Which Pet is Best for You?

If your energy or mobility is limited, choose a pet carefully.

Cats
Cats are purr...fect if you don't have a lot of time to devote to your pet and you aren't allergic to them.
Best cats: Short-haired cats like the Bombay and Russian blue.
Playful cats: Siamese or mixed-Siamese breeds, such as Tonkinese.
Cats to avoid: Long-haired cats, such as Persians (require lots of grooming).

Dogs
Small dogs are ideal for apartment living, but may get underfoot and cause falls. Dogs need exercise - plan on walking 20 to 30 minutes daily. 
Best small dogs: Toy poodles, bichons frises and papillons.
Best big dogs: Collies, Airedales, golden retrievers and Labradors.
Dogs to avoid: Terriers, including Jack Russells (very willful) and Dalmatians (very excitable).

Birds
Birds don't require much space. Choose easy-to-clean cages. 
Best birds: Lovebirds, parakeets and cockatiels (very responsive to their owners).
Fun birds: Canaries and finches (fun to watch).
Birds to avoid: Tropical birds (can live into their 70s and are quite costly and loud).

Fish
Fish don't require much space. Many tanks are self-cleaning, but water in the tanks needs to be changed monthly.
Best fish: Goldfish, guppies and swordtails; small catfish (help keep the tank clean).
Fish to avoid: Tropical fish (require precision in water pH levels and lighting; expensive).

- L.P.

Back