What Types of Animals Would Be the Easiest to Have as Roommates?

People select the type of pets they want based on a series of considerations. Some things that people should bear in mind include the animal's level of independence, how much time and effort they must expend to train the animal, what the animal eats, and how much money it will cost to maintain the pet. One way to help you decide which pet is right for you is to think of the animals as your roommates, and determine which animal would make the easiest roomie to board with.

  1. Dogs

    • A pet dog makes an easy, loyal and playful roommate. Having a dog as a roommate also ensures your security and protection in the home, since dogs have a natural tendency to guard their owners. Another easy element to having a dog as a roommate is that they can eat select human foods, making your grocery experience easier. Rice, plain boiled chicken, bananas, carrots and beef or chicken liver are examples of human foods you can feed to dogs. You can even train your dog to put its toys away, so that you don't have a messy roommate. One of the downsides to a dog roommate, however, is that it might eat your shoes on occasion.

    Cats

    • If you are looking for a self-sufficient roommate that won't often want to be bothered, choose a cat. Cats can be left alone for longer periods of time than dogs, they do not need to be as constantly entertained, and they eliminate in litter boxes, making cleanup convenient.

    Fish

    • Fish make easy roommates that are pretty to look at. These pets stay in their tanks, they don't play and they don't do much besides swim around. The most interaction you'll get with a fish as a roommate is when you feed it and clean its tank.

    Hamsters

    • Hamsters live inside of cages, but you can take them out when you want to play with them. A hamster is a quiet roommate that is happy playing by itself in the cage with toys, tunnels and wheels. You will have to change out the bedding in the cage on occasion and keep its water bottle filled.

    Lizards

    • Lizards also live in tanks and cages, keeping them confined to one space in your home. They make easy roommates, because they do not roam around and get into your things, as a dog or cat might do. You can still take a lizard out of its cage and hold it on your shoulder or your head for some bonding time, but these scaly animals don't have that furry pet appeal that other animals have.