What pet (besides fish) would be a good starter pet for a mentally disabled individual?
EDIT: Okay I want to make something very clear. My sister isn't crazy or would purposefully harm any animal! Stop going into my DMs saying she's going to harm an animal. That is messed up.
Hi!
I have a younger sister, adult, who is mentally disabled from a car accident. She has been asking for a pet recently so that she can have some company when she is alone when I am at work.
I say no fish because she is deathly afraid of fish and water, don't know why but no fish.
She has been wanting a pet for some time but I can't figure out what kind and she said that I can choose what pet. We have had dogs before when we were kids but that's not really starter friendly for her anymore.
There really isn't a starter pet. All pets come with requirements and needs.
Probably the easiest to take care of, that would be a good companion, would be an adult cat.
Which just needs food, water and a litterbox kept cleaned.
Any caged pet will require the same, food, water, but cage cleaning can be more involved then scooping a litter box.
I get so frustrated with the notion that "fish are good starter pets"
They are probably the absolute worst "starter" pet because of the sheer amount of research needed between water quality, nitrogen cycle, fish compatibility and needs for specific species.
So many fish live very short miserable lives due to being victims of ignorance
Agreed. I wanted a fish, did all the research, understood everything I needed to do, but actually doing it was tough with my ADHD and other disabilities. I started cycling the tank, realized I wasn’t cut out for it and never got the fish. I am able to successfully care for a cat though. It helps that he is not contained to a cage/tank and tells me what he needs/wants.
True, but those things are generally a given when looking to get a pet and are not considered a choir, in the way basic care of a pet often is.
Obviously you want to give an animal affection and playtime. I just listed the basics required to keep them alive and healthy. The rest was already implied in the fact they wanted an animal as a companion.
Adult cats are the easiest in the way of Care, they just need the basics. (Plus some play, some petting, a nice place to nap, that goes without saying.) They don't require walks, or elaborate cage setups, or specific temperature/humidity or precise diets.
You’d hope that the rest is a given, and I totally get your point, but I also get why the other commenter spoke up. I almost exclusively know cat owners that essentially have them as house ornaments and literally only do the most basic care. Then they’re curious why they have no relationship with their “mean” cat while mine are all super cuddly and sweet and playful. Ideally though, OP’s sister wouldn’t think this way and wants to love on her future pet. Literally why else would anyone get a pet is beyond me.
While I agree. I think more context is needed on the disability - feeding, grooming, vet care, ensuring clean and safe litter areas for the cat - can OP respond with a bit more context?
For example, adult cats are brilliant companions but still need a lot of attention, time and care. Admittedly a lot less than dogs. Also a lot of adult cats have vet appointments, want to be outdoors, can break things and get into what they shouldn't.
If being unable to do that, perhaps a rabbit, bird, or guinea pig might be more suitable as OP can clean out the cage and ensure the food and water is topped up?
Having owned bunnies & currently the keeper of 2 35 year old cockatiels, neither are good starter pets. They require constant habitat cleaning.
Both require exercise outside of enclosure which brings with it additional cleaning. There are flight suits for birds & bunnies can be litter box trained, both require training.
I’ve also kept finches in the past (zebra & gouldian) again the cleaning of the enclosure is rather intense.
Birds are not “clean” indoor pets. Salmonella should always be a concern. There’s a lot of scrubbing & vacuuming to be done.
They also require a large enough enclosure to allow flight. That’s considerably larger than any of the cages you might find at Petco.
An adult cat would likely be the easiest, but that’s not to say easy. They need medical care, litter box needs tending at minimum daily & depending on the cat potentially grooming.
Regardless of the pet chosen, it will be a living breathing being requiring care & dedication for their lifetime. If the sister isn’t up to that challenge a stuffy would be a much better option.
Absolutely not a bird. One of the most fragile animals you can get with incredible high specialised care. They are basically flying toddlers with autism.
Edit - and a life you are describing is neglect/abuse. 90% of bird owners should not have them. Speaking out of passion/burn out. Not being rude. I've seen too much shit.
Agree. I’m so tired of people saying cats require so little interaction. It’s why so many of them are depressed. If you don’t want to engage with your pet then don’t get one.
It doesn't sound like she's wanting a pet she doesn't have to interact with. The sister is wanting a pet so she won't be lonely so I'm assuming that would mean she wants one to interact with. Care-wise, adult cats are much simpler and often more independent than many other pets plus they can get medical care at any vet around. That doesn't mean they don't have needs but they're not super complicated pets compared to something like a chameleon or parrot or some other type of high maintenance exotic animal that requires a special diet, specific environmental conditions, a different kind of vet that treats exotics since most don't, etc.
That’s not what OOP is saying though. OOP says sister wants a pet, we can only assume sister would engage the pet, but ability to care for the pet’s needs might be limited.
My concern with a cat is lifespan vs interest. I’m kitta less at this time because my girls lived to be 22, 23 & 24. I for sure would not outlive another, & I could not leave them homeless. Maybe if a senior in need came my way, but I’m not looking.
Does sister have the capacity for a 20 year commitment?
No, they're not. This kind of rhetoric is what is harmful to cats and their welfare. Get educated on current cat husbandry. Over 60% of cats are obese and extremely under fulfilled!
They’re not saying cats are zero effort or can be neglected. It’s relative to how complex it is to care for other pets. All living things have needs, and a good owner will research how to properly fill those needs. All pets take work and need attention and proper health care.
Cats don’t need heat lamps, controlled humidity, exotic/live food, they don’t need to be taken outside for enrichment/bathroom, they won’t die if they get wet, don’t go into shock easily, they don’t need temperature control beyond the range of average human comfort, they don’t uncontrollably chew furniture or walls, they don’t need an enclosure or specialized equipment, they don’t need unusually intense socialization, they don’t need specialized grooming, they are naturally inclined to litter training, every vet is experienced treating them and treatment options are extensive.
If a person can’t care for an average adult cat (as obviously medical or behavioral issues can significantly change things), then all other pets are also probably beyond their abilities.
Exactly this. I wish people would stop saying cats don't need a lot of care and attention. If you don't want to take care of an animal, then get a pet rock.
My son has multiple disabilities, he's 34 years old and lives with us at home. The little cat is his cat Poppy, she's 19 months old. They have a beautiful relationship. My son's brain age is roughly 5 to 7 and they adore each other. Just because someone has a brain injury doesn't mean they're crazy, nasty or cruel. My son feeds our 3 resident cats (including the long term 7 month old foster kitten and he helps with the other kittens when we foster) plays with them and enjoys being with them. He even helps change their litter boxes. I recommend animals to anyone, I also volunteer at our local Riding for the Disabled centre, so I see first hand how much animals help people who live with disabilities. The animals are awesome friends for everyone. Best of luck xxx
Thank you for sharing!!! I myself have a brain injury and it makes me really sad to see the stigma around it, especially involving animals! I actually spend my time rescuing and saving animals, not harming them haha. I once rescued a 4-6 week old kitten out of a storm drain and got her a home. We think something happened to her momma, so she absolutely would’ve not made it much longer as she was still eating soft!
