Small Pets

[Catrin]

I am considering eventually getting a small pet. I REALLY want a cat..but my allergies are just too bad. I've always been allergic, but it seemed like my allergies were able to eventually adjust to having a cat around. That worked until about 10 years ago. I've tried twice,using all of the allergy meds and other methods, and had to re-home the cat both times. That broke my heart and I won't try again.

I am not totally sold on the idea of a small pet but I want to explore the idea. If I do this it wouldn't be until later in the year after my finances have recovered and I can afford the responsibility. I won't have a dog in a small apartment without a yard. I know many do, and that is fine, but I won't.

I know I do not want a rabbit, I've been around house rabbits. I am not fond of ferrets either, they do have an odor problem and it is quite difficult to "ferret-protect" the apartment for them. If I do this, I want something that can interact with me (which leaves out fish) and reptiles leave me cold...bad pun I also do a lot of camping in the summer, and it would be best if they could travel with me so they wouldn't be alone so much.

I am wondering about guinea pigs and hamsters...I understand they can interact. As prey animals, I do wonder if they would tolerate traveling most weekends - in their cage of course. Then again, would the presence of something like that in my tent draw unwanted guests to my tent at night or during the day when I am gone?

So, for those of you who have/had piggies and hamsters, would this be a bad idea?