Bringing a furry, feathered, or scaled friend home in The Sims 4 can add a whole new dimension to your Sims’ lives. From the boundless energy of a puppy to the aloof charm of a cat, pets offer companionship, entertainment, and a healthy dose of chaos. But how exactly do you go about welcoming a pet into your Sim family? This guide will walk you through the various ways to acquire a pet in The Sims 4, ensuring a smooth transition for both your Sim and their new companion.
Adopting a Pet: The Most Common Route
Adoption is the most straightforward and popular way to bring a pet into your Sim’s household. It involves contacting an adoption agency or visiting a local pet center (if your game includes such a location through a mod or specific pack). This method provides a curated selection of animals looking for a loving home.
Using the Computer or Phone
The easiest way to adopt a pet is through your Sim’s computer or phone. Here’s how:
- Click on either your Sim’s computer or phone.
- Select the “Household” option.
- Choose “Adopt.” This will typically open a window displaying available dogs and cats (or other pet types depending on which packs you have installed).
You’ll be presented with a selection of pets, each with their picture, name, age, breed (if applicable), and a brief description of their personality. Take your time to browse through the available animals and read their descriptions carefully. Consider which pet’s temperament and energy level would best suit your Sim’s lifestyle and household.
Once you’ve found a pet that catches your eye, click on their profile to get a more detailed view. This might include additional information about their traits, habits, and any special needs they might have. This step is crucial in ensuring a good match between your Sim and their potential pet.
After selecting a pet, you’ll be prompted to confirm your decision. Be prepared to pay an adoption fee, which usually ranges from a few hundred Simoleons. Once the fee is paid, the pet will be delivered to your Sim’s home shortly after. Be ready to greet your new furry friend!
The Adoption Event Option
Some packs introduce adoption events to the game, usually held in public spaces. These events offer a more immersive experience, allowing your Sim to interact with multiple pets before making a decision.
Keep an eye on your Sim’s calendar for scheduled adoption events. These events are often advertised in the neighborhood or through social media within the game. At the event, your Sim can interact with various adoptable pets. This allows you to gauge their compatibility and observe their behavior firsthand.
Interacting with the pets may include playing, petting, or simply observing their interactions with other Sims and animals. Use this opportunity to learn about their personality traits and energy levels.
If your Sim finds a connection with a particular pet, they can initiate the adoption process directly at the event. Similar to the computer/phone adoption method, you’ll likely need to pay an adoption fee. The pet will then be transported to your Sim’s home.
Creating a Pet in Create-A-Pet
If you prefer a more customized approach, you can create your own pet in Create-A-Pet (introduced with the Cats & Dogs Expansion Pack). This mode allows you to design the perfect companion from scratch.
To access Create-A-Pet, start by entering Create-A-Sim (CAS). You can do this when creating a new household or by clicking on a mirror or dresser and selecting “Change Sim.”
Within CAS, you’ll see a button that allows you to add a pet to the household. This will take you to the dedicated Create-A-Pet interface.
Here, you can choose between creating a dog or a cat. You can customize everything from their breed and fur color to their body shape and facial features.
The customization options are extensive. You can select from a wide range of breeds, each with unique characteristics and appearances. You can also mix and match breeds to create a truly unique mixed-breed pet.
You have precise control over the pet’s appearance, including their fur length, color patterns, eye color, and even the shape of their ears and tail. You can use pre-made patterns or create your own custom designs.
Beyond physical appearance, you can also define your pet’s personality by selecting three traits. These traits influence their behavior and interactions with Sims and other animals. Common traits include playful, friendly, hyper, lazy, and independent. Choose traits that complement your Sim’s lifestyle and create a well-rounded pet.
Finding Stray Pets
Another way to acquire a pet is by befriending a stray. This method is less predictable but can be incredibly rewarding. Stray animals can be found wandering around your Sim’s neighborhood or in public spaces like parks.
Building a relationship with a stray pet requires patience and consistent effort. Start by approaching the stray and offering them friendly interactions. These interactions can include petting, talking to them in a soothing voice, and offering them treats (if you have any in your Sim’s inventory).