But I rescue more animals in a year than most people do in their lives. I’ll often walk around my neighborhood after heavy spring storms to look for any nestling/hatchling birds who fell and put them back in their nests or take them to a rehabber if for some reason they cannot be reunited with their family. If any stray dog gets out near me I’ll stick em in my fence until I can find their owners, and if they’re abandoned or completely lost then my family will foster em until we get them homes.
The stigma that comes with brain injuries is insaneee, when the kindest people I know are other brain damaged people! It also just strikes me as super insidious because a good chunk of brain damaged people I’ve talked to are brain damaged because of things like domestic abuse or a horrific accident, basically something horribly bad/traumatic happening to them and now they’re further shamed for something that’s not their fault. all the negative ideas ever do is put already down people down more!
As a person who does not have a disability I'll paraphrase Molly Burke: People are only temporarily not disabled. It is the only minority that anyone can join at any time. I've said it many times but it truly saddens me how many pet lovers can be incredibly misanthropic toward groups who are already heavily stigmatized and harmed by society already.
Thank you for sharing! I struggle with multiple (different type) mental health conditions and it actually contributes to how much my pets and I enrich eachothers lives. I don't enjoy my conditions but I do think it is part of why and how we are all so deeply bonded. I live alone and am sole carer and they receive remarkable care. My dog started out terrified and traumatized and is now a medical alert service dog. His cat was a skinny sray and is now knows multiple commands and how to use the toilet! (I call him his cat bc I wanted another dog but my dog wanted cat and I'm such a simp for him I finally caved on the 3rd stray we rescued.) They both have helped me through and with so much of what I have and do struggle with. The care they require motivates me to care for myself better so that I can show up for them as much as I do. I don't recommend this for everyone as obviously the results are tragic if an individuals health prevents them from providing necessary care, but assuming this is true in every case is shortsighted, unimaginative, and of course ableist.y dog had saved my life and I can't really imagine life before it after him even tho I know that is coming soon. I really don't think I'd be hear without imhin and that not only doesn't prevent me from being a good owner, but makes me an even better one to him.
She can function just fine. She just has some mental issues due to brain damage, she is more like a child. I know she can take care of an animal I just don't know which one would be best
Thanks that clarifies. Probably a cat could be ok for this but maybe a kitten would be too much. I'd look at shelters for an adult cat who is already litter trained and things
Domesticated rats are awesome pets. Cleaning the cage is not s big deal. They will eat almost anything and love treats.
Cats- This like a dog depends on personality. Our last cat, gotten as s kitten was not a lap cat. Could only pet him when he wanted you too. As a kitten was sweet and cuddly but after a few months was just not friendly and did not like being held. So, older if you go that route but make sire it likes cuddling.
Good luck in your search. Rat has my vote. But they have a short life span.
op- if you do go with rats they should be kept in groups of 3+ ideally. they’re very social animals & 3 is better than 2 in case one passes then the other still has company.
they’re fantastic pets & i loved having rats. the short lifespans are too hard on me though for me to own more. that may also be too hard on your sister since you say mentally she’s quite childlike.
Yeah I would agree with this. They can have a long adjustment period but once they’re good they’re pretty chill. Take care of themselves when they want and come to their human when they want.
If needed you can also get an automated litter box, feeder, and fountain so their essentials are covered during the day
Yes, this is perfect! We have all three of those. Litter box just needs the trays of litter changed out, feeder just needs filled (and cleaned sometimes), fountain just needs filled and cleaned. We have dogs also so we have to refill the water fountains daily anyway and clean them a lot. Depending on the sister's needs, someone could help with those tasks and not have to be there daily.
What is her level of capability to care for an animal? Is there someone willing and ready to fill any care gaps? Are there any other considerations we should know, like if she wants to be able to handle the pet? Are there also any safety considerations for the pet? Like does the pet need to be able to be around loud sounds or unpredictable sudden movements without reacting?
Can she let a dog out and back in while you're away? Adopting an older dog might be right for you if she can handle basic minium care (potty breaks) and she can learn the dog's signal that means they want out. You can feed before and after work, training etc. would be on you.
I also highly recommend rats. They're king of the pocket pet. I called mine my "shoulder puppies"-- Wonderful lil pets. If you need a smaller, more contained pet.. rats are rad. Check out r/Rats sometime and think about it lol.
Be picky while looking for a new dog. Don't take on a project dog or one not tolerant of their space being invaded.
My lil dog would be perfect lol. She has a calm temperament, she's very tolerant and she always lets me know when she wants out. Good dog that I spent a long time looking for-- worth it to be patient for the right dog.
I second this. Foster adult cats or dogs with the idea that you’re looking to find a good one to adopt. Make sure the organization you’re fostering through knows that you have someone who is disabled so they don’t give you an inappropriate animal, such as a dog with a lot of energy that needs more walking than you’d be able to do.
This!!! And, does the mental disability impede her ability to care for herself most days? because even a pet isn't enough to drag someone out of that sometimes.
How is she able to handle loss/grief? that will definitely play a part as well - if she isn't the best with death (like me lol) something smaller like a jumping spider may not be the best bet
This is a really important point, particularly as most small, cuddly animals (rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, etc) don't live that long. For my 22 year old son, who has Down syndrome, we've avoided short lived pets because he's always had a great deal of trouble dealing with death. He still sometimes fixates on it and everyone he knows of that have died, and it used to be quite frequent.
We've had dogs most of his life and as he's gotten older we've encouraged him to take on more responsibility for them. When we move to the country in the next month or two we hope to help him pick a young cat to be his. Having him pick the cat is really important, and picking her pet probably is for your sister, as we want him to have a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Fish are terrible starter pets. I agree that if another adult is going to be helping take care of the animal that an adult cat is a good choice. You can even take your sister to the shelter and let a cat pick her!
Seconding to let them pick her if possible. Especially if she behaves in a way typical adults wouldn't, you want to try and pick a cat that is cool with that. Some cats are unphased by things like an unusual gait, stepping heavily, speaking in an odd or loud tone etc. while others are more timid.
I see you're getting a number of recommendations for rats, and I'm going to push back. I LOVE rats, but their care is more involved than others.
As with pretty much any pet they require daily feeding, water replacement.
They also require a safe, rat-proof space to "free roam" daily.
They also require bi-weekly litter box and washing of their hammocks.
