Need something to cuddle and give you love, but have little time and are on a budget?

If you aren't ready for a more demanding pet, I suggest a cavy, or guinea pig.

Get two, to keep each other company, and they'll still be friendly, whistle when they see you, can learn to sit up and beg. They take up little room, eat alfalfa cubes, grass, hay, and dry pellets, plus any organic greens or carrot scraps you have.

If you clean the cage regularly, or use absorbent litter under the floor grill of the cage, there is little odor.

Photos show Peruvian guinea pigs, a curly haired, two Peruvian pups, agouti adult and pup. I used to breed three coat types.