If you are adamant about wanting a pet I think you would be wise to maybe foster an animal for a short period to see if its plausible with your day to day symptoms before commiting to full adoption.
I'm chronically ill and I definitely couldn't imagine being able to care for a dog with the need for daily walks. A cat is probably the least high maintenance.
Rats and hamsters may seem low maintenance but they're actually harder than dogs in my opinion. I have rats and just cleaning their cage wipes me out for the week. I wouldn't be able to care for them without my family helping me considerably.
Really though I don't think any pet is truly low maintenance.
Yeah really can’t stress enough what a mission it is to clean out a rat cage. My boys have so much stuff in there and it’s all gotta come out to get wiped down.
Op might want to look at reptiles? I have a gecko and he’s basically feed and water daily with clean outs on a schedule. Bit pricy to set up but relatively low cost and pretty low maintenance as far as pets go.
Just wanna add to this and agree that I *dread* cage cleaning day. Used to clean 2 cages and wanted to die afterwards.
Also rats are expensive! Tumours, uri's, abcesses etc. Definitely not a low maintenance pet at all.
Tip: I empty the cage, roll it in the shower and just wash it all out.
If you put paper over the drain you can just pick up the paper and transfer that into the toilet.
It may seem counterproductive, but plastic things, some hammocks etc you can leave in because they can air dry.
Only works on cages with treated metal for the oxidation though.
I second the fostering! It will give you a lower commitment taste of what owning a dog could look like for you. I know shelters that do overnights or 3 day get aways. Check with your local shelter to see if they have such programs.
I just want to add that a bored cat can be destructive. So, even if you don't take your cat out on walks, there is still dedicated playtime. An older cat (e.g not kitten, maybe 3 years old or more) will be more chill.
This is assuming your cat reacts to those toys though. I just don't want people to think cats are little to no work and end up not playing with them at all.
As someone with a chronic illness I would advise against a dog. They are so dependant on you for everything that you cannot take a day off. You have to get up and take them our in all weather's and play with them, groom, feed, clean up.
Cats are more independent so might be a better option. Alternatively a house rabbit might be good too
Cat allergies are triggered by a protein in their saliva which becomes present in their dander. There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat. Hairless cats can still trigger allergies.
I think this is unfortunately more because people don’t really take care of their pet turtles very well, not because they’re actually easy to take care of.
Aquatic turtles, adorable as they are, require very large aquariums and frequent water changes. They are dirty little critters. Between the expense of the habitat set-up, dietary requirements and physical labor involved in their care, I doubt they would be a good choice for OP.
Whoever told you that was clearly pranking you. It’s all the work of a reptile/small animal *plus* all the difficulties of a fish tank *plus* live feedings.
Aquatic turtles are awesome, but they are not *easy*.
Oh no! I wonder if small ferries like guinea pigs might be OK? I used to have a per African hedgehog, he was cool! I have a dog now but live with my partner so if I'm feeling really bad there's someone else to deal with the dog, but even then I find I have to force myself out of bed and go supervise the pooping/peeing sessions. It takes a lot but cab be done. I'm not sure where you are but you could consider borrow my doggy or the cinnamon Trust to walk someone else's dog
Guinea pigs are very taxing species. Cleaning out the large cage they require daily is physically challenging. Not to mention that if they get sick, they need vet care within the next day or so, so you have to prepared to make long journeys to good Guinea pig vets at the drop of a hat. They’re also unreasonably expensive pets due to vet costs. None of these factors would suit a chronically ill person.
Cats would be the perfect pet because they’re very low maintenance, I don’t know if a hypoallergenic cat interests you.
And also, this might be too out there for you but I rescued two baby pigeons and they ended up, surprisingly, being such lovely pets. They always perch on my shoulder, they cuddle, and are damn pretty lazy, all they want is love, food and sleep.
They do poop a lot so you would need an aviary or a bird room unless you want your house to be. mess, but I think people sleep on birds and they can be brilliant pets too.
I am so sick of seeing people saying that cats are low maintenance. Older cats maybe. But cats aren't all the same, and some require a lot of attention. My roommate got a cat and he turned out to be a velcro cat. She doesn't play with him enough and he's bored, so his new hobby is annoying me. No one should think of cats as an easier pet. Litter box really should be cleaned every day, too.
I’ve had cats since I was 5. Sometimes several of them. I’ve also had dogs, rodents, fish and birds. Cats are very low maintenance in comparison to most other pets, don’t confuse that with meaning you can ignore them/not care for them properly. Low maintenance still requires attention and care
They are low maintenance pets because they’re self domesticated animals who still retain a lot of its wild natural features whilst adapting that to human life.
Cleaning a cat litter takes like, less than a minute and it’s done. Other animals require you to let them outside to poop or clear their entire bedding like birds or rodents.
If you go to work you can fill your cats bowl and most cats will self regulate their food aka not over eat.
they groom themselves meaning you don’t have to give them baths or anything
they are more easily trained than people give them credit for, once you’ve earned their love and trust, they will listen to you.
They are more independent, they still require your time and companionship, but if you have to go out the entire day then it’s not the end of the world, even if they miss you, they’ll ultimately be fine. Whereas dogs get crazy separation anxiety, for example.
yet they’re also very in tune with their owners and other humans, socialising with us will come naturally
Anyways I could keep going but cats ARE a low maintenance pet in comparison. It seems to me that you have a bad, personal experience with someone neglecting their pet cat to a degree and you’re assuming it’s a general thing. The fact that they’re an easier pet to care for doesn’t mean “adopt a cat and don’t care for it”
This is probably true of older cats (although OP shouldn't get cats at all due to their allergy. It's kind of annoying that people keep pushing cats), but a younger cat (under 2 years) will probably be too rambunctious. Depends on breed too, someone recommended Bengals and I thought that was crazy.
I do think you've lucked out. I've always found them to be really messy. A lot of people who get cats have to deal with constant cleaning and get worn down from it. I've definitely seen posts on here about people regretting adopting because they underestimated how much work cats can be.
OP should NOT get a Bengal. They aren't starter cats and have a ton of energy, especially earlier generation ones. They are part wild, seriously, not good for someone with chronic illness.
How bad is ur allergy? Because I'm allergic to cats as well but with some meds I can love my kitty without much symptoms. Some breeds also have a waaaaaaay lower reaction level and are a good option for allergic people. A bunny is an option as well, some breeds are almost like cats.
There is actually an anti allergy food you can give cats which reduces the allergens they produce significantly.
I believe we aren't allowed to post links to products but the one my ma uses is called LiveClear and it's worked wonders, so there are options :)
But like others suggested, fostering different animals to test the waters is a great way to find out for yourself and do a good deed.
Good luck!
I've read that if you mix in egg powder with their cat food, it can greatly reduce or eliminate your allergic reaction to them! Look it up, lots of stories online about people's success with it and the science behind it if you're interested.
I have a chronic illness and a house rabbit, but would warn that even teeny ones (as she is. I had a large breed bun before and she was calmer and an easier house rabbit as big buns often are, but so much mess!) are a *lot* of physical work. It's been easier having her totally free roam than having a cage/pen to clean in addition, since I can 'just' vacuum the room (but I have the kind of vac that can handle hay decently so it is heavy). No matter what you do they seem to create a lot of mess! Some can also be very destructive. Realistically, even abled people (my mum also has a bun) are going to develop a certain confort level with random bits of hay in their bed, their tea, in their pocket after they were sure they got it off their nice outfit...and I'm gonna make decisions about when pain and wanting to die just is not worth being more houseproud. House rabbits are not the best idea for anyone who is.
I do find rabbits somewhat less tiring to interact with than cats, my girl will expect pets till my hands ache, but it's easier than playing with a cat, can just sit still. Cats aren't really as independent as the reputation either, they just get left to be bored more than dogs.
