The New York Times has a charming and interesting piece on non-dog and non-cat pets in New York City. Reporter Teri Karush Rogers interviewed several families which own unusual pets, in a bid to get around dog and cat prohibitions in apartment buildings. The pets profiled include a rabbit, a pair of small parrots, a chinchilla, and an iguana. Rabbits, of course, make fine house pets. Well, aside from all the chewing. But as one of the interviewees points out in the article, "rabbits chew but cats scratch, which is probably worse." The House Rabbit Society of America wants you to know that "Rabbits are intelligent, social animals who need affection, and they can become wonderful companion animals if given a chance to interact with their human families." Because they can be house trained, rabbits are a fine choice for a family that wants a cuddly pet that isn't a dog or cat. And honestly, rabbits are adorable. Large reptiles such as iguanas and beaded dragons can be fascinating animals, and have a certain level of interactivity. An iguana may not be cuddly, but you can pick it up and carry it around. Some people even take their iguanas for a walk outside - assuming you live in a climate that's warm enough, of course! Reptiles are an excellent choice for a family that suffers from allergies. Cat and dog allergies are the most common, but any animal with fur (or, to be precise, dander) can stir up an allergic reaction. Reptiles shed their skin all at once in a single piece, as opposed to the constant shedding of tiny bits that we mammals go through. The down side is that a reptile has to eat. And many reptiles have eat protein. Preferably live. If you're squeamish about handling mealworms, crickets, and baby feeder mice, then a reptile may not be the best choice for you. On this count, the iguana is an excellent choice, since iguanas are strict herbivores. However, a full grown iguana's large size - up to six feet, including the tail - should make you think twice. Birds can be wonderful, fascinating, entertaining companions. They can also be noisy, dusty, disruptive, and time consuming. Most people recommend small birds for first time bird owners - finches, canaries, and the like. They are not as interesting as their larger, smarter kin, but they also require less attention and, not to put too fine a point on it, are not as loud. If you are thinking about getting a bird, be sure to research your choice carefully! There are few things as sad as a parrot that has plucked out all its feathers from anxiety, or a finch forever trapped in a tiny cage too small for it. In addition to "traditional" pets such as these, there is a growing number of exotic pets on the market to consider. Many people have found sugar gliders, squirrels, ground hogs, and hedgehogs (among others) to be the perfect companion animal. As with any other animal, be sure to do your research first!