What I think is particularly challenging with rats is their cage cleaning is quite involved. I do a deep clean of mine every 3-4 weeks, and I cannot get the process under 3 hours (and I have a smaller cage, a single critter nation). Cage cleaning will need to be much more frequent depending on your choice of bedding, whether the rats are successfully potty trained, whether you have male rats which are known to heavily "scent mark," and also how diligent you are with maintenance in between (wipe downs, litter box changes, hammock cleanings).
They also can get sick. I've been lucky with my girls who I've had for a year that they haven't gotten sick, but that really isn't the norm. They're born with a bacteria that makes them highly prone to respiratory infections, and this is one reason being diligent with cage cleaning and limiting their exposure to ammonia is so important. They're also prone to tumors.
Also male rats which are known to be more calm can become aggressive with one another and even at times with their people. This is not exactly common, but it's important to mention. For this reason, it's not uncommon for male rats to be neutered. Female rats are way less "cuddly" than male rats. They're a lot of fun, but I don't find they're preferred by the community as they are quite active and not "cuddly." They will use you as a jungle gym though.
Rats must be kept in groups of 3+. If one rat dies (and they have short life spans), you have to do a careful, involved introduction process with an additional pair of rats.
As someone who has owned a lot of animals, I think a cat is a good starter pet. You can pick out one with a good temperament at a shelter. Given that, they shouldn't be skittish in a new home for very long and are easy to bond with. They require daily food, water, and litter box scooping. Giving them daily love/attention/stimulation is very easy as they "free roam" 24/7 and opportunities to engage with them present themselves frequently. They usually only require annual vet visits until their senior years. Coat maintenance is easy too - just a quick weekly brushing.
Agree! I no longer have rats but used to keep them for years. They are amazing pets but definitely require more care, socializing and maintenance than people think, and vet bills can be expensive, plus they don't live very long, so losing them is hard/heart breaking.
Small animal pets require careful handling and are often more challenging to care for than say a cat. Depending on how gentle she will be when handling the pet, perhaps rats. Or cat or rabbit. Would she want to just watch it? Snuggle it constantly? Etc. These questions matter a lot.
I wouldn’t recommend rabbits, they’re extremely sensitive medically. They can’t throw up if they ingest things they shouldn’t & that concerns me for an intellectually disabled adult who may forget to move things out of reach. Plus it’s relatively tricky to find solid vet care for rabbits. But a calmer adult cat I could see being a good fit!
I also second this. I've had rabbits and they were much more difficult than I was anticipating. Not sure if I would have them again, although I loved them of course!
I don't think I'd recommend rats. They have huge personalities and you get so attached, but two is really old for a rat and three is nearly unheard of. Plus they count as exotics for vet care, and it's really expensive. I think a mellow adult cat would be perfect, and they're often overlooked in shelters. Even a bonded pair could be a great choice.
Don’t go the exotic or specialty route - vet care alone would make that difficult. Lots of people get pets like a turtle thinking it’s easy and then the poor thing suffers due to a lack of knowledge (rarely bad intentions).
Cats are fairly straightforward and if you adopt an adult cat the rescue or shelter will already probably have a good sense of its personality and can help match you and your sister with the right thing.
Whatever pet you get, I hope you accept that you are the primary caretaker. It’s lovely to want to give your sister a buddy - as long as she’s as careful as you say - but as the adult in the situation you need to view this similarly to when an adult gets their child a pet… you are ultimately the one who needs to make sure the litter box is getting cleaned, kitty is going to the vet when needed, food is being purchased, etc.
Bugs are an incredible first pet. While I don’t believe in the existence of starter pets, bugs are amazing for people who can’t take care of a typical pet because they allow a high margin of “error”.
What I mean by this is that a Madagascar hissing cockroach colony will be okay if you don’t feed them for a week. There are ways to set up misters and feeders so that if she does forget then they’ll be alright! They also eat lots of decaying leaves and bark, so if you put lots of those in there they’ll be alright should you forget.
I will absolutely say, there are levels to bug keeping. I would not recommended she starts off with a tarantula or anything that eats live prey, as they need to be fed on a more strict schedule and you also have to remember to regularly order/source live food such as fruit flies.
Some bugs that are easier to keep include various species of roach, isopods/roly polys, caterpillars (there is a whole subsect of butterfly/moth keeping and restoration!), beetles, mealworms/grubs, millipedes, it really goes on and on. Many of these species come in gorgeous colors! I keep mainly roaches and they’re actually such beautiful bugs. Look up Halloween Madagascar hissing roaches, or even rosy pink roaches for a pink roach!! But many exotic roach species cannot infest in North America, so this makes them entirely safe to keep without fear of infestation.
The biggest hurdle is really setting up their tank. But generally their care is easy enough to where she’d probably be able to write it down or keep a few sheets on what to do should she ever forget!
I know they’re not exactly cuddly like a dog or cat, but they’re damn cool to watch.
Oh and op!! I have brain damage myself, and I’m not sure what severity ur sister is, but I’ve got moderate damage. I find them pretty easy to keep up with! Ofc this will depend on ur sisters own needs, but especially since you live with her i do feel they’d be alright!
Mantids are a good choice IMHO. Yeah, you have to provide live food but if you have a carolina or chinese, they don't need much extra to set up and keep. And you can leave food loose in their with them, except when molting. That's the only time they're "fragile" and you have to keep an eye on that. Mealworms will actually eat a mantid that falls while molting :( But otherwise, they're super low-maintenance. Get 'em a mister that'll water them every day, or put in agar cubes of water, and they do fine.
I always recommend blue death feigning beetles. They’re super easy, active fun to watch, handleable (as long as you’re gentle)and basically eat what you eat. The only draw back is that they pretty much require companions, 3+, but the more you have the more active they are.
The way you love bugs is very endearing. I don’t love every single insect in existence, but I do love many of them, and the rest I wish no harm. Sorry, that was a lie, I wish mosquitos harm all the time, but otherwise I just see little animals when I see bugs, which they are, and I love animals, so.
Point being, it bums me out to see how hated and marked for death that a lot of insects are (again, not you mosquitos, I’m happy when you’re hounded to the ends of the earth), and getting to see people love them and sing their praises, which can get other people to love them too…ijs it’s a sweet start to my Saturday, seeing your comment, so thank you.
Aww I’m glad I could make ya happy! I totally share the sentiment, it makes me so happy to see others enjoying the small joys that are in life. I have a little second cousin, I call her my niece bc we’re close, but she takes after me a ton and it makes me so happy haha. She adoresss bugs and it is always so cute to see her get all excited because we turned over rock and a big momma wolf spider was hiding under it :)
Also! I totally get not liking mosquitos, they piss me off sometimes haha. Not trying to sway ya with this, but just sharing a fun fact! They’re actually pretty important to the environment. In all their life stages they are superfoods for many animals, and without them those animals would absolutely not be doing well haha. Think bats or fish! But many people don’t know this, they’re also pollinators. Not as efficient as our native bee populations, but still enough to make a decent impact! Not much to where if they were eradicated we’d be in trouble with food, but they definitely help out and we absolutely need the help!