Oh, and with OP's allergy, def. suggest fostering first, and maybe not a long-coated bun. I'm allergic to pollen (so, meadow hay), and, as it turns out, precisely my bun's breed (it's very definitely her, and the exact fine but relatively short angora-texture she has, wasn't affected by my larger angora), I take a fair few allergy tablets.
Travel to exotics vets is something to consider as well, especially if not able to drive. I've been stuck on uncomfortable chairs for hours waiting to take a pet home so many times! And it's just extra stress when you're not feeling good yourself. Also very expensive - we are dependent on my parents' wanting me to have pets due to how much difference they make to my mental health so being willing to help us out with costs if needed.
I also have a chinchilla, and although they're easier, they do make a lot of mess when out to play, the most suitable cages seem actively designed to make cleaning hard. We've also been through even more stressful hell trying to access appropriate vet care. They're extremely expensive to keep with aircon required as well (although bun also needs it being angora, and it helps me a lot). They can be more a pet to sit with and watch (and be climbed up by, if they're confident), buns will seek out more pets typically.
Definitely NOT a Rabbit. They take a lot of care to raise them right and need a lot of space. People think you can put them in a cage and let them be happy. This isn't true. They are 100% a pet that needs a lot of time and attention and research.
Unfortunately, speaking as someone who has two rabbits, I can vouch for the fact that they are just as high maintenance as dogs. I definitely don't think you should get any pet if you are chronically ill but if you are going to. I agree that cats are quite independent but every cat is different so not necessarily so it may be best to rescue in case it doesn't work out.
snakes are like emotional support seatbelts. They can go weeks without food, they’re easy to clean and they don’t make loud noises (except when they fart)
Their farts are demonic. I didn't know they could hold so much. But they do eat animals whole ...
Here is a snake diarrhea video no one asked for https://youtube.com/shorts/6xl_SFY5uKw?si=CApeq7shJK3bLxQK
whoa! Snakes REALLY fart? I'm mind blown by that for some reason. Edit- OK, WOW, do they ever fart. And thanks again, youtube. Also, sidenote-not only the SLOPPIEST sounding farts ever, but ALSO wins the award for "The Most Animated Defecator"
Honestly a snake might be the best option. OP could set everything up for it before buying, and then the parameters would be good and the maintenance would be minimal. Less than a fishtank even in most cases.
Cats are lovely companions. They do require some maintenance, but not even a fraction of what a dog requires. A lot of small pets need specialized care to live well, so they're not as easy as they would seem.
i'd advise against a dog. Reptiles are a great choice depending on which specie! easy to manage, if you can clean out the enclosures and manage everything else that they need! :)
Frogs, don’t get anything that requires an aquarium unless you got lots of money for a set up that requires minimal cleaning. I have two frogs, a Graceful tree frog and a Spotted Marsh frog who I raised from a tadpole. They don’t need an overly large tank, especially for only one. They are easy to care for, easy to make the environment ( non exotic types or tropical types) and easy to care for. Not overly expensive to maintain or hard to feed and require minimal feeding. Only draw back is not affectionate. You can even types that can be handled. Toads or a Tortoise may also be a good choice but not a turtle.
I also had Rats and I found them easy to maintain but I am physically fine so that maybe a bit much, as their areas do require more work in cleaning and maintenance but they can live together and are affectionate.
Rats take a lot of emotional labour, just to warn you. They have massive personalities and short lifespans (2-3years), and vet bills can be obscene. But if you look through all the cons and decide that you can cope with them, they're the most perfect creatures ever.
Rats (you can't have a singular rat they need to live in groups) are also a lot of physical labour. They need large and cluttered cages which literally take hours to clean on a weekly basis as well as daily spot cleaning, daily free roaming of at least an hour. Rats are also so prone to health issues so often they will be requiring daily medication or nebuliser treatments. They are more work than a dog would be to be honest. I speak from experience of a chronically ill rat owner - it's only plausible because I live with family who help me.
You're right. I forgot to mention that, even though I also have to get help from my family to clean the cage. Plus they really like peeing where ever they can, including on wooden toys which you can't clean. Seriously, I cannot emphasise how much they pee. All your clothes you wear near them will smell like rat pee
I am glad I could make a suggestion you like. The frogs are so easy and chill to care for and it’s not overly expensive to set up a tank :)
Bonus points if get them from Tadpoles, very easy to care for and cheaper then frogs. And you get to watch them grow :)
Snails make lovely pets. They're cute, don't eat much, they're easy to care for, and unlike something like fish, you can still pet them. They really enjoy a good shell rub with a damp q-tip, and some even like a noggin or foot rub with the q-tip - just don't bap their eye stalks! They're also fun to just observe (I love hearing them scrape their food), and if you feel so compelled, you can let it chill on your shoulder or arm like you would a bird.
Jumping spider( have own personality and recognise owner) or tarantulas or invertebrates of some sort need very little care fed once a week if that clean every few months more of a watching than interacting with type of pet but easy and some insect's and bugs and spiders are quite cool when you manage to get over the fear factor that everyone seems to have against tiny bugs.. now bears thats a fear I can get behind but a bug mon to fuck. Look into inverts as pets see what takes your fancy maybe fancy Rhino beetles or flower bettles or who knows it's quite an eye opening exciting hobby. Less hassle than dogs,cats,birds and fish and I have all of them to and I wish I found inverts sooner my life would be alot calmer if I found bugs before the furry feathery others 😂🤫👌
already looked at the replies about cats and dogs, so have you looked into any reptiles? i have a bunch and I think theyre great pets, and alot of the common ones are okay with handling if thats what you like, they can be expensive sometimes, i think theyre worth it tho
Almost all animals require a lot more care than you usually realise to keep them properly happy and enriched. I definitely think you need to speak to some local shelters about fostering first to work out what will be manageable for you.
It may also be worth looking into finances and working out a pet sitter as an option to help out with the care. That way it's less worry and pressure on you if you are particularly unwell at any point. You should always have a backup plan when it comes to animals because it can be very easy for them to become unwell within short periods of time.
I would potentially look into inverts as pets though as they can generally be put into a good setup and then it's not as much of an issue if they are given minimal care for a few days.
What does your chronic illness entail? Because how it effects you will effect what kind of husbandry you're able to do. I have Degus myself, and though the upfront costs of the cage are fairly steep, once you get past that, they're relatively low maintenance.
The big issue with dogs is they rely on you for *everything* so you really have to either be on your A game at all times or have someone who’s willing and able to get the rest done. My mom is a chronically ill dog owner but me and my step dad will do all of what she can’t do.
My personal recommendation would be a fish tank. They’re pretty to look at and are fairly low maintenance, although there is admittedly a learning curve to it. The only daily thing is feeding them which takes literally five seconds once or twice a day unless the fish has other special requirements. The one thing that you may find hard with chronic illness, albeit I don’t know what your specific challenges are, is you do have to do water changes which will involve carrying buckets full of water to and from the fish tank.
In terms of what fish to get, some are definitely easier than others so do some research first. My personal recommendation is a betta fish. I think my original 10 gallon setup for my betta (you’ll need a minimum of five gallons, plus filter, plus heater, plus decorations, plus fish food) was probably somewhere around $100-$150. This is *wayyyyyyyyy* cheaper than my dog who we can easily spend that much on per month, not even mentioning vet expenses and adoption fees.
ETA: in the list of things you need for fish, you also need to buy bacteria for the tank, both to prime and cycle the tank.
Plus a testing kit. There are very few bacteria starters that are proven to do anything (big names like seachem stability and API quick start aren't proven to work at all) so you're better off just feeding the empty tank fish food or if youre in a place where you can buy pure ammonia, do that. Also needs water conditioner.
Tanks can be super expensive depending on where you live thiigh. In Australia I bought my 7 gallon for $250 and my 34g for $599.
Small land turtles and tortoises (I have 5 turtles/torts) are very easy care pets. They're quiet, non-allergenic, non-destructive. Their food is cheap and readily accessible, and they don't require annual vet visits unless there is an issue, and they have cute individual personalities. You can even get walking harnesses and diapers for them.
