Hamster/Gerbil/Rat/Degu

[annie0000]

my son will be 10 soon and is desperate for a pet of his own to care for. He is pretty responsible but I know that it'll end up being down to me to look after and I don't have a problem with that. We currently have a 3 year old cat who is not very cuddly or entertaining and is more attached to me than him (he loves cats though!)

We have had a Hamster in the past, before we got the cat.

To be honest I'd rather have another cat than a caged rodent as they are far easier to take care of. Lucy the present cat is not very accommodating where other cats are concerned, so that is not an option.

Any view on any of the others? - which would be most child friendly for him and least hassle for me!?

[annie0000]

Thanks all. Decisions decisions.......

ratty rat, Harry our hamster use to pee in one place - his wheel!!! so it would splatter everywhere. He also liked to collect his poo and put it in his bed!!!

[crisgal]

lol
sparkle has a tiny litter tray!

[Ratty2E]

In general rats don't like wheels they tend to prefer hammocks they can be lazy devils.

[annie0000]

Mybe that's sealed it then ratty as my son can be a sloth if he gets away with it!