I wouldn't recommend a cat. I am a firm believer that although independent, they still need to be around you just as much as dogs do. Even if they are perched high up watching you clean your house, it still does them good. My Shiloh is ALWAYS in the same room as me and thrives on my companionship. If left alone for longer than a few hours, I don't know what she'd do!

I also think rats would need more than an hour a day. For them to be mentally healthy anyway, they need a lot of time spent with them.

I agree with Logan on getting a guinea pig friend for yours.

[ October 18, 2001: Message edited by: aly ]