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...

Top 10 family pets

  • 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>
    Ferret
  • 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>
    Guinea pig
  • 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>
    Goldfish
  • 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>
    Dog
  • 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>
    Stick insect
  • 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&rsquo;t (and there&rsquo;s nothing worse than being cold-shouldered by a cat).</p>
    Cat
  • 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&rsquo;s cold and raining.</p>
    Rabbit
  • 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>
    Tortoise
  • 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&rsquo;t cleaned often.</p>
    Hamster
  • Gerbil
    <p> <strong>Plus:</strong></p> <p> Small, furry and sweet.</p> <p> <strong>Minus:</strong></p> <p> Loves digging tunnels, so you&rsquo;ll need a very large cage with potting compost at the bottom.</p>
    Gerbil