What pet would you recommend?
Edit: i think i will look into adopting or fostering an older cat or older bonded pair down the line after i ensure i have enough emergency funds. thanks for everyones feedback. As much as waiting pains me i wont rush anything
So i seperated from my partner back in december, moved into a small house near the kids school, i have my kids 3 days a week, and i work 7 shifts a week ( 6.30 am - 12.30 pm 4 days a week and 4.30 pm - 9.30 pm 3 nights a week) when i dont have them in order to afford living alone .
For the record my ex and i are still on really good terms and try to put the kids first in everything we do.
Problem is i am starting to feel super lonely and depressed. When working i come home to an empty house, and my kids and i are...struggling on occiason with learning how to adjust to single parenting.
We had rabbits back when i lived with my family but i couldnt take them with me because they have a lovely partial free roam set up and are happiest there. I want a companion that i can spend a bit of social time with whenever i am home, but is also content enough to do its own thing when i am at work. I want something i can form a bond with.(and yes i know it takes work and time and am happy to put in the effort)
Dogs are out as i know i am not home enough to look after one. I dont want to neglect anything.
I would love rats but after some reasearch am unsure if i could cope with the morbid rolling pet system youd have to have, and i hear they can get expensive health wise
I wouldnt mind a syrian hamster but am on the fence whether it would be the ideal company for me, though after making the best set up, it would be the most affordable
Same for gerbils as while they often live longer than hamsters i hear theyre often less interested in hanging out
.
Lizards would be cool but not sure if my pay could cover the bills running the environnment they need
Ideally id love to get 2 indoor cats, as i had a 21 yr old cat grow up with me through childhood and i do miss him. but my current depressed state is making me doubt i could provide enough stimulation.
Just looking for suggestions or experiences from other owners, as wouldnt be able to get anything till mid august at the earliest and i want plenty of time to research for best QoL for my companion. If anyone has any input that could change my mind on some of my considerations or suggest something i havent thought of id be happy to listen
Also i rent, live in the UK and have pet permission from my landlord
Thanks in advance