Are you a nurse looking for a furry friend to keep you company but nervous about the commitment due to your busy lifestyle? While it’s true that all animals need to be loved and cared for, some are considered low-maintenance pets and could be the ideal match for a nurse-on-the-go. And no, we are not suggesting you go out and buy a goldfish. Yes, caring for a goldfish is considerably easier than caring for other pets—but let’s break outside the box, shall we? Check out our hand-picked list of the best pets for nurses.
Can a Nurse Have a Cat?
There is a phrase that goes something like “Cats Rule, Dog’s Drool.” And while dogs are perhaps some of the most loyal and lovable creatures on earth, working shifts of 12 hours or more and having a dog is not ideal. After all, dogs need a considerable amount of time and affection from their owners. As a result, some of the best pets for nurses are cats. That’s because cats definitely have their advantages when it comes to being low-maintenance pets. One of these advantages happens to be that they are extremely easy to care for, although they still require care, such as food, water, a litter box, and a warm place to curl up during the day. In fact, cats sleep an average of fifteen hours a day, and some cats will even snooze up to twenty hours a day! Additionally, cats tend to be particularly hygienic animals—showing themselves to the bathroom (the litter box) and engaging in self-grooming throughout the day.
Therefore, cats are not only well-suited for busy nurses that work long shifts but can also adapt to smaller living spaces such as studios or small apartments. And while cats do not like being left alone for more than a twenty-four-hour period, they are independent enough to be left alone while their owners are at work. That said, your four-legged companion will appreciate it when you come home from a long day at work. In fact, your cat may even demand that you give them caresses and cuddles while they thank you in kitty purrs.
If you are a busy nurse searching for a fine furry friend to hang with on your days off while watching your favorite series or curling up to a great book, a cat could be the perfect pet for you!
What Pet Is Good for a Nurse? A Rat!
Most people would hear the word “rat” and associate it with the word “run.” That’s because rats are generally regarded as outdoor pests; really, why would anyone in their right mind consider a rat a domesticated pet? The fact is that rats get a bad rep, whereas domesticated rats that are bred particularly for indoor environments make wonderful house pets.
Moreover, domesticated rats happen to be highly intelligent, friendly, and playful! Yet, while rats are easy pets to care for, they require at least one hour of exercise a day outside of their cages and are considered sociable animals. Therefore, if you are a busy nurse and are planning on leaving your pet rat alone for long periods, you may want to consider adopting it a cage companion. Adopting two pet rats, ideally of the same sex, can help keep each rat from feeling alone while you're at work. If you are apprehensive about making a pet rat your forever companion, you may be interested to know that some people compare the companionship of a rat to that of a dog! Kind, curious, and loyal, rats can make some of the best pets for nurses willing to give them a chance!
Best Pets for Busy Adults: Guinea Pigs
If the idea of having a pet rat is still sending quivers down your spine, don’t worry: We have a furry friend alternative. Guinea pigs are cute, charming, and some of the best pets for nurses because they are relatively easy to care for. You can expect your guinea pig to snooze or power nap for around four to six hours a day. That said, guinea pigs require time outside of their cages, and a busy nurse should expect to commit to a few hours a day, either before their shift or after, to interact with their guinea pig. Moreover, like pet rats, guinea pigs are social animals, so if you are a professional nurse, you may again want to consider adopting more than one guinea pig to share a cage. In either case, guinea pigs should be caged in a bright spot in your home, avoiding direct sunlight and free from drafts or dampness. Additionally, since guinea pigs are sensitive to noise, it’s best to house them in a quiet space. Finally, since guinea pigs love attention from their humans, make sure to show them some nurture when returning home from a lengthy nursing shift—because, hey, nothing beats a cute little squeak coming from a furry friend or two after a long day at work!
Not So Furry Friend: The Japanese Fighting Fish
While a goldfish may be an ordinary pet choice for a busy nurse, a Japanese fighting fish, also known as a “Siamese fighting fish,” can add some excitement to your life! That’s because not only are Japanese fighting fish aesthetically appealing, but these beautiful air-breathing fish happen to be super low-maintenance pets. Japanese fighting fish can survive in small, chlorine-free freshwater tanks. Moreover, these betta fish are known for their small appetites and are fed just once a day with high-protein pellets. Likewise, your Japanese fighting fish will enjoy snacking periodically on dried brine shrimp and bloodworms. In general, Japanese fighting fish are perfectly fine living alone in a tank as long as they have plenty of entertainment, including underwater caves and plants to explore. That said, never place two male Japanese fighting fish together. As you may infer from the name, Japanese fighting fish, especially males, will battle to the death. With all this in mind, if you are a busy nurse who wants a quiet, colorful companion to keep you company at home—a Japanese fighting fish could be an excellent pet for you!
Choosing the Right Pet
Which are the best pets for nurses? The best pets for nurses to have are those that will be cared for and loved and will complement busy nurses’ lifestyles. Therefore, choosing the right pet for your busy lifestyle should be a thoughtful decision. Consequently, it’s important to be realistic with the amount of time you spend at work. If you are not able to provide more than basic care to a house pet, perhaps it’s not the right time to bring a pet into your home. With that in mind, if you have a few breaks in your nursing schedule or days off in between your nursing shifts, a pet can be a great little companion to come home to every day. After all, pets truly make the world a little brighter for the humans caring for them.
Stay up-to-date with the latest nursing trends by reading our blogs about the best water bottles for nurses and which scrubs are most popular for healthcare workers.
