Sims 4 How To Get A Pet: Cats & Dogs (Guide) 2024

Did you know you can also adopt stray pets? What’s up, fellow Sims 4 aficionados! It’s time to take your virtual world to the next level with the ultimate guide to pet ownership. I mean, let’s face it, who wouldn’t want a loyal, furry, or feathered companion by their Sim’s side? 

Whether you’re looking for a cuddly kitten to curl up with on the couch or a high-energy pup to play fetch with in the park, pets add a whole new layer of fun and adventure to the game. 

But pet ownership in Sims 4 is no walk in the park (pun intended).

There are a lot of factors to consider, from choosing the right pet for your Sim’s lifestyle to providing them with the proper care and attention they need to thrive. 

Plus, let’s not forget about the added expenses that come with pet ownership, such as food, toys, and vet bills. But trust us, the benefits far outweigh the costs, as pets can provide your Sims with endless love, companionship, and even career opportunities.

So, are you ready to dive into the wild world of pet ownership in Sims 4? Great, because we’re about to take you through everything you need to know, from adoption and training to careers and skills. 

We’ll even throw in some tips and tricks to help you become the ultimate pet parent and make the most out of your Sims’ furry (or feathered or scaly) friends. So, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!

Requirements

Before we dive into the exciting world of pet ownership in Sims 4, there are a few requirements you need to meet to make it happen. 

First and foremost, you’ll need to have the Sims 4 base game installed on your computer or gaming console. Without it, you won’t be able to access the pets expansion pack, which is the gateway to all things pet-related in the game. 

Once you have the base game installed, you’ll need to purchase and download the Sims 4 Cats and Dogs expansion pack. This pack adds a whole new level of realism to pet ownership in the game, allowing you to adopt, train, and care for cats, dogs, and even foxes. And trust us, these virtual pets are just as cute and cuddly as the real thing. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can also purchase the Sims 4 My First Pet Stuff pack, which adds even more pets to the mix, such as hamsters, rats, and even hedgehogs. 

This pack also includes new pet-themed furniture, outfits, and accessories to make your Sim’s home feel complete. 

And that’s it! As long as you have the Sims 4 base game and the Cats and Dogs expansion pack (plus the My First Pet Stuff pack if you want to go all out), you’re ready to embark on the exciting journey of pet ownership in Sims 4. So, let’s get started!

Choosing a pet

So, your Sim is ready to take the plunge and adopt a furry (or scaly) friend in The Sims 4? Awesome-sauce! But before you rush off to the adoption center, let’s think about what kind of pet would be paw-fect for your Sim’s lifestyle. 

Does your Sim spend most of their time cooped up at home, buried in a pile of books or art supplies? A low-maintenance pet like a fish or a bird might be just the ticket to add some life to their living space. Or maybe your Sim is a social butterfly, always out and about with friends? 

A dog or cat could be just what they need to make new furry friends at the dog park or cat cafe. Consider your Sim’s personality and interests, too, while a quirky Sim might enjoy the company of a hedgehog or a reptile, while a nurturing Sim might love taking care of a bunny or guinea pig. And if your Sim is part of a big, bustling family, a friendly dog or loyal cat can be the paw-fect addition to their chaotic household. 

When you’re ready to hit up the pet store or adoption center, take your time and explore all the furry (or scaly) options available. Each pet has its own unique personality and quirks, so make sure to read their descriptions and traits carefully. And don’t be afraid to ask questions or interact with the pets before making a final decision! 

Choosing a pet in The Sims 4 is a big decision, but it can also be a ton of fun. With the right pet by your Sim’s side, they’ll have a loyal companion to share all their adventures with in the game. So go ahead, unleash your inner animal lover, and let’s find the paw-fect pet for your Sim!

Adopting a Pet

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect pet for your Sim, it’s time to bring them home! But wait, before you run off to the pet store or animal shelter, consider adopting a furry friend for free! 

1. Adopt for Free:

The stray animals in your neighborhood are waiting for a loving Sim like you to give them a forever home. But how do you adopt them in Sims 4? Follow these simple steps: 

• Step 1: Use the “Adopt” interaction on any stray pet that visits your Sim’s lot. 
• Step 2: A notification will pop up, giving you the option to adopt the pet for free. 
• Step 3: If you choose to adopt the pet, they will immediately become a part of your household. 
• Step 4: Give your new furry friend a name and a loving home! 

2. Adopt from Animal Shelter:

If you want more options to choose from, or simply prefer to adopt from a shelter, Sims 4 has got you covered! Here’s how you can adopt a pet from an animal shelter: 

• Step 1: Use your Sim’s phone to browse the “Hire a Service” option
• Step 2: Select the pet you want to adopt and pay the adoption fee. 
• Step 3: Wait for the pet to be delivered to your Sim’s household. 
• Step 4: Welcome your new family member and give them all the love and care they deserve! 

Adopting a pet in Sims 4 can be a fun and rewarding experience, no matter which option you choose. So go ahead, give a furry friend a loving home and enjoy all the benefits of having a pet in your Sim’s life!

Breeding Your Pets

Alright, so you’ve adopted a furry friend and now you’re ready to expand your pet family. Breeding your pets is a great way to do that, but there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Cats and Dogs?

With The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs expansion pack, your cats and dogs can breed with each other, producing adorable offspring with unique traits. To get started with breeding your pets, follow these steps: 

• Get your pets to know each other: Before your pets can breed, they need to have a good relationship. Spend time having them interact with each other by playing, going for walks, and cuddling. 