As you interact with the stray, you’ll gradually build a relationship with them. The relationship bar will increase over time as the pet becomes more comfortable and trusting of your Sim.
Once the relationship reaches a certain level, you’ll unlock the option to “Adopt” the stray. This option may not appear immediately, so continue interacting with the pet until it becomes available.
After adopting the stray, they will officially become part of your Sim’s household. You can then give them a name, customize their appearance (if desired), and start enjoying their companionship.
Breeding Pets
If you already have pets, you can also expand your furry family through breeding. This option requires that you have two pets of the same species (either two dogs or two cats).
To breed your pets, you’ll need to build a strong relationship between them. Encourage friendly interactions between your pets, such as playing together, grooming each other, and sharing food.
Once the relationship between your pets is high enough, you’ll unlock the option to “Encourage to Mate.” This option will only appear if both pets are in good health and are not already pregnant or nursing.
If the mating attempt is successful, one of the female pets will become pregnant. The gestation period for pets is relatively short, typically lasting only a few days in Sim time.
During the pregnancy, provide the expectant mother with plenty of love, care, and attention. Ensure she has access to food, water, and a comfortable place to rest.
When the time comes, the pet will give birth to a litter of puppies or kittens (or other types of offspring, depending on the species). The number of offspring can vary, but it’s typically between one and three.
You can then name the new offspring and raise them as part of your Sim’s family. Alternatively, you can choose to find them new homes with other Sim households.
Considerations Before Bringing a Pet Home
Before bringing a pet home in The Sims 4, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. These considerations will help ensure a smooth transition for both your Sim and their new pet.
Can your Sim afford the ongoing costs of pet ownership? Pets require food, toys, vet care, and other supplies. Make sure your Sim has a stable income to cover these expenses.
Does your Sim have enough time to properly care for a pet? Pets require attention, exercise, and grooming. If your Sim is constantly busy with work or other activities, they may not be able to provide the necessary care for a pet.
Is your Sim’s home suitable for a pet? Consider the size of your Sim’s home and whether it has enough space for a pet to roam and play. Also, think about whether your Sim’s home is pet-friendly, with safe and durable furniture and flooring.
Does your Sim or anyone else in the household have any allergies to pets? If so, bringing a pet home could trigger allergic reactions and cause discomfort.
How will the new pet interact with existing pets in the household? Introducing a new pet can sometimes lead to conflicts and jealousy. Take steps to ensure a smooth integration process.
Caring for Your New Pet
Once you’ve successfully brought a pet home, the real work begins. Caring for a pet in The Sims 4 requires dedication and attention to their needs.
Just like Sims, pets have needs that must be met to keep them happy and healthy. These needs include hunger, bladder, energy, fun, and social. You can monitor your pet’s needs by hovering over their portrait in the lower left corner of the screen.
Make sure your pet has access to food and water at all times. You can purchase pet food and water bowls from the build/buy catalog. Regularly refill the bowls to ensure your pet doesn’t go hungry or thirsty.
Provide your pet with plenty of toys and opportunities for play. This will help keep them entertained and prevent boredom. Different pets have different preferences, so experiment with various toys to find out what your pet enjoys most.
Take your dog for walks regularly to help them burn energy and relieve themselves. Cats can also benefit from outdoor time, but they may prefer to explore on their own.
Groom your pet regularly to keep their fur clean and healthy. Brushing your pet can also help strengthen the bond between you.
Take your pet to the vet for regular checkups and vaccinations. This will help ensure they stay healthy and prevent them from getting sick. If your pet does get sick, take them to the vet immediately for treatment.
Build a strong relationship with your pet by spending quality time with them. This can include petting, playing, talking to them, and simply being present in their lives.
Be patient with your pet as they adjust to their new home. It may take some time for them to feel comfortable and secure. Provide them with plenty of love, support, and positive reinforcement.
Bringing a pet into your Sim’s life can be incredibly rewarding. By following these tips, you can ensure a happy and healthy relationship between your Sim and their furry, feathered, or scaled companion. Remember that each pet is unique, so be prepared to adapt your care routine to their individual needs and preferences.
How do I adopt a pet in The Sims 4?
