Pets' corner: The cost of getting and keeping a pet

I'd like to buy a small pet for my children, but I am daunted by the cost. How can I keep the cost of purchasing and maintaining a pet down? And in this case what pet would you recommend? Alan, Birmingham

If you have thought long and hard about it and are ready to bring a pet into your family and make the commitment to that animal, I have some money-saving solutions. Firstly, I would adopt a rat from someone whose rat has recently had babies. Usually they are free to a good home. Don't be put off by the thought of owning a rat – a clean, lively pet rat is a world away from its verminous street cousin. The next thing you will need is a cage, which can cost hundreds of pounds – but if you hunt around in Loot or on eBay you can pick one up from as little as 99p! Your rat's new home has got to be exciting. As a family, you probably produce lots of household waste which you can recycle in your new rodent's home. For the bedding, use shredded newspaper. For accessories, toilet and kitchen rolls are fun to play with and hide in; an old telephone directory hanging from the bars is perfect for them to climb and chew on. Rat ropes are also great for climbing and can be made out of an old T-shirt. Don't forget the hammock, the perfect place to have a snooze after all the fun, which can be made out of any piece of old clothing.

To adopt a rodent visit www.cavyrescue.co.uk; you can also get lots of information on keeping rats at www.fancy-rats.co.uk

Send your queries to: petscorner@independent.co.uk Remember that if an animal shows signs of distress or discomfort, an early visit to the vet is always recommended.