This all being said, science has realized this and has a plan. In areas where malaria and other mosquito-born diseases are prevalent, they’ve actually started genetically modifying the mosquitoes to feed only off of animals. Mosquitoes feed off of different creatures, and due to hidden/cryptic species (super interesting pls look into this if u want ur mind blown and ur whole understanding of what a “species” is to be challenged) some mosquitoes that appear to be the same species feed completely differently. It’s hard and will likely take a few years and trial and error, but in the next few decades mosquitoes may not be able to bite humans at all.
BUTTTT also, there are ultimately only a few mosquito species that even feed off of humans. If we were to target these specific species, the environment may struggle for a bit but it’ll likely be fine. Again, with the existence of hidden/cryptic species, this makes this incredibly hard to do without studying each individual mosquito because they could be totally different species genetically but look entirely similar to the naked eye. Ultimately my guess would be that how we deal with mosquitoes depends on where they are, as some species are only eaten before maturity and can be modified to have the majority die before they reach breeding age, but some are fed on well beyond the larva stage by flying animals like birds or bats. But scientists are working hard to ensure that mosquitoes are less of a future nuisance while keeping the environment safe! Super interesting shit actually, science is superrr fucking rad.
How did I know that a person who loves bugs as much as you do would tell me something to shift my hatred of mosquitos lol.
That was really cool though, everything you just shared. And I’m crazy for bats, fell in love with them as a kid after reading a National Geographic article about vampire bats and how they’re “shy,” and basically wouldn’t feed on anyone who’s awake. Really ruined the image of vampire bats diving at some random human’s neck out in the world, and then the “shy” part is just adorable on its own.
Hope you have a good weekend and bon appetit to my beloved bat friends, when it comes to mosquitos.
Also just want to add that mosquitoes are the reason we have chocolate because they are small enough to pollinate it. I think that also includes midges but they aren't much better from the publics eye 😅 I'm a big Entomology lover and I am doing research right now to discover why biases exist towards different orders and species of insects and if that bias (because it does exist) is reflected in conservation efforts and their overall population. Very interesting stuff!
This seems like the only genuinely low maintenance pet being recommended. People are recommending hamsters/reptiles/rats when really they all have specialized care requirements. They're perceived as easy pets but they're really not.
Thank you!! <33 I don’t mean to brag, but my babies are absolutely some of the most gorgeous I’ve seen! They’re mostly hybrids, so they’ve got multiple colorations in them you won’t see in a regular one!
Another one of my gorgeous girls <3 love showing them off haha
Yes, I believe she can. I would help her with anything she may need though. What I mean by starter friendly is disabled friendly. I wasn't sure if I could say that or not
It sounds like you live with your sister and would help take care of the pet? If so it sounds like the perfect time to visit the shelter and meet some cats. A cat would be a relatively low maintenance yet affectionate pet. If you’re willing to maintain the litter box and vet needs, feeding and playing with the kitty are great tasks I bet your sister would be great at!
Not everyone would consider this a pet, but if your weather allows for it, a big bin of vermicompost (worms) can be a fun project. Depending on how her disability affects her, you can potentially tape a sign with what can and cannot go into the bin right on top of it.
More traditionally, since it sounds like you’ll be home to catch anything she might forget about, an adult cat might be a good choice. I would not call cats low maintenance but healthy cats are decently self sufficient in terms of keeping their needs met for the duration of a work day as long as they’re given the tools to do so. But you have to keep in mind that cats (like people) can develop medical issues at any time, and so a cat that needs less care now may grow into a cat that needs more care in the future, and your sister may or may not be able to handle that depending on her disability.
This! Even a Jumping spider! They're 34 dollars, and their enclosure can be a tiny fish tank or they even have 20 dollar spider homes for just jumpers. They don't require much!
Cat for sure 🙃 Maybe one that’s already trained from a shelter or rescue facility? Cat maintenance is pretty low, litter box cleaning might not be something she can do but it seems like you’re a very caring person and want your sister to enjoy a pet so maybe you’re ok handling that! Finding one that’s friendly would be ideal. She can play and cuddle with the cat while you’re gone. I love this 🥰
My husband is allergic and I have three cats. Purina Pro Plan live clear food is amazing, it makes them produce less of the protein that causes allergic reactions. My cats get 50% that and 50% canned food (since live clear doesn't have a wet food option and cats shouldn't be solely on kibble) but it helps decently on its own. That coupled with HEPA filters on each floor of the house, and frequent brushing in shedding seasons, occasional dry baths with the LiveClear foam stuff they also sell, and vacuuming frequently, I've never had anyone have a reaction to my cats. Even before I ended up with three cats and before they released LiveClear, he eventually got used to the one cat we had before even though other cats triggered him. So long as you're not the anaphylactic shock type of allergic, it's definitely doable.
I've read that many people have had luck with the newer food that you can buy for cats that reduces the allergens they produce. I'm not allergic, so I can't personally attest but I've seen multiple recommendations for it.
I commented cat above too! I am also allergic but I actually got used to our cats!! If the cat sleeps in her room and spends most time with her I bet you’ll be ok with some allergy meds as needed :) I’m so excited for you guys, I hope you check out a shelter this weekend!! And update us!
I'm sorry about your sister btw, she deserves a good life and clearly your sister is very lucky to have you. I recommend rescuing a cuddly calm lapcat. Not too old, But not too young either. Then I would consider getting another in the coming years to grandfather in another friend so she's never alone.
Having worked with people with disabilities for 40 years, all of us crave companionship. we forget how we have much more in common than separate us. I would go with your sister to an animal rescue and talk with the people there about getting a very cozy loving adult cat. This will give you a chance to make sure she’s not allergic and it’s something she wants. I don’t know your sister, or you, but a little cat or dog will add so much to both of your lives.
But definitely spend time talking to people who know the animals
I honestly think almost any traditional pet would be a good fit! It really depends on her lifestyle. I'm inclined to say hamster because they are often solitary with 2 or 3 year life spans; just look into a proper set up with deep bedding. Rats and mice are beautiful too, but wicked smart and social! They need bigger set ups. Rabbits are great too and can be partially free roam like a cat with a little rabbit-proofing (they also need socialization with other rabbits).
Insects, amphibians and reptiles are great and low maintenance but not for everyone - but many don't need aquariums. I love them! Especially snakes and axolotls, and even tarantulas :)
I think a cat or dog could be a just fine pet, but it would be worthwhile to consider adopting adults for their more predictable temperament and to help animals in need! I'm inclined to cats because I have two, of course. They go for walks, play a lot of games and require socialization too,
Service dogs are good options for many people depending on their disability. These bigger pets are definitely bigger commitments with greater physical demand so it would be up to your sister and depend on her capacity / how much help is needed.