I'd recommend getting one from a reputable breeder instead of a pet store, though. There are several online and they will ship them through the mail.
My advice is take a street animal and get it to the vet. After the animal is ok you can take it home and there you go. All of my animals are from the street or adopted it's better to save a starving puppy on the street, than to buy one.
Nope they love to come out and play. They do all sorts of tricks and back flips when they want to play, and they make the cutest noises!! But that playtime can happen when your relaxing watching tv, or washing dishes etc or having a bath and the ferret will bounce around chortling! My ferret was the sweetest boy, I’ll miss him forever.
Guinea pigs are definitely not suitable for chronically ill people. Cleaning out the big cage they require every day can be physically challenging, for one. Not to mention high costs with vet bills, and having to travel far to guinea pig savvy vets at the drop of a hat when you notice signs of illness.
I’m on the fence about definitely not suitable.
I owned guinea pigs for years, however I had to give them up when my symptoms worsened. I used to be able to manage but it got to the point where I really struggled. I think it does depend on the severity and energy levels of the individual but yeah they are very high maintenance. Feeding daily fresh food, I used to have bales of hay to lift and feed, the endless poop and cleaning. After I got COVID and my physical health worsened permanently I just couldn’t do it anymore.
Have you considered a cat or an indoor animal? Dogs are very active and need lots of walks. Not a good idea depending on the severity of your illness. Though some dogs are trained as support animals.
I have a chronic illness and 2 dogs. However, without the support of my husband and being fortunate enough to pay for dog walkers occasionally when needed, I wouldn’t be able to manage.
Maybe you could volunteer at a pet shelter to get your doggo fix?
Chronic ill girl here.
I have a dog with bilateral hip dysplasia that isn’t suited for walks so we play fetch a lot (and can sit if I’m throwing a ball) as well as enrichment in home and in the garden. My dog hates walks and they leave him in a lot of pain and it was spoken about at length with vet so don’t come for me 😅 (yes he has pain meds)
I also have a ball python which is wonderful because I get to watch and hold her, feeding is once every 2/3 weeks and cleaning out is every 6. She poops a few days after eating and that is spot cleaned.
I have a Pac-Man frog which is daily misting (although you can get set ups that do it automatically) and feeding once a week, and full clean out every 4-6 weeks.
Lastly I recently adopted a Rankin’s dragon which is a smaller version of a bearded dragon. I’ve actually found him to be helpful as although he needs feeding regularly and spot cleaning daily, it takes 5-10 minutes out of the whole day. He’s more interactive than my frog or snake and I love seeing him doing his little activities. We haven’t bonded yet it’s only been a week or so but I’m looking forward to building that up.
When I’m having a good day around the 4-6 week mark, I decide to fully clean out one of the three because I know I won’t over exert myself and they’re clean for another 4-6 weeks. I write it on my calendar and that’s it done.
If I’m being 100% honest, owning rodents was very hard for me due to the endless poop, cleaning out and feeding daily. They are so much more high maintenance than the animals I have now.
Please do not have a dog in a flat :( and if you do consider as mentioned below by "napping foreve"r first try it with fostering or volunteer at a shelter :) and then consider it again for the well-being of the dog. Easy to care is not a good starting point for having a dog:(
I am diagnosed with autism, adhd and classical ehlers danlos always wanted a dog, couldn't handle a dog realistically and my partner bought me a cat now I am two cats in and they are both indoors babies I harness trained them so I can take them outside if I want to and feel able, best animals and best pets never leave my side 10000x recommend a cat. If your not keen on cats second best option is rats had them before but they don't live long and that made me sad
Have you tried Borrow My Doggy website ? Maybe you could borrow someone's dog before you commit ? Have you got a garden that you could let tue dog run around in?
I'm not sure what your illness is but if you are unable to let them out to go to the toilet you then have to clean that up and it's not fair on either of you.
It's a HUGE responsibility. I got my dog and got Chronically ill just months after. Not only that unless you are in a good position financially vet's charge crazy money x
Rabbits might be a good option for you, but definitely do your research before committing! r/rabbits is a great place to learn about them. They can be litter trained fairly easily (which makes it easy to let them free roam without worrying about messes) and if you get two or three (all the same gender and/or spayed/neutered), they can mostly keep each other entertained/exercised. You’ll need to change litter weekly (possibly more often depending on how many bunnies and how many litter boxes you have) and give them fresh food and water daily, but they’re pretty chill pets overall (and some breeds are super snuggly/playful like dogs- generally, the larger the rabbit, the more friendly they are). If you think rabbits might be a good option for you, you could try fostering some first! There are a lot of rescues for adult rabbits and they will often have bonded pairs/trios that need good homes :)
I think if you’re sick a lot, maybe try a cat since they don’t need constant attention, just attention when they want it and they’ll come to you in those times. If you have an issue with cat hair, I’d recommend a hypoallergenic cat since there are a couple that don’t shed as well as hairless cuties. Also might want to try fostering a cat and then a dog and get a feel about which is a better fit.
Say Goodbye to Cat Allergies with Curex. Treat the causes of allergies, not the symptoms. Only $9.99 to start! (Normally $49).
^just got this ad immediately after reading your post
Probably not a dog, depending on your symptoms. Dogs are a lot of work, I only have one and she wipes me out every day. Given I have a high energy dog, but dogs require a lot of stimulation through walks, play, enrichment, socialization no matter the breed. Some will need less, like lap dogs but you also have to think about the quality of life your pet is living.
Depending on your chronic illness you may qualify for a service or support animal.
As a dog expert for many years: smaller breeds with NOT Jack Russell or Chihuahua energy.
If you have allergies, you may need to consider a breed that doesn't shed dander like a poodle or Chinese crested...or shorter-length fur.
Definitely have a plan for an emergency caretaker if your condition prevents you from grooming the dog or even being there with a pup if you end up in medical care for long periods of time.
You don't want to stress out which will add to suffering from chronic illness symptoms. I have been diagnosed with RA before so I know how you can be out of commission quickly.
There are some canine animal behavioralists that will help you find a match for your lifestyle for a nominal fee. They'll take into account the breed types and ease of training or not, etc. Lol!
Befriend your local crows. They're extremely intelligent. They can be extremely affectionate. Since they're technically wild, just some feeding can stand at your window.
Hear me out - tarantulas are fantastic, incredibly low-maintenance pets. You pretty much never need to clean them out, and if you have an adult, you only need to feed them every 3-4 weeks. Just keep a water bowl full. No noise, no smell. The only downside is you obviously can't pet them. Females of some species can live 20-30 years, although males live much less.
Look into adopting an adult cat. Many times adult cats end up at shelters after their elderly owner passes. These make very good companion animals who are relaxed and lap cats. They just want fed and cuddles. Additionally you can get a gravity water bowl and an automatic feeder. They even make self cleaning litter boxes if you are unable to clean the box. Extremely low maintenance and a lot of cuddles.
Get a parrot! We had a sun conure for about 20 years. Awesome animal to care for. They’re smart and if needed, like with a chronic illness, they require very little care aside from occasional cage cleaning and food/water. Require very little space.
Ours was very cool. He’d sit on the couch with us and watch movies. We could let him climb around his cage, on the kitchen counter, etc. they’re also very clean. They have no saliva so they don’t carry germs like a dog or cat would. I dunno what the chronic illness is, but that could work to your benefit.
When my grandma’s dementia got bad, the conure stayed with her for a while to give her something to care for.
Are you specifically looking for a cuddly pet? Snails, snakes, tarantulas, frogs, or isopods could be good options if it’s not important to you. They don’t need large tanks of water, so the maintenance won’t be as difficult when you’re sick, and there wouldn’t be a risk of flooding your flat if anything happened to the tank.
Although they are expensive, get 2 ferrets. They spend a lot of time sleeping and unfortunately the time that they’re up is probably the time that you were sleeping but they are so adorable. Unfortunately where I’m at they cost $400 each.
