Can you get a pet in Sims 4? Yes! You can get pets in The Sims 4 through adoption, buying them, or even finding strays. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the different ways to bring a furry friend into your Sims’ lives, covering everything from the basic Sims 4 pets requirements to caring for your new companions.
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The World of Sims 4 Pets
The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs expansion pack unlocks a whole new world of companionship for your Sims. With it, you can add dogs and cats to your household, influencing your Sims’ home life in fun and sometimes chaotic ways. It’s not just about having a cute companion; it’s about enriching your Sims’ stories with the love and challenges that come with pet ownership. This guide will cover the methods for adopting pets Sims 4 offers, how to take care of them, and what to expect from your furry pals.
Meeting the Sims 4 Pets Requirements
Before you can dive into the world of pet ownership, make sure you have the Sims 4 Cats & Dogs expansion pack installed. This pack is essential for adding cats and dogs to your game. Without it, you won’t be able to adopt, buy, or create pets. Ensure your game is up to date to avoid any compatibility issues.
Checking Your Game Version
- Open your Origin or EA App.
- Go to your Game Library.
- Click on The Sims 4.
- Check for any available updates.
Adopting Pets Sims 4: A Step-by-Step Guide
Adopting a pet in Sims 4 is a straightforward process. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:
Using the Computer
- Click on a Computer: Have your Sim interact with a computer in their home.
- Select “Adopt”: Choose the “Household” option, then select “Adopt a Pet.”
- Browse Available Pets: A window will pop up displaying pets available for adoption. You’ll see pictures, names, ages, and breeds.
- Choose Your Pet: Review the pets and select the one you want to adopt.
- Finalize the Adoption: Confirm your choice and pay the adoption fee. The pet will then be added to your household.
Using the Phone
- Click on Your Sim’s Phone: Open your Sim’s phone.
- Select “Call”: Choose the “Call” option.
- Choose “Adoption Service”: Select “Adoption Service.”
- Browse and Adopt: A window will appear with available pets. Pick the pet you want, and finalize the adoption.
Things to Consider During Adoption
- Household Size: Make sure your household has room for another member. You can have a maximum of eight Sims/pets in a household.
- Adoption Fee: Be prepared to pay an adoption fee, which varies depending on the pet.
- Pet Needs: Consider whether your Sim has the time and resources to care for a pet.
Buying a Pet in Sims 4
While adoption is the primary method, you can also “buy” certain exotic pets, if you have the My First Pet Stuff pack. This differs from adopting dogs and cats, since the exotic pets are caged animals, and not as interactive.
Purchasing Caged Pets
- Go to Build Mode: Enter Build Mode in your Sim’s home.
- Search for Cages: Look for cages designed for rodents, hedgehogs or reptiles in the pet section.
- Buy the Cage: Place the cage in your Sim’s home.
- Purchase a Pet: Once the cage is placed, you can buy the pet that goes inside it.
Exotic Pets
- Hamsters: Small, low-maintenance pets.
- Rats: Similar to hamsters but with different animations.
- Hedgehogs: Quilled creatures needing special care.
- Bubalus: A type of reptile.
Sims 4 Create a Pet: Designing Your Perfect Companion
One of the most exciting features of the Cats & Dogs expansion is the ability to create your own pet. This feature allows you to customize every aspect of your dog or cat, from their breed and appearance to their personality traits.
Accessing Create-a-Pet
- Start a New Game or Edit Household: Begin a new game or go to “Manage Worlds” and edit an existing household.
- Add a Pet: Click the “Add a Sim” button and select “Add Pet.”
- Choose a Species: Decide whether you want to create a dog or a cat.
Customization Options
- Breeds: Select from a wide range of dog breeds Sims 4 and cat breeds Sims 4 offers. You can even mix breeds to create a unique-looking pet.
- Appearance: Customize your pet’s fur color, patterns, eye color, and more. Use the painting tool for detailed designs.
- Clothing: Dress your pets in various outfits and accessories.
- Personality: Choose three personality traits that will influence your pet’s behavior.
