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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?

#31

Post by jordyhoyt »

I have my girlfriend's family's 13-year-old cat, and she fits my lifestyle perfectly. She's fine while I'm off at work, and is always there to greet me when I get home (usually because she's hoping for some milk). She's cute and cuddly (to a point, she also likes her space) and is a great friend to have around as I'm currently living alone.

I see you've gotten lots of other suggestions for cats, but I hope I can add a bit of info for you. From what I've been told, male cats really like to be let outside from time to time so they can go hunt/explore/whatever, while females are usually content with napping, bathing, and watching out a window. Further, longer haired cats are more mellow, while short haired cats can be a bit wild.

What I have is a longer-haired female cat, she is totally great. Good luck, hope you find what you're looking for in a pet!

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

#36

Post by JustAGeek »

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…

Cat, agreed. However, if you leave it alone a lot and if it can't be let out, then you need two cats so there's always somebody to play with and the cat doesn't get bored causing it to develop odd behavior.

As for the sex of the cat, I'd suggest tomcats. If female cats get in heat, it'll get quite annoying for both you and the cat and the only way out is sterilization. It's a routine operation, yet much more invasive than castration of a tomcat.

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

#37

Post by axod »

Fish are pretty cool and relaxing to watch not too cuddly though, Rabbits great fun to have about, and Guinea pigs good for petting. They're all awesome (We have loads of fish, 2 Rabbits, 3 Guineas).

Here's a pic of one of our cute rabbits: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rollered/3896940499/

She's called 'Poppy', but I affectionately call her 'two face' (Batman villain).

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

#38

Post by scotth »

gaius wrote: post #12
yannis wrote: post #5

Just to state the obvious a Penthouse Pet will probably be the best option, since you living alone (might be high maintenance though). Second best I would recommend a cyborg beetle http://discovermagazine.com/2009/may/30-the-pentagons-beetle... Third best will be a cat as long as you understand that you can never own a cat, she will own you.

I once told this girl I didn't really think of her as a person, more as an exotic pet (because it was true, I did). She wasn't happy about that.

What made you think of her that way?

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

#39

Post by axod »

tyrmored wrote: post #20
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…

Upvote for cat. Cats have the hacker nature, after all. :)

Going round neighbors houses 'hacking' meals by attacking bins causing racket all night? 'hacking' the toilet by simply doing it in neighbors gardens? 'hacking' their scratching urges by hacking random trees, railings, decking etc to bits in neighbors gardens? Do not like. :)

I'd love to setup some automated webcam -> nerf gun system to automatically hit any cat in the head if they enter my property. Maybe a project for when I'm old and bitter and have time on my hands :)

If you live anywhere near other people, a cat is probably the most antisocial pet to have. (Assuming you let them out on their own)

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