Pets for ptsd?

[Upside Down Eagle]

Hey all.

I’ve been having a bit of a problem. I’m a cat person, and I would really profit from having one right now, but unfortunately I live in a small room (about sixteen square meter), and having one here seems cruel.

However I think it would still really help to have a pet. Preferrably an intelligent pet who can understand some communication and can be of emotional support. However I can’t quite think of anything.

What are good animals for PTSD when you can’t have a cat or a dog? I’d love to hear your ideas.

 

[LilyRose]

maybe a rabbit? of a bird who you can teach to talk?

 

[somerandomguy]

Rabbits need a lot of space too.

 

[LilyRose]

not really... if he can walk free in your room when your home i've seen them before in small homes...

 

[somerandomguy]

OK, ideally rabbits need a lot of space.

I like the bird idea, but they can be noisy, and they can live a long, long time.

How about hamsters or gerbils? Not the most interactive of pets, but they can be pretty nice.

 

[LilyRose]

ideally... every animal need a lot of space... even a hamster should be able to run miles.... but ok... ill stop here.

 

[Gs172003]

Hey all.

I’ve been having a bit of a problem. I’m a cat person, and I would really profit from having o...

A rat. They are very smart, sweet and teachable. No, really.

 

[Gs172003]

More info on rats as pets. My daughter used to have them.

Learn Some Facts About Rats and How to Pick One Out as a Pet

 

[Justmehere]

Chinchillas are super soft and my friend was quite comforted by one.

 

[bellbird]

Hey @Rad . I have a bird (budgie). I have owned him for 3 months and my PTSD has been around for 11 months, so from my experiences:

pros
-just him being around helps me so much. Like if I'm in bed and can't bring myself to move I find it really soothing to watch him playing in his cage (like I am now)
-he gets really excited to see me, especially when I get home, which is a nice feeling when you're having a bad day
-inexpensive to keep
-doesn't need a lot of space (his cage, and then I let him out to fly around my room sometimes)
-he sleeps in his cage in my room over night (he's very quiet over night once the lights are out and I put a sheet over the cage), which is nice when I wake up from a nightmare to know he's there

cons
-he can be loud (chirping- he hasn't learnt to talk yet), which I know isn't his fault as he's probably just trying to communicate with me/the birds outside /he's just happy, but it's definitely something to consider
-it's lovely to have him out and sitting on my shoulder/ running around on my bed when I'm on my computer but he poops a lot!
-he doesn't provide that soft cuddly comfort that a mammalian pet would

For me, it's a good match having him as a pet. But I realise that birds aren't for everyone. Also this one was hand reared from a hatchling so he's inherently a lot friendlier than most pet shop budgies.
Some type of small mammalian critter maybe?

 

[Changing4Best]

I have a guinea pig. He eats veggies only and some pellets, if you want to give him them. They need hay also. I buy Timothy Hay at Walmart. His cage is 18 x 30 x 17 inches tall. He likes Kale, celery and carrots best. Go easy on fruits, as they can get diabetes.

 

[Freida]

My bestie swears by her lizard. yea. Lizard. I can't think of which kind it is but it has a big puffy thing around its neck?. Bestie swears she can interact like a dog and finds her very soothing