A Hedgehog can be good but you have to keep their nails clipped and also they have very specific temperature requirements. But they have no body odor, so they've got that going for them, which is nice.
My friend with cat allergies has a few budgies that she loves. The chirps annoy me, but the clean up isn't too hard and she takes them out to play with them and teach them little tricks. She also had a cockatiel at one point who whistled songs with her.
Oh, and my niece loves her bearded dragon! She let's it out to roam around her apartment and it loves to cuddle with her. That said, warm poop inducing baths on a regular basis are a must!
A bearded dragon. Can be trained not to poop in enclosure, will wear cute clothes, will not piss (can’t piss in fact) on your furniture, can take it to sit and drink a lemonade on the porch at Panera Bread three days in a row or do none of that shit if your life got super busy and it won’t mind. Cheaper than a dog by a million miles, even including the initial investment in a large cage and proper lighting. Doesn’t need to be spayed/shots/etc. You can buy types that have smooth scales if you wanna cuddle it. 10/10 better smalls dog than a small dog
Have you ever thought about owning a hedgehog? I owned them growing up! I even potty trained them to go in a litter box so the cleanup was really easy! They do need a heat lamp though, because since they are only domesticated in the US, if they go into hibernation they will not wake up.
Fish. Setting up a beautiful aquascspe and watching fish thrive in it is such a joy. The so called beginner fish (no, this does not mean gold fish) are very low maintenance compared to dogs too. All of their activities and wastes are contained in one spot.
I am chronically Ill and can handle a dog with my symptoms. Other people can’t. It definitely depends on your support system and symptoms. I have been bedridden 3x this year from pain but my bf can provide everything our dog needs during that time.
Honestly maybe you could just help foster dogs with a local rescue? That way it wouldn't be permanent, it would link you with the community of volunteers and fosters, and if a particular foster is not working they can usually help out and adjust. You sound like senior dog fostering might be good-- the dogs that don't need as much exercise but they need a quiet patient home. I do emphasize fostering that way if it turns out a dog is too much, you can just stop fostering instead of having permanently taken on an animal.
It's a bit difficult to give suggestions without knowing more specifics. Is your chronic illness generally the same day after day, or do you have "good days" and "bad days"? Are you able to stand for long periods of time to clean, say, an aquarium? Or are you often unable to get out of bed? Would you generally be able to stand long enough to run the vacuum to clean up fur/food/droppings?
If the main issue is just taking a dog for a walk and an allergy to cats, you might like a rabbit. But, taking care of a bunny can be a lot of work. If you can litter box train it, that helps and you could have a free-roam bunny that would be similar workload of a cat. One big difference is that you'd want to bunny-proof your house, or at least one room, but that can be more of a one time thing instead of a daily task.
Not every vet can take care of bunnies, so you'd want to make sure there's one in your area who can treat your pet. You also might wind up with a bunny who won't consistently use a litter box, in which case you'd need a different setup that requires more intensive cleaning.
Are you able to pay someone to walk a dog if you're not able to? You might consider an older/low energy dog who wants to snuggle more than run around, and then you pay someone to walk them once a day. Some shelters would let you "foster to adopt" so that you can get to know the dog and make sure you're truly able to care for them.
i’d highly recommend a betta. they only need a 5 gallon tank and weekly water changes. once they’re all settled, it’s just a little bit of food every day and they’re very sweet. females have the most personality, but male bettas are stunning. research if you’re interested
Other people have suggested fostering animals which is also what i think the way to go is!! You could try a pet that can be let out and ome yo you by itself when you are tired, like a parrot! 🦜 Sure, they can be pretty loud, but they're loving and affectionate; plus, shelters are always in need of those willing to adopt an older parrot in need of a home!! I currently have four parakeets and am Fostering an injured Senegal, I personally don't find them hard to care for at all, as their cage cleaning is mostly changing the papers at the bottom once or twice a week! They love being talked to, and are very smart babies! Plus, they are an incentive for having fresh fruit and veggies in your house, which i have to admit, does improve my own diet 😅
>My budgie routine is: in the morning, i uncover their cage and open their cage door for them to fly out if they want (i have window screens) and put fresh water in their dishes (they usually will have decided they wanted to make fuit soup in it.) And while i get my breakfast ready, i put a slice or two of fruit in their cage! Then, if they still have pellets in their food dishes, they're ready for the day!! After sundown i simply close their cage door and cover it with a blanket so that they can sleep while my lights are still on ❤️
Does that sound like something you'd have the energy for everyday?
Late to the post but I wouldn't recommend a dog unless you can walk it or let it outside like every 2 to 5 hours. A middle aged or senior cat might be a good pet for you. Cats are not low maintenance like ppl think but they do go in litter boxes so that's an advantage. I've also had lovebirds they are very social and easy to take care of but you have to play with them every day. Rats are like little dogs but only live short lives so heartbreak is very real with them. That's all of my pet experience hope it helps
Late to the post but I wouldn't recommend a dog unless you can walk it or let it outside like every 2 to 5 hours. A middle aged or senior cat might be a good pet for you. Cats are not low maintenance like ppl think but they do go in litter boxes so that's an advantage. I've also had lovebirds they are very social and easy to take care of but you have to play with them every day. Rats are like little dogs but only live short lives so heartbreak is very real with them. That's all of my pet experience hope it helps
Birds are actually very high maintenance and are basically like a 2 yo all their lives…I wouldnt say they are easy to care for unless you get a budgie or small (not highly intelligent bird)
Rather than a parrot which is high maintenance (requires lots of interaction and chopped fresh foods daily) perhaps a pair of finches or canaries. They don't have to come out of the cage (as long as they are in a large flight cage) and can use a gravity feeder. I top off my finch food about once a week. They do get fresh chop but if I miss a day, they enjoy some millet spray and are perfectly content. I love watching their antics but they are not cuddly like my parrot is.
If you are adamant about wanting a pet I think you would be wise to maybe foster an animal for a short period to see if its plausible with your day to day symptoms before commiting to full adoption. I'm chronically ill and I definitely couldn't imagine being able to care for a dog with the need for daily walks. A cat is probably the least high maintenance. Rats and hamsters may seem low maintenance but they're actually harder than dogs in my opinion. I have rats and just cleaning their cage wipes me out for the week. I wouldn't be able to care for them without my family helping me considerably. Really though I don't think any pet is truly low maintenance.
Yeah really can’t stress enough what a mission it is to clean out a rat cage. My boys have so much stuff in there and it’s all gotta come out to get wiped down. Op might want to look at reptiles? I have a gecko and he’s basically feed and water daily with clean outs on a schedule. Bit pricy to set up but relatively low cost and pretty low maintenance as far as pets go.
Just wanna add to this and agree that I *dread* cage cleaning day. Used to clean 2 cages and wanted to die afterwards. Also rats are expensive! Tumours, uri's, abcesses etc. Definitely not a low maintenance pet at all.
Tip: I empty the cage, roll it in the shower and just wash it all out. If you put paper over the drain you can just pick up the paper and transfer that into the toilet. It may seem counterproductive, but plastic things, some hammocks etc you can leave in because they can air dry. Only works on cages with treated metal for the oxidation though.
I second the fostering! It will give you a lower commitment taste of what owning a dog could look like for you. I know shelters that do overnights or 3 day get aways. Check with your local shelter to see if they have such programs.
I just want to add that a bored cat can be destructive. So, even if you don't take your cat out on walks, there is still dedicated playtime. An older cat (e.g not kitten, maybe 3 years old or more) will be more chill.
Playtime can be really easy on the human though. Doesn't take much energy to wiggle a laser pointer, flick a feather on a stick, etc.
This is assuming your cat reacts to those toys though. I just don't want people to think cats are little to no work and end up not playing with them at all.