• Make sure your pets are in heat: Only female cats and dogs can get pregnant, and they need to be in heat to do so. You can tell if your pet is in heat by checking their moodlets or by having them relax on a pet bed for a few hours. 

• Wait for the “Try for a Baby” interaction: Once your female pet is in heat, a new interaction will appear for your male pet called “Try for a Baby.” Select this option and watch as your pets breed. 

• Take care of your pregnant pet: After breeding, your female pet will become pregnant and go through three trimesters before giving birth. Make sure to take good care of her by providing food, water, and rest. 

• Prepare for the new arrival: When your pet gives birth, you’ll have a litter of adorable puppies or kittens. Make sure to provide them with a clean and comfortable space to live in. Breeding your pets can be a fun and rewarding experience, but make sure to take good care of your furry family throughout the process.

How to tell if the mating was successful?

1. Successful Mating

Congratulations, Cupid! Your pets are now officially an item! When two pets mate successfully, it’s like watching a scene from a Disney movie – they rub noses as a flurry of hearts swirl around both of them, and there’s no pet houses rocking about this time (phew!). 

After the successful union, the pets will gain a positive moodlet, signifying the joy of their newfound romance. 

But remember, with great power comes great responsibility! Don’t forget to take good care of your pet couple, as they’ll soon become parents! 

2. Failed Mating

Oh no, looks like things didn’t go as planned! The pets you attempted to play matchmaker for will react aggressively towards each other, making it clear that they are not interested in each other romantically. 

The botched experience will leave both pets feeling disappointed and upset, resulting in negative moodlets. 

So, what went wrong? Maybe the timing wasn’t right, or perhaps one of the pets just wasn’t in the mood. Whatever the reason, it’s important to let them cool off and try again later. 

Remember, not every match is made in heaven, but with a little patience and persistence, love is always possible!

Pet in Labour

So, you’ve successfully matched your pets and now it’s time to get ready for some adorable offspring! But don’t get too excited just yet, because pet labour and birth can be quite the experience. It’s important to prepare yourself and your pets for what’s to come. 

Once the mama pet starts showing signs of discomfort like panting, pacing, and whining, it’s time to create a cosy birthing spot. Think a pet bed with plenty of blankets or a spacious room with all the necessary amenities. 

As the labour progresses, you’ll notice little bubbles around the mama pet. These bubbles represent the contractions and birth process and will continue to increase in intensity. It won’t be long before you hear the sweet sounds of little paws entering the world! 

When the mama pet finally gives birth to a litter of adorable puppies or kittens, make sure you’re prepared to care for them. 

Feeding, cleaning, and giving them all the love and attention they need will be essential. And let’s not forget about finding them all loving homes – unless you’re ready to become a full-time pet parent to a growing brood of furry friends! 

While pet labour and birth can be a challenge, the end result is worth it. Just make sure to be patient, prepared, and ready to take on the responsibility of caring for your new fur babies.

Caring for pets

Congratulations, you’ve now become a proud parent to a furry little friend! Now it’s time to take good care of them. 

Well, let me tell you, it’s no easy feat. But with a little love and attention, you can raise a happy and healthy pet that will fill your Sims’ lives with joy and companionship. 

First things first, let’s talk about your pet’s needs. Unlike your human Sims, pets have simpler needs, but they still require your love and attention. If your pet is feeling down, you can tell from their body language and the background color of their portraits. 

If they’re whining, it’s time to use the “What’s Wrong?” social interaction to identify their low need. And trust me, most of the time, their needs require immediate attention. I mean, who likes a hungry or smelly pet? 

Aside from basic needs like food and social interaction, your pets also need playtime. Whether your pet is a cat or a dog, they need a toy to keep them entertained. Cats need scratching posts, while dogs need squeaky balls. And if you’re feeling lazy, you can always order your human Sim to play with your pets. But, let’s be real, using objects is way more efficient. 

Plus, certain Pet Traits encourage or discourage your pet’s playing, so choose wisely. Now, here’s a pro tip: if you have both cats and dogs in the same family, they can eat the same food and use the same dishes. Who knew, right? And if your pet runs away, don’t fret! They always come back eventually. 

But if they return ill, a trip to the vet is necessary. So, take care of your pets, and they’ll take care of you. 

Lastly, training your pets is essential to prevent them from being destructive or exhibiting bad behavior. Dogs won’t be housebroken unless you adopted them from the shelter, and they need to be trained to do their business outside. 

To teach a dog to go outside, you need to interact with them and use the “Ask to Go Potty” social interaction. And for other habits, you have to wait until your pet does it, then use the “Praise for X” or “Scold for X” interaction to encourage or discourage the behavior. 

But the fun doesn’t stop there! 

Pets can also be trained to do tricks using the Training… social interaction. And let me tell you, the higher your Sim’s Pet Training Skill, the more efficient the training, and the more tricks you can teach your furry friend. 

Conclusion

Taking care of pets in The Sims 4 can be both rewarding and challenging. While pets may have simpler needs than human Sims, neglecting them can lead to unhappy pets and even runaways.

With a little patience and attention, players can create a happy and healthy pet family in The Sims 4.

So, there you have it, pet-loving Sims! Follow these tips, and you’ll raise a happy and healthy pet that will bring joy to your Sims’ lives. 

Happy pet parenting!

Frequently Asked Questions