old body that stroked and fed him, but my dog loves ME ME ME!!!!!!!

Our man in Havana

neev wrote:

I hope this isn't going to turn into a Cats vs Dogs thread...

Bond 007-how many animals do you have?!?!?!
Do you own a pet shop?

I have 5 cats, 4 birds, 2 fish and 1 rabbit but you put me in the shade!!! :cool:

Give or take about 200 - depends on babies etc.

We are in the process of opening a pet shop/farm early next year.

skittishkitten

If you have the room and time for them I'd say dogs, If not then cats . A cat is much more independent and doesn't demand or need as much of your attention. A dog being a pack animal has the need to be a part of his human pack and have a purpose within the pack to keep him happy. Of course I like horses and mules too ......but bringing them into the house can be a bit of a disaster !

Nala

I've always wanted a dog myself. I think it would be lovely to have an animal I can bring with me when I go out etc. I am allowed a dog but my dad has this concept that a dog belongs on a chain in the back garden, which I disagree with, so I will only get one when I can keep it on my terms.

Magnolia_Fan

I have horses and dogs and I've had rabbits,cats,gerbil and budgees and by far the loves of my Life are My Dogs...I had a dog and she got so loyal to me that when my brother and I would be messing around when we were younger if my brother punched me she's snap at him then if I punched him back she's take another snap at him, I was playing soccer with my dad and my dad jokingly pushed me off the ball and she took a chunk out of his arm, if I cried she's come over to me and comfort me..unfortunately she got old and died of cancer.....but now I've got 2 dogs and they are also great, so full of character and love. Another thing about dogs is as freakish as it seems its as though they can sense if somebody is disabled and will be extra tender with them...maybe I'm crazy but that what I think from experience

Zaph

If ever a poll screamed out for Atari jaguar, this is it.

Personally, it's gotta be dogs. Cats couldn't give a sh*t about you as long as you're around to feed them. A dog, on the other hand, is always glad to see you when you walk in the front door. Sure they're often hard work, but are far more loving and rewarding than a cat. Besides, cat owners are weird. The local crank will always be some old dear with 43 cats in her house. It's never dogs, is it?