@raspberrytorte, I had cats throughout my life and my last cat died about 3 years ago. I think I'm done with cats. Not that they aren't great, but I've had them since I was 6 and I think I'm good.

I had fish too, huge tank and various types of fish. Of course not cuddly but very cute and they do recognize people.

I was thinking of a bird but I have to convince my wife. We have the space, but I'm concerned about it getting into the dishes and such if we let it loose around the house, which I think would be 5 majority of the time. Plus I would get at least 2.