Outside of fish, since they are not the preferences, I also don't recommend birds unless it is an older rescue or you can dedicate yourself to pigeons or chickens (they are great) because they live so long and are really not well built for captivity. Lots of noise and excreting. I also don't recommend turtles and tortoises because of their life spans that are longer than humans, but there can be exceptions if it is an adult/senior.
And of course, no exotic pets!!! That wouldn't be fair to anyone
What pet do you want to care for? While I don't know the level of your sisters disability, chances are she isn't able to fully care for the animal. This leaves the care on you, from feeding to cleaning, vet care, and ensuring the pet is cared for properly. She might be able to do some basics, but you would will need to supervise and ensure the pet is getting the right amount of food, is cleaned as needed for the species, and is just taken care of.
Guinea pigs might be a decent option. They are generally friendly and easy to handle. They can be fine in a large cage or pen, and do best in pairs or small groups. They can be fun to watch if you don't want her to handle them unsupervised, a top on the pen could be useful too. Vet can be a concern as there are not a lot of vets that see them. Care is feeding them daily (hay, veggies, and pellets), and doing a full clean at least weekly. Many people use fleece bedding that can be washed rather than shavings or other loose bedding.
She can care for animals. Of course I would help her with the harder stuff but I know she can take care of basic needs. Stuff like vet care and complicated cleaning would be on me and I don't mind at all. She isn't severely disabled, she knows how to care for animals I just didn't want to put too much on her at once, ya know?
Cat or if she’s home a lot, an extreme lap dog. One from a rescue or a shelter. Middle age. I have a small dog who was abandoned at a park and he only ever wants to sit in someone’s lap. I’ve always said he would have been the best pet for a nursing home
I'd be against hamsters, mice, and iffy on rats. If they get loose they don't always get caught and returned and they are very very good at reproducing :( Rats are generally going to come up and want returned to their cage and cuddled once they stop being panicky. But hamsters, mice, gerbils... I've had to find escaped ones and we never did find one mouse!
there is no real starter pet, they all require love and care. If you get a cat and it is indoors you need to keep its mind and body exercised and entertained
What about a senior dog or cat who is already bathroom trained and won’t try to escape out a window or door the way a young animal might?
If your sister’s intellectual abilities are like a child’s (your words from another reply in this thread), it would be smart to minimize decision making around training, where and how to exercise an active dog depending on its energy that day, how to enrich a young cat’s environment etc. A senior is more likely to be calm, easy to handle, content to be gently brushed, and to snooze a lot.
What does she want a pet for? To cuddle, play with, to observe and not interact?
I totally agree with an adult cat. Some shelter kitties just want to cuddle and play all day long, and as you've described, your sister seems like she would love that!
If she can safely handle a smaller pet, I'd recommend a rat. If size of the animal is a concern, a gentle adult cat. Whatever the animal, maybe do a foster trial period, and look for ones that have a gentle or calm personality.
You will likely be doing all/most of the pet care. What kind of pet are you interested in?
Reptile and invertebrates do not offer much in the way of company. Rats are very social and would probably be the best option of the small cage animals, but small critters have their own demands in order to care for them well. Birds are not beginner friendly.
Cats and dogs provide the most company, and an adult cat would probably be easiest. You stated that you're allergic to cats. Dogs are not really beginner friendly, but it might be worth it to contact any local organizations that do service animals. You may also be able to adopt a retired service dog, if she does not need that kind of assistance but does need the company of an animal that is trained for her limitations
fish is NOT a starter animal oh my god. i'm disabled and even my non-disabled parents struggled to keep fish alive (and they're expensive). I would say an adult cat (not a kitten) from a shelter, but I also grew up with cats so I learned very early how to care for them and live with multiple people who we all take shifts on cat care. If you're willing to help if there are some things she can't do, an indoor cat can honestly be really good. older cats are snuggly and don't need to run around as much, and there are RC toys so if you can't get up they can still chase stuff. my cat is 9 and he mostly just hangs out with me all day and it's good to have a snuggle buddy when my husband's on night shifts.
I'm joining the choir suggesting an adult cat. Go to a shelter and let her pick the perfect companion. My autistic son has a companion cat and he loves her so much!
Honestly, there is no such thing as a starter pet. Every pet you'll ever own you'll need to do extensive research into their care and needs. Don't listen to pet stores either, they are notoriously bad for selling the wrong things for pets (think cages, bedding, even food).
That said, I'm physically disabled myself and have been told snakes are very easy pets to take care of by someone I trust inherently.
I think that's true because someone who loves their pets will put just as much effort into any animal they make a commitment too. I also think one person could have a hard time with a hamster or a snake, but be effortless with a dog whereas some people will struggle with dogs!
Mental health professional here. I would recommend an adult cat. Adult because a lot of the hard work and energy is calmed down but also because this is when you can really see the personality. If she's looking for company an aloof cat is probably not what she's interested in.
If you decide to go for kittens get 2. It's not more work than 1 but they will keep each other entertained and aggressive play with each other rather than you 😉
I think a senior cat could be good, seniors are typically low energy but some are very affectionate. Maybe go to the animal shelter with her and see if she clicks with any.
Vet med professional here. Lots of people are suggesting cats, which is a great suggestion. They are relatively mild-moderate in terms of pet maintenance. I have a nuanced concern. Does she live alone? If so, if the cat gets sick, will she be able to recognize the signs? Who will be financially responsible for an ailment?
If she lives with caregivers, I’d just hope at least the caregivers are educated about signs of feline illness and are prepared for the potential costs associated with it!
It would definitely depend on how her disability affects her and her daily living skills! If you're able to handle the cleaning up, as it sounds like you live together, a cat is the ideal blend of independent and cuddly.
In that case you could get her isopods (woodlice) and have her build a culture, they’re very easy to look after and making the enclosure is fun, if she wants she could also start making other culture from the morphs that appear too
There is no such thing as a "starter pet", as they all have complex and variable needs (unless you count something like a pet rock, a plushie-pet, a digital/virtual pet/tamagotchi); it's not that she would intentionally harm an animal, it's just that oftentimes, people looking for "starter pets" don't realize the full scope of the pets that they're considering and how in-depth their care actually gets. Including fish. My god, are fish in-depth. And this leads to unintentional harm. This isn't just a thing with your sister, this is a thing with everyone, specifically anyone that thinks there's a such thing as a "starter pet".
