Children love pets. Parents aren't always so keen. If you're backed into a corner, what's the best pet to choose?
Warning: there is no pet that can be left to look after itself when you go on holiday. So make sure you get on well with the neighbours...
- Ferret<p> <strong>Plus:</strong></p> <p> Playful, busy and constantly on the move.</p> <p> <strong>Minus:</strong></p> <p> You need more than one - they like company - and a very large hutch to keep them in.</p>
- Guinea pig<p> <strong>Plus:</strong></p> <p> Gets ridiculously excited about lettuce (you can tell by the high-pitched squeaks).</p> <p> <strong>Minus: </strong></p> <p> Needs a large run, safe from predators - which has to be indoors in cold weather.</p>
- Goldfish<p> <strong>Plus:</strong></p> <p> Calming, colourful and simple to look after.</p> <p> <strong>Minus:</strong></p> <p> You have to keep an eye on small children who like throwing in too much food.</p>
- Dog<p> <strong>Plus:</strong></p> <p> Loyal, loving and part of the family.</p> <p> <strong>Minus:</strong></p> <p> Needs to be taken for a walk every day (and you have to pick up the poo).</p>
- Stick insect<p> <strong>Plus:</strong></p> <p> Minimal maintenance - needs only leaves and water.</p> <p> <strong>Minus:</strong></p> <p> Not overly affectionate. Can sometimes be confused with a twig.</p>
- Cat<p> <strong>Plus:</strong></p> <p> Beautiful to watch, and scares away mice.</p> <p> <strong>Minus:</strong></p> <p> Some are affectionate, some aren’t (and there’s nothing worse than being cold-shouldered by a cat).</p>
- Rabbit<p> <strong>Plus:</strong></p> <p> Affectionate and good-natured (although has been known to nip).</p> <p> <strong>Minus:</strong></p> <p> Will probably need a hutch outside - which means clearing out dirty straw even when it’s cold and raining.</p>
- Tortoise<p> <strong>Plus:</strong></p> <p> Looks incredibly wise and lives for a long time. Beware endangered species.</p> <p> <strong>Minus:</strong></p> <p> Not really around much for four or five months of the year.</p>
- Hamster<p> <strong>Plus:</strong></p> <p> Incredibly sweet and admirably fast.</p> <p> <strong>Minus:</strong></p> <p> Brilliant escape artist - and very smelly if the cage isn’t cleaned often.</p>
- Gerbil<p> <strong>Plus:</strong></p> <p> Small, furry and sweet.</p> <p> <strong>Minus:</strong></p> <p> Loves digging tunnels, so you’ll need a very large cage with potting compost at the bottom.</p>
