The Sims 2: Pets (console)/Pets

Sims can own cats, dogs, the piggle puff (a cross between a guinea pig and a hamster), and goldfish. Pets can be acquired in four ways: in "Create-A-Pet", at the Pet Purveyors in the Town Square, found as a stray then choose "Take in Stray" or get additional pets by making them try for offspring.

Pets have two life stages: Puppy/Kitten (which lasts about 6 hours) then Adult. Otherwise, there's no aging in this game.

Pets are able to breed, and doing so will produce a litter, which consists of only one puppy or kitten.

Pets, unlike Sims, cannot be directly controlled. A player can view the pet's action queue when it decides to take an autonomous action, but can not tell a pet to do something else. Instead of direct control, a Sim must interact with a pet to increase the likelihood that it will perform or avoid various actions.

Pets
The following table introduces you to each Pet and provides info about their species, owners and personality.

Personality
Pets have five personality traits, which can be adjusted before creating them. If buying a pet from the Pet Purveyors located at the Town Square, you will not be able to change their personality, but it will be displayed. Different personalities affect how your pets behave, or how well they learn commands.

Doofus/Gifted
Gifted pets will learn commands and behaviors quicker than a doofus pet. This is very beneficial if your Sims have little time on their hands. If fast forwarding time, a Doofus can take about 3.5 hours to learn a command, while a Gifted pet can take about 1.5 hours.

Lazy/Hyper
Pets that are hyper have more energy and will dash around everywhere. They will howl or yowl more often too. Lazy pets will spend more time snoozing than demanding to be played with, since their energy and comfort need decay faster.

Independent/Friendly
Pets that are independent like to do their own thing, and so their Social need will take longer to decay. However, this won't help your Sim if they are living by themselves. Pick a friendly pet and they'll ask to be stroked or have a tummy rub, and won't want to leave your Sims alone!

Cowardly/Aggressive
Pets that are Aggressive will be far more hostile towards others, growling and hissing and picking fights. If your Sim wants a bodyguard, this could be an option. Cowardly pets will simply stand defenselessly if challenged, but won't try to growl or hiss at their owners.

Pigpen/Snooty
Pigpen pets will happily roll in dirt or eat garbage, which may be inconvenient for your Sims if a smelly dog comes in the house. If a pet is Snooty, however, they'll only want to eat from a clean pet bowl, and cats won't use their litter boxes if they're too dirty.