That being said, I think it's best to look at your sister's needs and abilities and apply them to the routine basic maintenance of a pet. I'm not asking you to answer these questions publicly, but consider things like: how often could she (or you) get the animal to a vet for routine checkups? Is she able to take out litter (cage litter, cat litter, etc.) on a schedule? Will she be alright if an animal doesn't always want to snuggle/always want to be affectionate? Will she be annoyed if an animal does always want to be affectionate/snuggly? If the animal is a caged animal and needs "free time", can she accommodate to this need, wrangle the animal when it's time to be put up, and ensure that it has a safe "free time" area where any potential toxic item or dangerous item is squared away (for example: some chinchilla owners just... Let their chinchillas have free time in the bathroom, as long as it isn't humid/there are no wet spots, so they don't have to worry about their chinchilla climbing under the bed)? How much time each day can she, and you, dedicate to this animal? When you think you've got a good idea for an animal, go do some heavy research online and even with books from your local library, and ask her, and ask yourself, if it would be a good match/if you all can meet the care needs.
I would recommend a calmer and older cat, personally. Plenty of them at the shelters, too.
I ask you to ask these things and consider them because like... I'm physically disabled. There are some days that I'm bedbound and have to ask my husband to feed/water our cats, our dog, and our chinchilla. We used to have rabbits before we moved somewhere that wasn't good for them (I miss them so, so deeply) and had to rehome them after five years and they were also very high-maintenance (and heavy! I couldn't lift my girl myself, but she only liked me!).
Keep in mind there is no such thing as a “starter pet.” Animals are living beings and while some can be considered lower maintenance than others (ex. Dogs vs hamsters) There’s a level of complexity when caring for each one.
I do think average lifespan is something to consider with pets too. I can’t have rats or mice despite adoring them because their lifespans are so short and I couldn’t mentally handle that. Unpredictable issues can always arise with longer lived animals, of course, but with something like a rat it is something to think about.
If lifespan is not an issue, I would say a few rats could make great friends for your sister. They’re social animals so you’d need more than one. Hamsters are also a great pick. Both those pets have communities here on reddit that always seem to be very kind and understanding to anyone needing help. Keep in mind though a lot of hamsters are not extremely social with humans from the get-go, and they do have a penchant for strange things cutting their little lives short.
Rabbits could be a good option, but I’m admittedly not super knowledgeable about them.
I, like many others in this thread, would personally recommend an adult cat. They are relatively low maintenance compared to other animals, have a longer lifespan, and are very loving. A shelter would be able to match a cat’s personality to your sister’s desire for companionship easily. Advice from a cat lover: keep them indoors (there are a lot of resources on why this is the best option if you’re wanting to read up on that yourself) but also get them microchipped incase some sort of accident happens. Lazer toys should be avoided because they can actually stress them out. There’s a lot of plants that are poisonous to them, so definitely read up on those (lillies are the most well known example.) Cats love dairy and tuna but it’s actually pretty bad for them, so avoid giving those outside of a very rare and very small treat! Maybe look for one three years and up.
Very sorry about you getting ableist DMs :/ some people have no class.
I would say an adult cat. Like maybe 2-4 years old. So they are out of their destructive kitten phase but still playful but also enjoy a good snuggle. It would def be a transition for the cat, but once they are use to their new home, I think that would be a wonderful companion. You can get an automatic litter box, feeder, and water fountain so it’s less stress to maintain. But, you would still have to deal with regular cleanings of things, just not as much on the daily.
A cat would be ideal, you can go to the shelter and explain your sisters situation and they'll help find the best suited cat.
Also, they're actually easier than goldfish when it comes to cleaning!
Fish are much more difficult and expensive to care for than people admit, coming from someone who has killed many-a-tank for not doing the research.
My recommendation is invertebrates. Death feigning beetles, isopods, maybe even dubia roaches- all are pretty easy to take care of. But even these are fragile and can’t be handled harshly (to say nothing of people being scared of them).
There’s no vertebrate that would make a good starter pet, none are low maintenance without cutting back on their necessary care :(
I've been a petsitter for over 10 years, as well as a pet owner myself, and honestly? Adult cats. They are, in my experience, the easiest and most laid back pets.
Adult (2 years +) cat who likes people. I think you should take your sister to a shelter so she can meet them, you both can see if she vibes with one. I’d give this advice to anyone, by the way!
I actually think fish are a very poor starter pet because they are so prone to dying. You really need to have done your homework before you can keep a fish alive for more than a week.
What kinds of chores could your sister do by herself, and remember to do them?
Without knowing her level of function, it's impossible to recommend what, if any, pet she ought to have. A cat might actually be good because she wouldn't have to walk it. Cats are responsive to humans (unlike fish, which don't give a damn) and can also manage as single pets, unlike birds, which tend to be neurotic if they don't have enough company.
My brother adopted an adult cat and it gives him more purpose and joy. I backed my sister when she decided to get him one (our parents were unaware before) and she secretly took him to get one at a shelter. Give them time, patience, and a little love and you have a chill sturdy mostly low-medium maintenance pet. That cat lives like a king, his room (which used to be little dusty) is vacuumed daily, litter box cleaned, and everything is washed regularly.
I want to say this as respectfully as possible, because obviously I don’t know the extent of your situation- but realistically, is your sister able to handle a pet?
If you would be able to help with care, and she’s able to respect its boundaries, I would recommend a cat, as they don’t need to go outside, and can be cared for in the house- but I really don’t want to push the narrative that cats are easy pets that you can just set up and leave, because they’re not. The cat will still require exercise, daily litter cleaning, and it’s VERY important that your sister understand that the cat will may not want to interact all the time, and may react physically if agitated/overstimulated/feeling cornered
I don’t think people mean that she will purposely hurt an animal. I don’t want this to sound harsh, but although she wouldn’t purposely hurt an animal, she is still mentally disabled and this is one thing you have to consider. I would not recommend any small animal, if accidentally dropped, picked up wrong etc this would be extremely harmful for small animals as they are fragile.
I would recommend a larger animal such as a cat. All animals are hard to care for in their own way but cats are quite independent.As long as she has someone who is able to help her when she can’t do things, if there isn’t someone there to help her, unfortunately a pet isn’t the best thing as this can lead to neglect.
I pet sat for a friends hamster and was totally surprised at how fun it was. It had one of those balls you can put it in and it just went bonking around the house. When it was tired out it would go to a corner and I’d put it back in its cage. I was really worried it would smell, it didn’t smell. Was just a cute little bundle.
How much responsibility would she need to have? It sounds like you live together so you'd be able to make sure it was fed and cleaned up after Im guessing. A cat would probably be the best thing. That or maybe a bird that can talk back at her.
As a physically disabled person who spent large chunks of their teen years home alone, I don’t think i would’ve been mentally stable without my kitty. I’m middle aged now and a cat will always be my emotional support. My calm. My peace. It’s how I regulate.
That said, I’d get your sister whatever pet she wants that makes her feel that way. What animal has she always loved? I wouldn’t be satisfied with any animal besides a cat.
But, you should commit to caring for it. An adult cat is fairly low maintenance but it sounds like your sister may not be capable of providing care and would need assistance.
When you say mentally disabled how do you mean that? Is it like the mentality of a child or no sence for danger or something like that?
