What would be the best?

[BitsyNaceyDog]

This would probably get more knowledgeable responses in pet general.

I've pretty much had it all at one time or another. A lot of others on PT have too, you'll be more apt to find them in pet General though.

Fish are nice to look at but that's about it. I've never been too big on fish, though I know a lot of people here do really like them.

Hamsters aren't too hard to care for, but they aren't always the nicest of pets. I've had very easy going hamsters and very nippy hamsters.

Gerbils- I've not actually had one myself, but my husband had one when we were dating. I really liked the little guy, but he was really fast and hard to hold on to.

Guinea pigs are more work than smaller rodents. Mostly because there is more cleaning. I cleaned them daily as opposed to weekly for the smaller rodents. They of corse also need a larger cage than a lot of other pets. They tend to be very sweet though.

Rabbits are great, but they too need a larger cage and males often spray. They're no too difficult to litter box train though (I suggest a covered box).

Ferrets have always been a favorite of mine. They do have an oder though. They aren't too hard to care for but aren't the easiest either.

Chinchillas- I absolutely do not recommend a chinchilla. I love mine dearly, but they can be a rather difficult pet.

Rats are also one of my favorite rodents. They are a great pet to play with or to sit and watch TV with.

Mice are also a favorite of mine. Because of their small size they are less cleaning than a lot of other pets. Their cage also takes up less room. They're generally very sweet and easy to hold.

Cockatiels are probably my favorite small pet. Birds aren't for everyone though.

Budgies (parakeets) are also great, though I prefer cockatiels.

Most reptiles I don't recommend for kids (though 13 isn't really a kid anymore). Reptiles needs are often more challenging. I've never had a leopard gecko but from what I know of them they aren't too difficult and are generally a good starter reptile.

I don't know your family's situation with the divorce, but if there's any possibility of a move (especially to a rental house or apartment) I don't suggest a dog or cat.

If you have any questions please PM me, I'll be happy to help you if I can.
Good Luck!

[IRescue452]

Well the family seems to have quite a bit of experience so she could go with anything. I don't know why somebody thought of suggesting a chinchilla. Chinchillas in my experience aren't as aloof as people say, but they do need a big, multi-story preferrably, cage and lots of expensive stuff like dust bath. My sister's cage is the size of Autumn's 5 foot by 36" kennel. I'd personally go with the guinea pig. The are big enough to let out of the cage without holding them and are more friendly than gerbils I'd say. Not that you can't cuddle a gerbil, but they are small and quick. I guess it depends on her preference though. Good luck finding a nice pet.

[BitsyNaceyDog]

I don't know why somebody thought of suggesting a chinchilla. Chinchillas in my experience aren't as aloof as people say, but they do need a big, multi-story preferrably, cage and lots of expensive stuff like dust bath. My sister's cage is the size of Autumn's 5 foot by 36" kennel.

You're right. Mine come right to the cage door whenever I walk into the room. They don't mind being touched, however they don't really like being held. When out of their cage they are nearly impossible to catch, they run and jump around so quickly, I always have to bribe them back into their cage. I don't really consider them aloof, but they aren't as personable as other animals.

[Misty_Pearl]

This would probably get more knowledgeable responses in pet general.

Ferrets have always been a favorite of mine. They do have an oder though. They aren't too hard to care for but aren't the easiest either.

[k!

I wouldn't recommend a ferret. While I love my ferrets and have had them for over 10 years - ferrets arn't normally an animal that likes to cuddle. I have heard of ferrets that liked to sleep and cuddle etc with it's owner but I have never had one personally; plus if the length of life was part of the choice - a ferret can live up to 12 years which is quite a long time. Ferrets also, if they are to stay in a cage need 4 hours and up of human interaction and play time daily - Not what I would call a low maintenance animal and ferret food is quite expensive. Of course that is if the ferret is properly taken care of.

I also had the privalage of being owned by more than one guinea pig and while they are great and sweet - they are VERY noisy and messy throwing their bedding everywhere. And an aquarium home is not the best choise as it can cause a lot of respiratory problems in your cavi.

Honestly if looking for ease of care and the length of life is not a consideration - a cat is the best choice. Easy to care for, loves to cuddle if in the mood, loves attention and all that you have to do is feed water and scoop a litter box. Quite the easiest animal to own.