Ferret

Ferrets can be interesting pets, and a lot of fun. however they can develop a strong dislike to certain people for no apparent reason. with those little sharp teeth it really hurts. also if you get to playing with them, and they want to stop, and cant get away, they also might bite. but they can also be very very loving animals. they are a lot of fun most of the time. as for two children that are 8 and 9, i am not sure about that. i would think it would be ok, but its hard to say as everyone responds and acts differently than the next kid. also there is the likelihood that they would want to show them to there friends, and these friends may mishandle them. i would strongly recommend to not let it outside as they love to explore all the little places that no one can get to. they typically tend to act fearless with other animals,, until they get too close. unfortunately they don't lope/run all that fast, but are quite agile. maybe an iguana might be a better pet as they like to lay about and soak up the sun and heat. they don't do much, but if you spend time with them regularly, they can become friendly, by iguana standards. shoulder rides are something that they seem to enjoy. they also have relatively long lifespans. they can also take more of a beating, so to speak, than a ferret, but still don't care for being squeezed or handled roughly.

Ferrets can be very dirty animals if you don't take care of them(worse than *ahem* hamsters). Not to mention, they aren't truly "caged" animals, they like their freedom to get out and run around. They can be sneaky, and find ways of getting out too... and once they are out, watch out, they will hide anything thats even a bit flashy, or that they for one reason or another like. My Ex's sister and her husband had a pair, they are neat animals, but a lot more work than a cat. I'd say, ferret = bad idea, but I'm judging by the only 2 ferrets I've known, so... we'll see if anyone else thinks the same or different.

Is getting a cat an option? I know that it isn't a "caged" animal, but a properly trained cat can be one of the cleanest, most hassle-free pets you can get. Our Carmella has never been outside - except on trips to the vet and even then, she's in a carrier and never actually roams alone outside. This is at least partly by her own choice. We can leave the door wide open and she'll take a look outside...maybe even take a step or two outside...and then return to a favorite napping spot inside the house, apparently uninterested. We've had several house cats over the years and we've just loved them. Very clean, very self-sufficient, yet also very loving and affectionate. It might be something to consider if it's an option for you. :)