Can she be a potential danger to the animal or herself around an animal? If yes then i would suggest a hamster or 2 gerbils or mice in a big rodent terrarium ( big, lots if dig space, platforms, enrichment) hamsters are most easy out of the 3. When she is home alone you can lock the terrarium so she can see the pets but cant acces them. When you are home she can play with the hamster or you can set up the hamster enclosure with her. Sounds quick but you can go alot of ways with this. For example Christmas themed decor ( keep it natural and safe!) or other season, holiday themed. It also gives alot of other activities / hobbies. When i had a hamster i spend hours watching YouTube videos on enrichment, care and literally anything else about hamster, i had a few days a month where i spend all day shopping for cute new stuff for the hamster, when i went walking in the forest for days with a book of hamster safe plants and trees so i could find forage for the hamster ( freeze for 72 hours first!) or when i frew my own forging seeds in the garden and even planted a willow tree to make toys out of there sticks ( small sticks very bendy checkout out willow weaving or bigger not bendy sticks to make platforms out of or other toys.
The hamster community can be pretty amazing so if she has the ability to have her own reddit and it's noted that she has a mental disability im pretty sure they will love to help your sister get all the right hamster care and might even make a few friends along the way.
Also pretty awesome fact about hamsters is that if the enclosure is big enough and put together like it should be that cleaning is spot cleaning once a week ( hamsters are urinating and pooping in one or 2 spots mostly) and a big cleanout if the entire enclosure only once every 2 to 3 months. Depending on how the enclosure is. I often went up to 5 months without a big clean and it still didnt smell because the proper spot cleanings.
An older cat proven to be gentle and affectionate. This is tricky as you hear endless stories of shelters misrepresenting pets. Maybe a trial foster with option to return if it isnt compatible with her needs. Finding the right match is important in this situation.
I have a bias towards ragdoll cats (who have had a good start and raised well in a home) as they are typically very patient, tolerant and extremely affectionate. Perhaps an older ragdoll that needs a rehome. Though theyre pretty chill as kittens too given enough stimulation. My ragdolls are like my shadow ...follow me around everywhere and want to be involved in everything, and if I sit down theyre on my lap instantly. They would cuddle every waking moment and sleep on me otherwise if they could.
But of course they have individual personalities too and their previous experiences matter.
If you do decide on a dog my suggestion would be to research tibetan terriers ( not true terriers at all) real name Dhoki apso. All the ones Ive had have been super smart, a dream to train, endlessly tolerant and patient with kids, like other animals, quiet and non demanding and theyre non shedding. If they're with their person theyre happy. They do however require daily brushing or need to be kept clipped.
But puppies are a lot of work for a long time and require toilet training and walking so probably not a good first pet no matter how wonderful they are.
Good luck. Hope she finds her pet companion.
I've owned cats for 45 years. I do agree a cat would be good BUT you need a very special cat too. Not all cats would do well in this scenario. Is it possible to bring her to a shelter so that she can interact with some cats and you can see if any take a shine to her.
Fish are actually really complicated to care for properly at first. Getting the tank set up and starting the nitrogen cycle and building beneficial bacteria and getting proper parameters is difficult as hell and takes a month or more.
Maybe a kitty. They aren't as needy as dogs and are relatively self sufficient, meaning you don't need to bathe them or talk them for walks and can be left alone for a few hours or a day and be OK.
I wouldn't get a rodent. They are cool and fun, but not as good company as a kitty who can sleep in your bed and talk to you. (nothing wrong with them..just probably not as good if you are lonely)
If you could deal with a cat with your allergies. Rabbits (I’ve had for 25 years) and other exotic animals are hard with medical issues and finding vets to care for. Guinea pigs, etc don’t live very long and the cages are a pain to clean and the cage bedding is very allergic. Cats, you would have to help with veterinary care but she feed, scoop litter box pet etc.
Since you said she likes bugs- hissing cockroaches! They eat some veg and need it pretty humid. They can get used to and even seem to enjoy handling to a certain degree. They’re super easy.
Edit to add: They’re so easy and docile that my 9 year old cousin is able to take over for their care when I’m out of town :)
Calmer cat, then get an automatic litter box and feeder. Costs a bit more but it also takes a lot of the harder aspects out of taking care of a cat.
It is hard to give more without knowing exactly how much of your sister the accident took. (I survived getting run over 7 years ago, I am still not 100% who I was before) I have 3 cats.
The youngest one is the easiest for me to care for but she is a very calm cat, just wants to be brushed every once and a while, will also meow when the food dishes are empty. The oldest has a lot of health issues so can be rather difficult care wise when I am having a bad day.
I reccomend a teen cat, 1-2 years old. Still agile but you can tell its personality. Look for a calmer cuddly one. Take your sister, see if any cats choose her.
Guinea pig!! Much more docile than hamsters, gerbils and mice.
They really develop their own personalities and can be very cuddly if worked with often. They do require quite a bit of space for an enclosure. (Not like huge- but definitely not an aquarium)
I would connect with a rescue organization and look into fostering an adult cat. Cats are fairly easy to take care of as far as basic daily needs. There's no cage to clean or daily walks. With a foster, you can see how it goes and then if it goes well either adopt the cat or if the cat gets adopted, you know that it's working out and can go ahead and adopt another cat. People underestimate how affectionate and loving cats can be, especially when provided a lot of love, care, and patience.
Cats are great because they are independent. As long as you’re taking care of the food/water and cat litter, which isn’t hard or time consuming. I recommend Russian Blues. I have a Russian Blue named Milo and he is the most friendly cat I have ever met.
I don't know enough about her situation to suggest anything. If she's gentle and careful and someone else will be making sure the animal is cared for, an adult or elderly cat or two is a great choice. Old enough to be past the Kitten Stupids, and older cats are generally extremely chill and hard to upset. She shrieks and they'll flick an ear, not panic and hide.
Depending on the lizard, bearded dragons are big enough to hold and some of them are flat-out social and friendly. Same with ball pythons. They're not going to be anywhere near as delicate as a tiny gecko; she can actually hold them and pet them and they'll enjoy it.
If she isn't going to be holding them, an invertebrate isn't a bad choice. Downside is a short life span. But praying mantises and jumping spiders are among the very few that will recognize and seek out their owners. They like to just hang out on your arm and chill. Mantids will beg to be picked up. The larger ones are big enough to pick up and handle without injury. Jumpers are look-only. Once again, it depends entirely on whether or not she can consistently and safely handle the creature.
If she can't, look into fake animals. For people with dementia, there are toy cats that meow, and move, and purr, and respond. They're $100 or more but you save that in food and litter and vet costs right off the bat. I don't know how well the toy dogs work but those also exist.
