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Ask HN: what's a good pet for the working programmer?

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Re: Ask HN: what's a good pet for the working programmer?

#21

Post by CaptainMorgan »

weaksauce wrote: post #19
CaptainMorgan wrote: post #17

Given your parameters, I highly suggest a cat, fish or both. When programming, I've found that my companion of a cat (two tiger striped male and female, 6 yrs and 4 yrs old) are fantastic mood enhancers, that is when they're not crying like babies for food. Barely any maintenance when compared to a dog, but the only downside for me personally is cleaning the litter box (could always get the automatic litter box that…

You could always teach your cats how to defecate in the toilet. (don't teach them how to flush though as they will continually flush to the chagrin of your water bill and mother nature.)

The latter part of your post is largely why we didn't go with this option, although it would be nice if they could take care of their waste themselves.

Not all at the same time, I grew up with cats, dogs, iguanas, fish, ferrets, hamsters and rabbits. By far for me cats have been the most worthwhile investment. Dealing with the small inconvenience of the litter box is something I shouldn't complain about since simply having my cats around for companionship has paid off such valuable dividends.

Re: Ask HN: what's a good pet for the working programmer?

#23

Post by frossie »

I have rabbits. Note that keeping an animal in a cage as a pet seems kinda besides the point, so my rabbits are house rabbits. Rabbits are trivially litter trained (see www.rabbit.org) and are active mainly at dawn and dusk, so are good for working people as they are most active when you get home. If you rescue a (neutered obviously) bonded pair (you can pair rabbits yourself but it's tricky), they will have their little social life while you are away anyway. They don't make noise so are very apartment friendly, they are clean, and they are less likely to make visitors allergic (they don't trigger cat and dog allergies - people with rabbit allergies are fewer and generally allergic to horses too). Rabbits live 7-10 years when well cared for, depending on the breed.

The one big caveat is that rabbits do eat cables. There is a genetic drive to do this, probably because they have evolved to keep their warrens clear from tree roots. Geeks with rabbits need to engage in some serious cable management, and supply distractions. The cable management isn't that bad - you only have to do it once, or you can board off very cable-heavy areas, and everything looks neater as a result anyway. Also, don't go for rabbits if you have antique furniture - some rabbits will attack wood furniture (not all do).

Re: Ask HN: what's a good pet for the working programmer?

#25

Post by jf »

cperciva wrote: post #9

I am owned by a cat. He generally sits quietly and doesn't interrupt while I'm working, and has learned to leave cables alone; however, he often wakes me up in the middle of the day to demand that food be presented or doors be opened. Overall, however, I'd rather be owned by a cat than have some other animal around.

Some "instructional videos" that pretty describe what it's like owning a cat: http://www.youtube.com/simonscat

Re: Ask HN: what's a good pet for the working programmer?

#26

Post by KevBurnsJr »

jawngee wrote: post #11

Cat for sure. Kittens need a lot of attention though, as do strays you've adopted. But they are the lowest maintenance of any pets. Dogs are great but are like having developmentally disabled children; they require a lot of attention, patience and forgiveness. And it is possible to find a cat with a lot of dog like qualities. I had an awesome cat who passed away unexpectedly a couple of years ago that was pretty much…

I miss my fuzzy purring lap warmer.

Re: Ask HN: what's a good pet for the working programmer?

#28

Post by billswift »

pyre wrote: post #4
eam wrote: post #3

I currently have a small dog, very independent, but does require the occasional walk. I think a hermit crab might be ideal for you.

It's important to realize that even with something as 'generic' as a dog, there is much variation between breeds. Some breeds like the Bichon tend to be very needy and don't like being alone for extended periods of time.

NO dog likes being alone for long, they are pack animals after all; some just put up with it better than others. Generally, smaller breeds tend to be needier and more annoying. The best ones are working or sporting breeds, beagles are the best smaller breed, though I generally prefer retrievers. Avoid breeds that have been overbred as show dogs - the American cocker spaniel was ruined by this in the 70s and 80s and still hasn't recovered, though the British cocker is still good.

Re: Ask HN: what's a good pet for the working programmer?

#29

Post by cromulent »

I'm a working programmer, and we have a dog. We used to have 2 but one died recently after a long and happy life. Dogs are great, and very rewarding. There is effort required, but it rewards you, like with many things.

We have boxers. They suit us. If you take a dog, you should research the breed before deciding. Some breeds will suit you more than others.

Dogs need to be walked daily. If humans were pets, they would say the same about us. It works out for the best.

Re: Ask HN: what's a good pet for the working programmer?

#30

Post by klaut »

By reading your post and all the requirements you have for a pet i think you're not ready. i mean, it looks like you are buying a gadget or something. a pet is a living being and thus requres love and attention. you should get a pet guided by your hart and not by the specs written on a box. just pop down your local shelter and spend a day with the animals there. i am sure you will find a special one that you won't be able to leave :)
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