Popular Dog Breeds in Sims 4
| Breed | Description |
|---|---|
| Labrador | Friendly, energetic, and great with families |
| German Shepherd | Intelligent, loyal, and protective |
| Bulldog | Calm, courageous, and friendly |
| Poodle | Smart, active, and hypoallergenic |
Popular Cat Breeds in Sims 4
| Breed | Description |
|---|---|
| Persian | Docile, affectionate, and beautiful |
| Siamese | Vocal, intelligent, and social |
| Maine Coon | Gentle giant, playful, and good with children |
| Bengal | Active, curious, and distinctive patterns |
Sims 4 Stray Animals: Befriending the Unwanted
In the world of Sims 4, stray animals roam around, waiting for a kind Sim to offer them a home. Befriending and adopting stray animals can be a rewarding experience.
Finding Strays
- Neighborhood Exploration: Take your Sim for a walk around the neighborhood, especially in parks or open areas.
- Random Encounters: Strays can appear randomly on your Sim’s property.
Befriending Strays
- Interact with the Stray: Have your Sim approach and interact with the stray.
- Build a Relationship: Use friendly interactions like petting, talking, and offering treats to build a positive relationship.
- Multiple Interactions: Consistent interactions over time will increase your relationship level with the stray.
Adopting Strays
- High Relationship Level: Once your relationship with the stray is high enough, an “Adopt” option will appear.
- Adopt the Stray: Select the “Adopt” option to bring the stray into your household.
Caring for Pets Sims 4: Keeping Your Furry Friends Happy
Owning a pet in Sims 4 comes with responsibilities. Ensuring your pets are happy and healthy requires attention to their needs.
Basic Needs
- Food: Provide your pets with food by filling their bowls regularly.
- Water: Keep their water bowl full.
- Hygiene: Bathe your pets when they get dirty.
- Attention: Spend time playing with your pets, petting them, and giving them affection.
- Exercise: Take dogs for walks and provide cats with toys to keep them active.
- Veterinary Care: Take your pets to the vet for checkups and when they are sick.
Training Your Pets
- Dog Training: Teach your dogs commands like “Sit,” “Stay,” and “Fetch.” This can be done through interactions or by purchasing training books.
- Cat Training: While cats are less trainable, you can still influence their behavior by discouraging unwanted actions and encouraging positive ones.
Addressing Bad Behaviors
- Scratching: Provide cats with scratching posts to prevent them from scratching furniture.
- Chewing: Offer dogs chew toys to satisfy their urge to chew.
- Digging: If your dog digs, designate a specific area in your yard for digging.
Illness and Veterinary Care
- Recognizing Symptoms: Watch for signs of illness, such as vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
- Visiting the Vet: Take your pet to the vet when they show symptoms of illness. The vet can diagnose and treat various conditions.
- Preventative Care: Regular checkups and vaccinations can help prevent illnesses.
Sims 4 Pet Lifespan: Cherishing Your Companion’s Life
Like Sims, pets in Sims 4 have lifespans. It’s crucial to be prepared for the different life stages and eventual passing of your beloved companions. Sims 4 pet lifespan can be adjusted in the game settings.
Life Stages
- Puppy/Kitten: The early stage of a pet’s life, full of energy and playfulness.
- Adult: The prime of their life, where they are most active and trainable.
- Elder: The final stage, where they become less active and may require more care.
Managing Pet Death
- Grief: When a pet passes away, Sims will experience grief. Providing support and comfort to grieving Sims is important.
- Memorials: You can create memorials for your pets, such as placing their urn or tombstone in your yard.
- Pet Ghosts: Pets can sometimes return as ghosts, adding a supernatural element to your game.
Adjusting Lifespan
- Go to Game Options: Open the game options menu.
- Select “Gameplay”: Choose the “Gameplay” tab.
- Adjust Lifespan Length: Change the “Pet Lifespan” setting to short, normal, or long.
Advanced Tips for Pet Ownership in Sims 4
To enhance your pet ownership experience, consider these advanced tips:
Pet Skills
- Dogs: Dogs can learn skills like digging up treasures, sniffing out collectibles, and alerting Sims to danger.