To adopt a pet in The Sims 4, you’ll primarily use your Sim’s phone or computer. On the phone, navigate to the “Household” tab and select “Adopt.” On the computer, choose “Household” then “Adopt a Pet.” A window will appear showcasing available cats and dogs from the adoption pool. You can browse through the pets, viewing their age, gender, and traits.
Once you’ve found a potential companion, you’ll need to pay an adoption fee. After the fee is paid, a social worker will bring the pet to your home. During the initial meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the pet and decide if you want to officially adopt them into your family. If you’re not a good fit, you can decline, and the adoption fee will be refunded.
What kinds of pets can I have in The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs expansion pack?
The Cats & Dogs expansion pack for The Sims 4 allows you to adopt cats and dogs of various breeds and ages, ranging from puppies and kittens to adult and elder animals. You can also create your own custom breed combinations using the Create-a-Pet tool, giving you a huge amount of control over your pet’s appearance.
Beyond just cats and dogs, you can also find smaller pets like rodents, birds, and turtles available for purchase in cages or habitats within the game. These smaller pets offer a lower level of interaction compared to cats and dogs but still add to the ambiance and liveliness of your Sim’s home. These can usually be found in build/buy mode under the decorations section.
What skills can my Sims and pets learn in the Cats & Dogs expansion?
Sims can learn the Veterinarian skill, which allows them to open and run their own veterinary clinic. This involves diagnosing and treating sick animals, performing surgeries, and selling medications. They improve the skill through practice and reading books about veterinary medicine, ultimately unlocking new treatment options and upgrades for their clinic.
Pets can learn tricks! Dogs can be taught various commands like sit, speak, lay down, and fetch. These tricks not only increase the bond between the Sim and the pet but also serve practical purposes, such as preventing unwanted behaviors. Pets learn these tricks through consistent training from their Sims.
How do I create a pet with the Create-a-Pet tool?
The Create-a-Pet tool is accessed through the main menu before loading into a household, or via a mirror or dresser if you already have a household. It offers extensive customization options. You can select from a wide range of breeds, customize fur patterns, colors, and markings, and even fine-tune the pet’s facial features and body shape.
Beyond physical appearance, the Create-a-Pet tool also allows you to define your pet’s personality traits. These traits influence their behavior and interactions with Sims and other pets. You can choose traits like playful, friendly, hyper, lazy, and independent, among others, to create a unique and realistic pet personality.
What kind of pet-related objects and interactions are available in the game?
The Cats & Dogs expansion introduces a plethora of pet-related objects, including pet beds, food and water bowls, toys, scratching posts, and litter boxes. These objects provide for the basic needs of your pets and contribute to their overall happiness and well-being. Different types of toys encourage different behaviours, such as playfulness and socialization.
Interactions with pets range from simple actions like petting and feeding to more complex interactions like training and playing fetch. Sims can also groom their pets, give them baths, and take them for walks in the neighborhood. The interactions available will also be influenced by the personality traits you assign to your pet and to your Sim.
How can I keep my pet happy and healthy in The Sims 4?
To keep your pet happy, ensure their basic needs are met. This includes providing them with food, water, and a clean living environment. Regular playtime and attention are also crucial for their mental and emotional well-being. Ignoring your pet’s needs can lead to negative behaviors and a decrease in their overall happiness.
Regular vet visits are also essential for maintaining your pet’s health. A veterinarian can diagnose and treat illnesses, administer vaccinations, and provide preventative care. Watch out for signs of illness, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, or changes in behavior, and seek veterinary attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious health complications.
Can my pets have babies in The Sims 4?
Yes, your pets can have puppies and kittens in The Sims 4. To encourage your pets to breed, ensure that both are young adults or adults and have a positive relationship with each other. Also, both pets must not be spayed or neutered. You can check their status at the vet.
Once the relationship is high enough, you’ll have the option to “Encourage to Mate.” If successful, the female pet will become pregnant. The length of the pregnancy is shorter than a Sim pregnancy, and you’ll soon welcome a litter of adorable puppies or kittens into your household. Be prepared to care for the newborns and find suitable homes for them if you don’t wish to keep them all.