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Post by hippymama on Jul 20, 2007 10:27:44 GMT
I'm currently feeling the void left by my two beloved rescue animals...Muzzy (a tom cat) was run over last November...he used to sit on my bump while I was pregnant and purr to the wiggly one... Morris, an elderly Jack Russel died from cancer of the stomach three months ago....he was lovely, but had started to get very jealous of Helena so my feelings are still really mixed about it. Ok, so what I really want is a small animal really, but not so small that a toddler stroking it will do any damage!....someone friendly...but I don't have much experience of animals other than cats and dogs....so I don't know where to start! Help! Clarexxx
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Post by veggiewoman on Jul 20, 2007 11:07:33 GMT
How about a house rabbit? You can get special leads and take it for walks. Maybe go to your local animal shelter and ask if they have any house rabbits or get many in. I don;t know about house rabbits myself or how they are toilet trained so make sure 1st they are house trained specially with a) toddler around, also keep the litter tray somewhere where a) the rabbit has easy access to (obviously) and b) where the toddler cannot get to it. Just an idea.
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Post by alisont on Jul 20, 2007 15:50:28 GMT
I would agree about a house rabbit or guinea pigs are wonderful creatures and not too small like hamsters etc...with children about. They can be kept inside in big guinea pig cages/houses (out of reach of youngsters is best!) or outside in a good quality spacious hutch in sheltered area (but may need to be inside/in a shed over winter) Ive got links with lots of guinea pig/rabbit rescues - some of whom will travel to bring rescue guineas to you....not sure whereabouts in the country you are? Most have lots of guineas/bunnies awaiting new homes. I have recently rescued 20 guinea pigs who are now getting ready to be rehomed If you need any advice/links to guinea pig forums please ask- ive had guineas since i was 6 (currently got 2 rescue guineas and a bunny) the forums i use have excellent advice sheets on guineas/bunnies Alison
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Post by maisiepaisie on Jul 20, 2007 15:55:43 GMT
IThey can be kept inside in big guinea pig cages/houses (out of reach of youngsters is best!) or outside in a good quality spacious hutch in sheltered area (but may need to be inside/in a shed over winter) I don't agree with guinea pigs being kept outside. I know some people do and opinion seems to be split but they don't grow a thick winter coat like rabbits do. I'd be so worried about them being warm enough outside
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Post by hippymama on Jul 24, 2007 11:35:45 GMT
Thank you! I've been nattering to Chris (husband) about it over the weekend and he desperately wants another cat...Muzzy was his first ever pet and he adored having him around....
So, currently we're hading towards getting a cat when the Len-monster is around 18mths old...
Clare
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Post by tabitha on Jul 31, 2007 12:13:35 GMT
Some rescue homes wont rehome to families with children under 4 though. The one we got Soldier off was like that. I think they had too many cats traumatised by hugs given by babes, who had obviously tried to hug these pretty lil furry things and got scratched by a panicking cat.
I had a tabby cat when my two were very young and it was a nightmare keeping them all apart. The boys would chase after the cat, who wasnt particularly friendly at the best of times. I definitely wouldnt have a cat with young kids.
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Post by astrocat on Sept 2, 2007 11:05:45 GMT
I think it's really sad when people keep pet rabbits, especially when they get them just because they want to have a 'cute fluffy cuddly' pet , or a 'pet for their kids', because rabbits dislike fuss and being handled.
Children are notorious for pulling tails, poking eyes and squeezing animals, or chasing them about and generally harassing them, particularly when it comes to small children and toddlers.
This is why i would generally not advocate getting a pet, with the intention of letting small children go anywhere near them.
I think their approach is a good one. When they are dealing with animals (especially ones who have been badly treated in the past) it is very important to consider the animals' welfare and wellbeing, rather than just giving them out to everyone - however inappropriate their home situation might be for having a pet.
To the original poster, I would say that if you intend to get a cat, please do your best not to let the toddler 'play' with it... using a cat as a babysitter or child's plaything isn't fair to the cat, and the kid could end up badly damaged because of it.
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