We really can't tell you much, tbh. Can and will she carefully handle a pet? Does she need something big and sturdy? Is she perfectly fine with a tiny delicate pet? What sort of space does she have? Is someone else going to provide the care for the animal? Will interactions be supervised? More info for a good answer please.
I’m also team adult cat. If snuggly and chatty would be something she would enjoy, I would see if there are any Siamese or Siamese mixes available. I’ve had two and they both wanted to be close to me at all times. The one would meet me at the door everyday when I got home from work. They are also chatty, but not to the point of walking around yelling all the time. Our current one mostly chirps and meows when she wants something, if you are talking to her, or she’s trying to figure out what room you are in.
Based on her abilities, a cavy(guinea pig) may be a great pet. I’d highly recommend 2 females in a large pen as they are social and friendly. They love dandelions and will ‘wheep’ when you approach with treats. Peruvian cavies have long floor length hair which is fun to brush. They don’t need much attention or exercise. Maintenance is easy as their poop isn’t messy. They don’t live long so the commitment is shorter than other pets.
Cats live a long time, and if socialized very young (6 weeks-8 weeks) can become very close, loving and lap-friendly. They are smart and can learn tricks, and they are pretty hardy. Since she is at home, I think one cat is fine. If no one EVER plays rough, then they rarely learn to bite or scratch. Toys and love.
As somebody with a dog and two cats, I think an older/chill adult cat would be best imo. As long as you keep the portal litter box clean, make sure they have water, and feed em a healthy portion of food two or three times a day.... They are largely self sufficient as long as you provide them just a few things.
A cat? But it’s not an object like toy or a stuffed bear, and it concerns me the way you are describing it. I like a lot of the other ideas people had though. It looks like you’ve come to the right place to ask this. Have you considered helping her find a friend? 😜
Pet rats can be a short commitment and give your sister something to pet and hold. And the responsibility to clean the cage etc.
My kids (now grown) have had rats and they are honestly like adult cats. They like to be pet. And can also just be chill and sit in your lap and watch tv with you.
Although it’s still a commitment for you both, it’s sadly not a long one. They leave 2-3 years or so.
Your sister can then learn about losing a pet 😞. That is a very important lesson as well.
If she’s at a point where she needs a caregiver, she should not have a pet period. What will she do if there’s an emergency? Is she able to notice subtle changes that could indicate health issues? Could she even take it to the vet or afford the supplies it needs? All animals are fragile and deserve good care from competent people.
If he has a live in caretaker, then maybe a cat, but that’s about it
I'd stay away from pets in cages, only because cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, and so on can nag you if their bowl is empty, or needs to go out, or litter box is dirty.
You haven't really said anything about what your sister is like? What she wants? Does she want to cuddle? Watch cool habitats? Is she into teaching tricks?
She's an adult, did she graduate high school or age out (I work in special needs, also have a brain injury myself)? She isn't in a care facility/group home so she is doing better than what most people would imply from your discription.
I would go to an animal shelter and get her an adult lovable cat that needs a home. You’ll want to get her a real cuddler. The right place should make a perfect match. An older - even a senior cat. The cat we have right now is 16 I am fully expecting her to live 20-25 years. So they will consider cats senior at 11 but they have so much quality life left. Out 16 year old is still very active and playful.
As a kid I really enjoyed keeping caterpillars and releasing them once they turned into butterflies. It's a really amazing and interesting process to observe and they aren't hard to keep. Only downside is it's dependant on the time of year. There's also other cool bugs she could have
Get a cat. They are pretty independent in their needs. Provide food and water and a litter box. Keep all 3 clean. The rest is just socialization - play with them and pet them. They are less work than small animals and are much more sociable. Cats are the easiest pets out of any pet you can get.
There are thousands of cats in shelters that would love to keep your sister company.
It's wild to me that so many people are acting like disability = completely incapable. ADHD is a mental disability, which I have, and I have 2 dogs and a cat. There are many levels of disability, and animals can be really great for people's mental health. As long as your sister is committed to caring for a pet and will have the level of help required, if any, it could be really good for her quality of life. I agree with what others have said that an adult cat could be a great option for her! Dogs definitely require a lot more involved care, but if she really loves dogs and isn't as much of a cat person, that may be an option to consider as well. I do see you say a dog may not be starter friendly for her, but I would say it depends on the dog, area she lives, and her abilities as well. At the dog park we go to, there are seniors that come everyday to let their dogs play and socialize since they can't go for long walks anymore. If she had a dog park nearby and was able to walk there with the dog, that could be something to consider. Smaller dogs also typically need less exercise than larger dogs. Cats can definitely be left alone for longer periods than dogs which is why I say the care is less involved.
From what you have said about her here and in the comments. I think a cat. My worry with a dog is the exercise, walks, potty breaks it would need. Cats are a little more independent but could still provide her with companionship with minimal routine. Feeding and litter box. Possibly some grooming which she might enjoy.
It seems your sister has no problem handling critters gently, so I would recommend a rat. They’re incredibly social, trainable, loving, clean (despite common misconceptions) and comparatively low maintenance. It’s like having a tiny dog in many ways.
The only downside is they only live a couple few years, even with the best care. And you need to be able to afford reasonable vet care as they need it just as much as any other pet, even if the vet bills are smaller than say dogs or cats. They’re prone to both benign and malignant masses, so you may have to deal with cancer at some point.
Id probqbly suggest adult cats:) especially if she has someone who can help with vet visits and stuff. Things like an automatic litter box/ water fountain/ feeder can help take the workload off of your sister. However mammals have higher emotional needs than a lot of other pets. So depending on your sisters disability that’s either good or bad. I also usually suggest ppl get 2 cats because then they have a playmate at home and aren’t as dependent on you playing with them. Automatic toys or puzzles can also be helpful when having limited capability to actively enrich the cat yourself.
Cats are really good at teaching their owners manners. They require little to no maintenance if you invest in automated feeders and litter boxes. Great cuddlers and their purrs can help regulate her new nervous system. They have a surprising amount of patience and kindness
If she is competent enough to remember to keep track of them and clean their cage regularly, a pair of dumbo rats can be great. They're very sweet, gentle, cuddly, inquisitive and often playful to people they trust and know. They're also fairly difficult to seriously injur by accident.
Beyond that, an adult cat would probably be your best bet.
I don’t know why, but I think a cat might be a great pet. They’re very interactive, and if cleaning a litter box is a challenge, they have nice robotic ones people can use. Plus, you don’t have to take a cat for a walk like a dog. A lot more interactive than a fish.
Plus, fish tanks actually need some careful balancing, since you’re basically controlling the fishes entire environment.
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u/MoonStarRaven 1d ago
There really isn't a starter pet. All pets come with requirements and needs.
Probably the easiest to take care of, that would be a good companion, would be an adult cat. Which just needs food, water and a litterbox kept cleaned.
Any caged pet will require the same, food, water, but cage cleaning can be more involved then scooping a litter box.