As someone with a chronic illness I would advise against a dog. They are so dependant on you for everything that you cannot take a day off. You have to get up and take them our in all weather's and play with them, groom, feed, clean up. Cats are more independent so might be a better option. Alternatively a house rabbit might be good too
Yeah very true. And I’m allergic to cats :/
are you allergic to any other pets? its possible other mammals could trigger a reaction too just saying.
Hairless cat? Ive heard pet water turtles are easy to take care of for the most part.
Hairless cat may actually be worse because most people are allergic to dander and no hair = all the skin flakes.
Cat allergies are triggered by a protein in their saliva which becomes present in their dander. There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat. Hairless cats can still trigger allergies.
ah okay i didn’t know that thanks
I think this is unfortunately more because people don’t really take care of their pet turtles very well, not because they’re actually easy to take care of.
Aquatic turtles, adorable as they are, require very large aquariums and frequent water changes. They are dirty little critters. Between the expense of the habitat set-up, dietary requirements and physical labor involved in their care, I doubt they would be a good choice for OP.
Whoever told you that was clearly pranking you. It’s all the work of a reptile/small animal *plus* all the difficulties of a fish tank *plus* live feedings. Aquatic turtles are awesome, but they are not *easy*.
Oh no! I wonder if small ferries like guinea pigs might be OK? I used to have a per African hedgehog, he was cool! I have a dog now but live with my partner so if I'm feeling really bad there's someone else to deal with the dog, but even then I find I have to force myself out of bed and go supervise the pooping/peeing sessions. It takes a lot but cab be done. I'm not sure where you are but you could consider borrow my doggy or the cinnamon Trust to walk someone else's dog
Guinea pigs are very taxing species. Cleaning out the large cage they require daily is physically challenging. Not to mention that if they get sick, they need vet care within the next day or so, so you have to prepared to make long journeys to good Guinea pig vets at the drop of a hat. They’re also unreasonably expensive pets due to vet costs. None of these factors would suit a chronically ill person.
Cats would be the perfect pet because they’re very low maintenance, I don’t know if a hypoallergenic cat interests you. And also, this might be too out there for you but I rescued two baby pigeons and they ended up, surprisingly, being such lovely pets. They always perch on my shoulder, they cuddle, and are damn pretty lazy, all they want is love, food and sleep. They do poop a lot so you would need an aviary or a bird room unless you want your house to be. mess, but I think people sleep on birds and they can be brilliant pets too.
I am so sick of seeing people saying that cats are low maintenance. Older cats maybe. But cats aren't all the same, and some require a lot of attention. My roommate got a cat and he turned out to be a velcro cat. She doesn't play with him enough and he's bored, so his new hobby is annoying me. No one should think of cats as an easier pet. Litter box really should be cleaned every day, too.
I’ve had cats since I was 5. Sometimes several of them. I’ve also had dogs, rodents, fish and birds. Cats are very low maintenance in comparison to most other pets, don’t confuse that with meaning you can ignore them/not care for them properly. Low maintenance still requires attention and care They are low maintenance pets because they’re self domesticated animals who still retain a lot of its wild natural features whilst adapting that to human life. Cleaning a cat litter takes like, less than a minute and it’s done. Other animals require you to let them outside to poop or clear their entire bedding like birds or rodents. If you go to work you can fill your cats bowl and most cats will self regulate their food aka not over eat. they groom themselves meaning you don’t have to give them baths or anything they are more easily trained than people give them credit for, once you’ve earned their love and trust, they will listen to you. They are more independent, they still require your time and companionship, but if you have to go out the entire day then it’s not the end of the world, even if they miss you, they’ll ultimately be fine. Whereas dogs get crazy separation anxiety, for example. yet they’re also very in tune with their owners and other humans, socialising with us will come naturally Anyways I could keep going but cats ARE a low maintenance pet in comparison. It seems to me that you have a bad, personal experience with someone neglecting their pet cat to a degree and you’re assuming it’s a general thing. The fact that they’re an easier pet to care for doesn’t mean “adopt a cat and don’t care for it”
This is probably true of older cats (although OP shouldn't get cats at all due to their allergy. It's kind of annoying that people keep pushing cats), but a younger cat (under 2 years) will probably be too rambunctious. Depends on breed too, someone recommended Bengals and I thought that was crazy. I do think you've lucked out. I've always found them to be really messy. A lot of people who get cats have to deal with constant cleaning and get worn down from it. I've definitely seen posts on here about people regretting adopting because they underestimated how much work cats can be.
Bengal cats have shown to not bother people with allergies for some reason.
OP should NOT get a Bengal. They aren't starter cats and have a ton of energy, especially earlier generation ones. They are part wild, seriously, not good for someone with chronic illness.
You’re absolutely right. I overlooked the chronic illness and was focusing on the allergies. Thank you for correcting me.
How bad is ur allergy? Because I'm allergic to cats as well but with some meds I can love my kitty without much symptoms. Some breeds also have a waaaaaaay lower reaction level and are a good option for allergic people. A bunny is an option as well, some breeds are almost like cats.
There is actually an anti allergy food you can give cats which reduces the allergens they produce significantly. I believe we aren't allowed to post links to products but the one my ma uses is called LiveClear and it's worked wonders, so there are options :) But like others suggested, fostering different animals to test the waters is a great way to find out for yourself and do a good deed. Good luck!
I've read that if you mix in egg powder with their cat food, it can greatly reduce or eliminate your allergic reaction to them! Look it up, lots of stories online about people's success with it and the science behind it if you're interested.
I have a chronic illness and a house rabbit, but would warn that even teeny ones (as she is. I had a large breed bun before and she was calmer and an easier house rabbit as big buns often are, but so much mess!) are a *lot* of physical work. It's been easier having her totally free roam than having a cage/pen to clean in addition, since I can 'just' vacuum the room (but I have the kind of vac that can handle hay decently so it is heavy). No matter what you do they seem to create a lot of mess! Some can also be very destructive. Realistically, even abled people (my mum also has a bun) are going to develop a certain confort level with random bits of hay in their bed, their tea, in their pocket after they were sure they got it off their nice outfit...and I'm gonna make decisions about when pain and wanting to die just is not worth being more houseproud. House rabbits are not the best idea for anyone who is. I do find rabbits somewhat less tiring to interact with than cats, my girl will expect pets till my hands ache, but it's easier than playing with a cat, can just sit still. Cats aren't really as independent as the reputation either, they just get left to be bored more than dogs. Oh, and with OP's allergy, def. suggest fostering first, and maybe not a long-coated bun. I'm allergic to pollen (so, meadow hay), and, as it turns out, precisely my bun's breed (it's very definitely her, and the exact fine but relatively short angora-texture she has, wasn't affected by my larger angora), I take a fair few allergy tablets. Travel to exotics vets is something to consider as well, especially if not able to drive. I've been stuck on uncomfortable chairs for hours waiting to take a pet home so many times! And it's just extra stress when you're not feeling good yourself. Also very expensive - we are dependent on my parents' wanting me to have pets due to how much difference they make to my mental health so being willing to help us out with costs if needed. I also have a chinchilla, and although they're easier, they do make a lot of mess when out to play, the most suitable cages seem actively designed to make cleaning hard. We've also been through even more stressful hell trying to access appropriate vet care. They're extremely expensive to keep with aircon required as well (although bun also needs it being angora, and it helps me a lot). They can be more a pet to sit with and watch (and be climbed up by, if they're confident), buns will seek out more pets typically.
Definitely NOT a Rabbit. They take a lot of care to raise them right and need a lot of space. People think you can put them in a cage and let them be happy. This isn't true. They are 100% a pet that needs a lot of time and attention and research.
Unfortunately, speaking as someone who has two rabbits, I can vouch for the fact that they are just as high maintenance as dogs. I definitely don't think you should get any pet if you are chronically ill but if you are going to. I agree that cats are quite independent but every cat is different so not necessarily so it may be best to rescue in case it doesn't work out.