- Cats: Cats can develop skills in hunting, exploring, and entertaining Sims with their quirky behavior.
Pet Careers
- Acting: Pets with high charisma skills can pursue careers in acting, earning money for the household.
- Therapy Animals: Pets with good temperament can become therapy animals, helping Sims cope with stress and sadness.
Breeding Pets
- Breeding: If you have two pets of opposite genders, you can breed them to have puppies or kittens.
- Genetics: Pet genetics work similarly to Sim genetics, with traits being passed down from parents to offspring.
Pet Shows and Competitions
- Entering Shows: Enter your pets in pet shows and competitions to win prizes and recognition.
- Training: Prepare your pets for shows by training them in relevant skills.
FAQ: Getting Pets in Sims 4
Q: What is the Sims 4 Cats & Dogs expansion pack?
A: The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs expansion pack is an add-on for The Sims 4 that allows you to create, adopt, and care for cats and dogs in your game.
Q: Can I adopt a pet without the Cats & Dogs expansion pack?
A: No, the Cats & Dogs expansion pack is required to adopt or create cats and dogs.
Q: Who is able to adopt a pet in The Sims 4?
A: Any Sim household can adopt a pet, provided they have the available space and funds.
Q: What are the Sims 4 pets requirements?
A: The primary requirement is owning the Sims 4 Cats & Dogs expansion pack. Additionally, you need an available slot in your household (maximum of eight Sims/pets) and enough Simoleons to cover the adoption fee.
Q: What kind of pets can I get in Sims 4?
A: With the Cats & Dogs expansion, you can get cats and dogs. With the My First Pet Stuff pack, you can get caged pets such as hamsters, rats, hedgehogs and bubalus.
Q: How long do pets live in Sims 4?
A: The Sims 4 pet lifespan can be adjusted in the game settings. You can choose between short, normal, and long lifespans.
Q: Can pets die in Sims 4?
A: Yes, pets can die of old age or illness. Sims will experience grief when a pet passes away.
Q: What cat breeds Sims 4 offers?
A: The game includes a wide variety of cat breeds, such as Persian, Siamese, Maine Coon, and Bengal.
Q: What dog breeds Sims 4 offers?
A: The game includes a wide variety of dog breeds, such as Labrador, German Shepherd, Bulldog, and Poodle.
Q: Can I control my pets directly in Sims 4?
A: No, you cannot directly control pets. You can influence their behavior through interactions and training, but they have their own free will.
Q: How do I care for my pets in Sims 4?
A: Care for your pets by providing food, water, hygiene, attention, exercise, and veterinary care when needed.
Q: Can Sims 4 stray animals be adopted?
A: Yes, you can befriend and adopt stray animals by building a positive relationship with them.
Q: Can I breed my pets in Sims 4?
A: Yes, if you have two pets of opposite genders, you can breed them to have puppies or kittens.
Q: How do I train my pets in Sims 4?
A: You can train dogs through interactions like teaching commands. Cats are less trainable but can be influenced through positive and negative reinforcement.
Q: Where can I buy items for my pets in Sims 4?
A: You can buy pet items in Build Mode under the pet-related categories.
Conclusion
Bringing a pet into your Sims’ lives can add a new layer of fun and complexity to your gameplay. Whether you choose to adopt, buy, or create a pet, the experience of caring for and bonding with your furry friend is incredibly rewarding. Use this guide to navigate the world of Sims 4 pets and create unforgettable stories with your virtual companions.
Hi, I’m Mette Morgan—a lifelong pet enthusiast and the heart behind PetNobs.com.. My journey with animals began at an early age, and over the years, I’ve gathered invaluable experiences and insights on everything from everyday pet care to the unique quirks each animal brings to our lives. Here at PetNobs, I share my genuine passion, practical tips, and personal stories to help you create a loving, well-informed environment for your furry, feathered, or scaled friends. Welcome to my little corner of the pet world—it’s a joy to have you here!