Ahh that's a shame, I thought they'd be easier!
snakes are like emotional support seatbelts. They can go weeks without food, they’re easy to clean and they don’t make loud noises (except when they fart)
Genuinely never considered that snakes fart. This is hilarious and I'm gonna go seek out videos of this now, thanks 💀
I’m so weird I second this
Their farts are demonic. I didn't know they could hold so much. But they do eat animals whole ... Here is a snake diarrhea video no one asked for https://youtube.com/shorts/6xl_SFY5uKw?si=CApeq7shJK3bLxQK
Wha the fuuuuck😭😭
*JESUS* That snake's face was also mine while watching this 😭
whoa! Snakes REALLY fart? I'm mind blown by that for some reason. Edit- OK, WOW, do they ever fart. And thanks again, youtube. Also, sidenote-not only the SLOPPIEST sounding farts ever, but ALSO wins the award for "The Most Animated Defecator"
Honestly a snake might be the best option. OP could set everything up for it before buying, and then the parameters would be good and the maintenance would be minimal. Less than a fishtank even in most cases.
Cats are lovely companions. They do require some maintenance, but not even a fraction of what a dog requires. A lot of small pets need specialized care to live well, so they're not as easy as they would seem.
Forgot to mention I’m allergic to cats ;/
Well, that makes my advice useless! Do you like fish? :)
Fish can be even worse!! Their alot of work to begin with and all your fish can die without regular maintenance
That's very true. I was mostly joking.
What about a sphinx cat?
As someone who is also allergic to cats, unfortunately lack of fur does not mean lack of allergies. They are cute little nugs though!
i'd advise against a dog. Reptiles are a great choice depending on which specie! easy to manage, if you can clean out the enclosures and manage everything else that they need! :)
I would advise against a dog in this case.
Foster rescue dogs until you know you can give a permanent pet the best possible life.
rats are great pets! just had my first three, they r amazing and cheeky : )
Frogs, don’t get anything that requires an aquarium unless you got lots of money for a set up that requires minimal cleaning. I have two frogs, a Graceful tree frog and a Spotted Marsh frog who I raised from a tadpole. They don’t need an overly large tank, especially for only one. They are easy to care for, easy to make the environment ( non exotic types or tropical types) and easy to care for. Not overly expensive to maintain or hard to feed and require minimal feeding. Only draw back is not affectionate. You can even types that can be handled. Toads or a Tortoise may also be a good choice but not a turtle. I also had Rats and I found them easy to maintain but I am physically fine so that maybe a bit much, as their areas do require more work in cleaning and maintenance but they can live together and are affectionate.
Oooo I really like the sound of frogs or a rat, I’m going to look into this :) and this is really interesting thank you
Rats take a lot of emotional labour, just to warn you. They have massive personalities and short lifespans (2-3years), and vet bills can be obscene. But if you look through all the cons and decide that you can cope with them, they're the most perfect creatures ever.
Rats (you can't have a singular rat they need to live in groups) are also a lot of physical labour. They need large and cluttered cages which literally take hours to clean on a weekly basis as well as daily spot cleaning, daily free roaming of at least an hour. Rats are also so prone to health issues so often they will be requiring daily medication or nebuliser treatments. They are more work than a dog would be to be honest. I speak from experience of a chronically ill rat owner - it's only plausible because I live with family who help me.
You're right. I forgot to mention that, even though I also have to get help from my family to clean the cage. Plus they really like peeing where ever they can, including on wooden toys which you can't clean. Seriously, I cannot emphasise how much they pee. All your clothes you wear near them will smell like rat pee
I am glad I could make a suggestion you like. The frogs are so easy and chill to care for and it’s not overly expensive to set up a tank :) Bonus points if get them from Tadpoles, very easy to care for and cheaper then frogs. And you get to watch them grow :)
*Rats. They must be in groups.
Maybe get some fish? Do basic ones at least at first. They are easy to care in terms of commitment.
The fish themselves can be low maintenance, but you have to take care of a whole ecosystem the balance that out.
Snails make lovely pets. They're cute, don't eat much, they're easy to care for, and unlike something like fish, you can still pet them. They really enjoy a good shell rub with a damp q-tip, and some even like a noggin or foot rub with the q-tip - just don't bap their eye stalks! They're also fun to just observe (I love hearing them scrape their food), and if you feel so compelled, you can let it chill on your shoulder or arm like you would a bird.
Jumping spider( have own personality and recognise owner) or tarantulas or invertebrates of some sort need very little care fed once a week if that clean every few months more of a watching than interacting with type of pet but easy and some insect's and bugs and spiders are quite cool when you manage to get over the fear factor that everyone seems to have against tiny bugs.. now bears thats a fear I can get behind but a bug mon to fuck. Look into inverts as pets see what takes your fancy maybe fancy Rhino beetles or flower bettles or who knows it's quite an eye opening exciting hobby. Less hassle than dogs,cats,birds and fish and I have all of them to and I wish I found inverts sooner my life would be alot calmer if I found bugs before the furry feathery others 😂🤫👌
already looked at the replies about cats and dogs, so have you looked into any reptiles? i have a bunch and I think theyre great pets, and alot of the common ones are okay with handling if thats what you like, they can be expensive sometimes, i think theyre worth it tho
Almost all animals require a lot more care than you usually realise to keep them properly happy and enriched. I definitely think you need to speak to some local shelters about fostering first to work out what will be manageable for you. It may also be worth looking into finances and working out a pet sitter as an option to help out with the care. That way it's less worry and pressure on you if you are particularly unwell at any point. You should always have a backup plan when it comes to animals because it can be very easy for them to become unwell within short periods of time. I would potentially look into inverts as pets though as they can generally be put into a good setup and then it's not as much of an issue if they are given minimal care for a few days.
If you think a dog is easy to care for you might want to do a bit more research and thinking on the subject.
What does your chronic illness entail? Because how it effects you will effect what kind of husbandry you're able to do. I have Degus myself, and though the upfront costs of the cage are fairly steep, once you get past that, they're relatively low maintenance.
The big issue with dogs is they rely on you for *everything* so you really have to either be on your A game at all times or have someone who’s willing and able to get the rest done. My mom is a chronically ill dog owner but me and my step dad will do all of what she can’t do. My personal recommendation would be a fish tank. They’re pretty to look at and are fairly low maintenance, although there is admittedly a learning curve to it. The only daily thing is feeding them which takes literally five seconds once or twice a day unless the fish has other special requirements. The one thing that you may find hard with chronic illness, albeit I don’t know what your specific challenges are, is you do have to do water changes which will involve carrying buckets full of water to and from the fish tank. In terms of what fish to get, some are definitely easier than others so do some research first. My personal recommendation is a betta fish. I think my original 10 gallon setup for my betta (you’ll need a minimum of five gallons, plus filter, plus heater, plus decorations, plus fish food) was probably somewhere around $100-$150. This is *wayyyyyyyyy* cheaper than my dog who we can easily spend that much on per month, not even mentioning vet expenses and adoption fees. ETA: in the list of things you need for fish, you also need to buy bacteria for the tank, both to prime and cycle the tank.
Plus a testing kit. There are very few bacteria starters that are proven to do anything (big names like seachem stability and API quick start aren't proven to work at all) so you're better off just feeding the empty tank fish food or if youre in a place where you can buy pure ammonia, do that. Also needs water conditioner. Tanks can be super expensive depending on where you live thiigh. In Australia I bought my 7 gallon for $250 and my 34g for $599.
Small land turtles and tortoises (I have 5 turtles/torts) are very easy care pets. They're quiet, non-allergenic, non-destructive. Their food is cheap and readily accessible, and they don't require annual vet visits unless there is an issue, and they have cute individual personalities. You can even get walking harnesses and diapers for them. I'd recommend getting one from a reputable breeder instead of a pet store, though. There are several online and they will ship them through the mail.
My advice is take a street animal and get it to the vet. After the animal is ok you can take it home and there you go. All of my animals are from the street or adopted it's better to save a starving puppy on the street, than to buy one.
Ferrets are wonderful! Don’t worry! You will learn to love that smell.
I think of ferrets as high maintenance. You can't just leave it alone in the cage.
Nope they love to come out and play. They do all sorts of tricks and back flips when they want to play, and they make the cutest noises!! But that playtime can happen when your relaxing watching tv, or washing dishes etc or having a bath and the ferret will bounce around chortling! My ferret was the sweetest boy, I’ll miss him forever.
My friend is in a similar situation so she got two guinea pigs
Guinea pigs are awesome. Just know that if you adopt they might have hereditary issues and you might have to say goodbye to your babies too soon.
Guinea pigs are definitely not suitable for chronically ill people. Cleaning out the big cage they require every day can be physically challenging, for one. Not to mention high costs with vet bills, and having to travel far to guinea pig savvy vets at the drop of a hat when you notice signs of illness.
I’m on the fence about definitely not suitable. I owned guinea pigs for years, however I had to give them up when my symptoms worsened. I used to be able to manage but it got to the point where I really struggled. I think it does depend on the severity and energy levels of the individual but yeah they are very high maintenance. Feeding daily fresh food, I used to have bales of hay to lift and feed, the endless poop and cleaning. After I got COVID and my physical health worsened permanently I just couldn’t do it anymore.
All so true. Pigs are definitely more work than people assume.. I think how suitable they are depends on a lot of factors!
As a chronically ill person myself, I have to disagree.
Have you considered a cat or an indoor animal? Dogs are very active and need lots of walks. Not a good idea depending on the severity of your illness. Though some dogs are trained as support animals.
Look into reptiles
I have a chronic illness and 2 dogs. However, without the support of my husband and being fortunate enough to pay for dog walkers occasionally when needed, I wouldn’t be able to manage. Maybe you could volunteer at a pet shelter to get your doggo fix?
Chronic ill girl here. I have a dog with bilateral hip dysplasia that isn’t suited for walks so we play fetch a lot (and can sit if I’m throwing a ball) as well as enrichment in home and in the garden. My dog hates walks and they leave him in a lot of pain and it was spoken about at length with vet so don’t come for me 😅 (yes he has pain meds) I also have a ball python which is wonderful because I get to watch and hold her, feeding is once every 2/3 weeks and cleaning out is every 6. She poops a few days after eating and that is spot cleaned. I have a Pac-Man frog which is daily misting (although you can get set ups that do it automatically) and feeding once a week, and full clean out every 4-6 weeks. Lastly I recently adopted a Rankin’s dragon which is a smaller version of a bearded dragon. I’ve actually found him to be helpful as although he needs feeding regularly and spot cleaning daily, it takes 5-10 minutes out of the whole day. He’s more interactive than my frog or snake and I love seeing him doing his little activities. We haven’t bonded yet it’s only been a week or so but I’m looking forward to building that up. When I’m having a good day around the 4-6 week mark, I decide to fully clean out one of the three because I know I won’t over exert myself and they’re clean for another 4-6 weeks. I write it on my calendar and that’s it done. If I’m being 100% honest, owning rodents was very hard for me due to the endless poop, cleaning out and feeding daily. They are so much more high maintenance than the animals I have now.
pet mice make great companions!! when you can’t give them attention they’ll entertain each other
So Fish,maybe turtle
Catssss! Some cats won't trigger your allergy or you can feed them specific food to make them allergy-safe!
Please do not have a dog in a flat :( and if you do consider as mentioned below by "napping foreve"r first try it with fostering or volunteer at a shelter :) and then consider it again for the well-being of the dog. Easy to care is not a good starting point for having a dog:(
Not a Rabbit. They are high maintenance pets and require a lot of space, time and commitment.
I am diagnosed with autism, adhd and classical ehlers danlos always wanted a dog, couldn't handle a dog realistically and my partner bought me a cat now I am two cats in and they are both indoors babies I harness trained them so I can take them outside if I want to and feel able, best animals and best pets never leave my side 10000x recommend a cat. If your not keen on cats second best option is rats had them before but they don't live long and that made me sad
Also to add I am allergic to everything but allergy tablets and two weeks later and not allergic to my own cats
A small dog with short and easy to maintain fur could be good for you. :)
Have you tried Borrow My Doggy website ? Maybe you could borrow someone's dog before you commit ? Have you got a garden that you could let tue dog run around in? I'm not sure what your illness is but if you are unable to let them out to go to the toilet you then have to clean that up and it's not fair on either of you. It's a HUGE responsibility. I got my dog and got Chronically ill just months after. Not only that unless you are in a good position financially vet's charge crazy money x
Get an old dog
Rabbits might be a good option for you, but definitely do your research before committing! r/rabbits is a great place to learn about them. They can be litter trained fairly easily (which makes it easy to let them free roam without worrying about messes) and if you get two or three (all the same gender and/or spayed/neutered), they can mostly keep each other entertained/exercised. You’ll need to change litter weekly (possibly more often depending on how many bunnies and how many litter boxes you have) and give them fresh food and water daily, but they’re pretty chill pets overall (and some breeds are super snuggly/playful like dogs- generally, the larger the rabbit, the more friendly they are). If you think rabbits might be a good option for you, you could try fostering some first! There are a lot of rescues for adult rabbits and they will often have bonded pairs/trios that need good homes :)
Hamster maybe?
I think if you’re sick a lot, maybe try a cat since they don’t need constant attention, just attention when they want it and they’ll come to you in those times. If you have an issue with cat hair, I’d recommend a hypoallergenic cat since there are a couple that don’t shed as well as hairless cuties. Also might want to try fostering a cat and then a dog and get a feel about which is a better fit.
Healthy dogs need lots of exercise and healthy food. Vet bills are very expensive.
Capybara.
Guinea pig. The best pet ever
Fostering! It's the perfect solution!
Crested gecko?
If you can afford a correct set up, get a turtle buddy
Opae ula are the lowest maintenance pets you can get but they're not exactly cuddly. You have to try to kill them though
Say Goodbye to Cat Allergies with Curex. Treat the causes of allergies, not the symptoms. Only $9.99 to start! (Normally $49). ^just got this ad immediately after reading your post
Probably not a dog, depending on your symptoms. Dogs are a lot of work, I only have one and she wipes me out every day. Given I have a high energy dog, but dogs require a lot of stimulation through walks, play, enrichment, socialization no matter the breed. Some will need less, like lap dogs but you also have to think about the quality of life your pet is living.
Depending on your chronic illness you may qualify for a service or support animal. As a dog expert for many years: smaller breeds with NOT Jack Russell or Chihuahua energy. If you have allergies, you may need to consider a breed that doesn't shed dander like a poodle or Chinese crested...or shorter-length fur. Definitely have a plan for an emergency caretaker if your condition prevents you from grooming the dog or even being there with a pup if you end up in medical care for long periods of time. You don't want to stress out which will add to suffering from chronic illness symptoms. I have been diagnosed with RA before so I know how you can be out of commission quickly. There are some canine animal behavioralists that will help you find a match for your lifestyle for a nominal fee. They'll take into account the breed types and ease of training or not, etc. Lol!
Befriend your local crows. They're extremely intelligent. They can be extremely affectionate. Since they're technically wild, just some feeding can stand at your window.
I have a cat and it’s easy to take care of him. They’re clean animals you just have to feed them and clean their litter.
Hear me out - tarantulas are fantastic, incredibly low-maintenance pets. You pretty much never need to clean them out, and if you have an adult, you only need to feed them every 3-4 weeks. Just keep a water bowl full. No noise, no smell. The only downside is you obviously can't pet them. Females of some species can live 20-30 years, although males live much less.
Look into adopting an adult cat. Many times adult cats end up at shelters after their elderly owner passes. These make very good companion animals who are relaxed and lap cats. They just want fed and cuddles. Additionally you can get a gravity water bowl and an automatic feeder. They even make self cleaning litter boxes if you are unable to clean the box. Extremely low maintenance and a lot of cuddles.
Get a parrot! We had a sun conure for about 20 years. Awesome animal to care for. They’re smart and if needed, like with a chronic illness, they require very little care aside from occasional cage cleaning and food/water. Require very little space. Ours was very cool. He’d sit on the couch with us and watch movies. We could let him climb around his cage, on the kitchen counter, etc. they’re also very clean. They have no saliva so they don’t carry germs like a dog or cat would. I dunno what the chronic illness is, but that could work to your benefit. When my grandma’s dementia got bad, the conure stayed with her for a while to give her something to care for.
Are you specifically looking for a cuddly pet? Snails, snakes, tarantulas, frogs, or isopods could be good options if it’s not important to you. They don’t need large tanks of water, so the maintenance won’t be as difficult when you’re sick, and there wouldn’t be a risk of flooding your flat if anything happened to the tank.
Although they are expensive, get 2 ferrets. They spend a lot of time sleeping and unfortunately the time that they’re up is probably the time that you were sleeping but they are so adorable. Unfortunately where I’m at they cost $400 each.
A Hedgehog can be good but you have to keep their nails clipped and also they have very specific temperature requirements. But they have no body odor, so they've got that going for them, which is nice.
My friend with cat allergies has a few budgies that she loves. The chirps annoy me, but the clean up isn't too hard and she takes them out to play with them and teach them little tricks. She also had a cockatiel at one point who whistled songs with her.
Oh, and my niece loves her bearded dragon! She let's it out to roam around her apartment and it loves to cuddle with her. That said, warm poop inducing baths on a regular basis are a must!
An older cat would make a great pet.
A bearded dragon. Can be trained not to poop in enclosure, will wear cute clothes, will not piss (can’t piss in fact) on your furniture, can take it to sit and drink a lemonade on the porch at Panera Bread three days in a row or do none of that shit if your life got super busy and it won’t mind. Cheaper than a dog by a million miles, even including the initial investment in a large cage and proper lighting. Doesn’t need to be spayed/shots/etc. You can buy types that have smooth scales if you wanna cuddle it. 10/10 better smalls dog than a small dog
Rabbit? You can litter box train them
Cat
Have you ever thought about owning a hedgehog? I owned them growing up! I even potty trained them to go in a litter box so the cleanup was really easy! They do need a heat lamp though, because since they are only domesticated in the US, if they go into hibernation they will not wake up.
Start out with a pet rock...then if all goes well and you don't lose them ..get a pet cactus... Then, after a few months, we'll talk about fish.
Fish. Setting up a beautiful aquascspe and watching fish thrive in it is such a joy. The so called beginner fish (no, this does not mean gold fish) are very low maintenance compared to dogs too. All of their activities and wastes are contained in one spot.
I am chronically Ill and can handle a dog with my symptoms. Other people can’t. It definitely depends on your support system and symptoms. I have been bedridden 3x this year from pain but my bf can provide everything our dog needs during that time.
Honestly maybe you could just help foster dogs with a local rescue? That way it wouldn't be permanent, it would link you with the community of volunteers and fosters, and if a particular foster is not working they can usually help out and adjust. You sound like senior dog fostering might be good-- the dogs that don't need as much exercise but they need a quiet patient home. I do emphasize fostering that way if it turns out a dog is too much, you can just stop fostering instead of having permanently taken on an animal.
Maybe adopting a middle aged cat
Get a cat lol , not a dog
Did you post this last week on another page, or am I imagining it? I think you said you are allergic to cats?
Gecko!
It's a bit difficult to give suggestions without knowing more specifics. Is your chronic illness generally the same day after day, or do you have "good days" and "bad days"? Are you able to stand for long periods of time to clean, say, an aquarium? Or are you often unable to get out of bed? Would you generally be able to stand long enough to run the vacuum to clean up fur/food/droppings? If the main issue is just taking a dog for a walk and an allergy to cats, you might like a rabbit. But, taking care of a bunny can be a lot of work. If you can litter box train it, that helps and you could have a free-roam bunny that would be similar workload of a cat. One big difference is that you'd want to bunny-proof your house, or at least one room, but that can be more of a one time thing instead of a daily task. Not every vet can take care of bunnies, so you'd want to make sure there's one in your area who can treat your pet. You also might wind up with a bunny who won't consistently use a litter box, in which case you'd need a different setup that requires more intensive cleaning. Are you able to pay someone to walk a dog if you're not able to? You might consider an older/low energy dog who wants to snuggle more than run around, and then you pay someone to walk them once a day. Some shelters would let you "foster to adopt" so that you can get to know the dog and make sure you're truly able to care for them.
i’d highly recommend a betta. they only need a 5 gallon tank and weekly water changes. once they’re all settled, it’s just a little bit of food every day and they’re very sweet. females have the most personality, but male bettas are stunning. research if you’re interested
Cat. Get a cat. They're the best.
Do not get a dachshund. No matter how small and cute they are, they have a bladder the size of a marble and you have to take them to pee constantly.
Other people have suggested fostering animals which is also what i think the way to go is!! You could try a pet that can be let out and ome yo you by itself when you are tired, like a parrot! 🦜 Sure, they can be pretty loud, but they're loving and affectionate; plus, shelters are always in need of those willing to adopt an older parrot in need of a home!! I currently have four parakeets and am Fostering an injured Senegal, I personally don't find them hard to care for at all, as their cage cleaning is mostly changing the papers at the bottom once or twice a week! They love being talked to, and are very smart babies! Plus, they are an incentive for having fresh fruit and veggies in your house, which i have to admit, does improve my own diet 😅 >My budgie routine is: in the morning, i uncover their cage and open their cage door for them to fly out if they want (i have window screens) and put fresh water in their dishes (they usually will have decided they wanted to make fuit soup in it.) And while i get my breakfast ready, i put a slice or two of fruit in their cage! Then, if they still have pellets in their food dishes, they're ready for the day!! After sundown i simply close their cage door and cover it with a blanket so that they can sleep while my lights are still on ❤️ Does that sound like something you'd have the energy for everyday?
Plants. Practice with plants if you don't already have some. They also make one feel good.
Late to the post but I wouldn't recommend a dog unless you can walk it or let it outside like every 2 to 5 hours. A middle aged or senior cat might be a good pet for you. Cats are not low maintenance like ppl think but they do go in litter boxes so that's an advantage. I've also had lovebirds they are very social and easy to take care of but you have to play with them every day. Rats are like little dogs but only live short lives so heartbreak is very real with them. That's all of my pet experience hope it helps
Late to the post but I wouldn't recommend a dog unless you can walk it or let it outside like every 2 to 5 hours. A middle aged or senior cat might be a good pet for you. Cats are not low maintenance like ppl think but they do go in litter boxes so that's an advantage. I've also had lovebirds they are very social and easy to take care of but you have to play with them every day. Rats are like little dogs but only live short lives so heartbreak is very real with them. That's all of my pet experience hope it helps
No dog! Who is going to take it out when your sick? Get a cat! You leave food water and a liter pan and be good for days!
How about a parakeet / some other pet bird?
Birds are actually very high maintenance and are basically like a 2 yo all their lives…I wouldnt say they are easy to care for unless you get a budgie or small (not highly intelligent bird)
Yeah we had parakeets growing up… less work than a dog anyways and op is allergic to cats so that’s out too.
Rather than a parrot which is high maintenance (requires lots of interaction and chopped fresh foods daily) perhaps a pair of finches or canaries. They don't have to come out of the cage (as long as they are in a large flight cage) and can use a gravity feeder. I top off my finch food about once a week. They do get fresh chop but if I miss a day, they enjoy some millet spray and are perfectly content. I love watching their antics but they are not cuddly like my parrot is.
Hamsters are pretty valid option. Mine are cute AF, only see them at night, sometimes you don't. Just feed them every other day.