Best pets to have: The 10 Best Animals to Keep as Pets

The 10 Best Animals to Keep as Pets

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Key Points:

• You probably expected dogs and cats to be on the list, but snakes and lizards make surprisingly great pets.
• Many small pets like hamsters are nocturnal, making them a bad choice for young children.
• Some pets have complicated habitat requirements and should be carefully considered before purchase.

There are many benefits to owning pets. Whether you hope to teach your children responsibility, are looking for companionship, anxiety relief, or seeking out a new hobby, owning a pet is remarkably rewarding.

While there are many different types of animals you can choose when searching for your perfect pet, the 10 best animals to keep as pets listed below are some of the most popular and are a great place to start your search.

Here are the best pets to have:

#10: Snakes

Snakes rely fully on external heat or light sources.

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While snakes may not be the most popular choice as a pet they are one of the best pets to have. Many people find them to be nice companions. If you live in an apartment, having a pet that doesn’t require outside exercise is nice. For those who want a pet for anxiety, the most popular small pets, such as hamsters, may not be soothing.

Snakes are quiet, clean, and low-maintenance. Because they do not defecate daily, their enclosures are easy to keep clean. Someone who travels for work may find that a snake is the perfect low-maintenance companion for their home.

Like other cold-blooded creatures, snakes need an enclosure that allows them to maintain a healthy temperature. For snakes, this means a minimum of 75 degrees at night. During the day, a higher temperature, with a basking spot that is even warmer, will keep your snake healthy and happy.

The most important consideration when putting together an enclosure for your pet snake is an escape-proof lid. While many owners allow their snakes out to explore under supervision, it is important for their safety, that they cannot exit the enclosure on their own.

#9: Lizards

Some lizard species can go their entire life without drinking water.

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If you are looking for best pets to have for beginners that are small, don’t mark lizards off your list. Although some species are challenging, there are plenty of low-maintenance choices as well. Lizards like the leopard gecko and bearded dragon are hardy, do well on an easy-to-source diet, and are not overly picky about their habitat. However, they are reptiles and do require specific conditions in their enclosure, such as a heat source.

Once the habitat is in place, lizards are easy to care for and have a fun personality, making them a good choice as small pets for children. As with any small pet, supervise your child around the lizard until you are confident in their ability to properly handle and care for the pet.

#8: Birds

The love language of the parakeet is regurgitation.

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Birds make fun and very good pets for folks who aren’t looking for cuddling. Depending on the type of bird you select, you can enjoy them for their sweet voice, beautiful plumage, or colorful personality. Birds are a great choice for someone looking for low-maintenance companionship. Birds are one of the best pets to have on this list.

#7: Hamsters

The Syrian hamster is the most common pet hamster.

©iStock.com/Conny V

Hamsters are often considered one of the best pets to have, and they can be. It is important to realize that although they are small, they do require regular care. Like many small pets, they tend to messiness. Plan to spend a few minutes each day cleaning out their enclosure to prevent odors from developing.

While not always the most friendly choice initially, with patience, and as long as you are gentle, hamsters can quickly learn to look forward to your presence.

#6: Fish

There are over 30,000 different species of fish.

©iStock.com/Juan Carlos Juarez Jaramillo

If you are interested in a pet for anxiety, a fish may be a perfect choice. Setting up an aquarium and tending to the fish inside can become an engrossing hobby. You can have anything from a smaller tank with a single Betta to a larger aquarium, decorated with live plants and housing schooling species of fish, such as tetras. The gentle sound of water moving through the filter as you watch the fish move through their environment will become a pleasant part of your day.

#5: Rats

Contrary to popular belief, rats are very clean animals.

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You may be surprised to learn that rats are great pets for beginners. They are naturally clean, are quick learners, and are social, affectionate animals. One strong argument for rats as opposed to other small pets such as hamsters is that they keep the same clock as people. While many rodents sleep during the day and are active at night, rats are alert and awake during the same time as the rest of the family.

#4: Rabbits

Rabbits are easy to train.

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If you are interested in a pet for cuddling, a rabbit may be a perfect choice. It may take a little while for your pet rabbit to get comfortable being handled. While a good choice for children, it is important to take the time to show the child how to gently handle the rabbit.

Rabbits do tend to be one of the messier pets to keep in the home. Plan to clean their hutch regularly to prevent odors from developing. You can keep rabbits in an apartment, although they do often enjoy spending some supervised time outside.

#3: Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are social companion animals.

©iStock.com/suemack

Guinea pigs may not be a choice that comes immediately to mind when selecting a pet for your household, but they are a charming and fun choice. They are friendly and social, are easy to handle, and quickly learn to interact with their family.

Before getting a Guinea pig, it is important to understand how social they are. They do much better if kept in pairs. Of course, this means accurately sexing the Guinea pigs or ensuring that one or both are sterilized to prevent any accidental babies.

#2: Cats

Fun fact: the oldest known pet cat existed 9,500 years ago.

©iStock.com/Chalabala

Cats can be a great low-maintenance pet for beginners. They are great for those who live in an apartment but still want a pet that doesn’t live in a tank or cage. Cats do have a reputation for having an independent nature, but that isn’t always a negative. Cats are often a better choice than dogs if you work long hours or are otherwise away from the home for extended periods.

Just because many cats are less demonstrative than dogs does not mean they aren’t affectionate. While some cats are dismissive of human contact, many are very happy to settle in beside you while you watch television or read. Most friendly cats are happy to spend time alongside their humans, whether they want to actively cuddle or not. For children, a cat is often more nimble than a small dog at avoiding getting underfoot, while not as boisterous as a large dog. Depending on the situation, a cat may be a better animal to keep as a pet than a dog.

#1: Dogs

Dogs are the most popular pet in the world.

©iStock.com/smrm1977

Dogs are probably the choice that comes to mind immediately when thinking of the best animal to keep as a pet. Many dogs are good for cuddling and are probably overall the most friendly of the different common house pets, they aren’t always the best choice for every situation.

Dogs are more high maintenance than many other types of pets. Even a dog that does well when left alone for long periods will need regular exercise and a chance to use the bathroom outside. Many dogs, however, need more than this minimal attention. Dogs that are left alone for extended periods or that don’t get sufficient exercise can become anxious, which often leads to destructive behavior.

SUMMARY:

Here is a summary of the Top 10 Animals to Keep As Pets

UP NEXT…

• African Soft Fur Rats: Do They Make Good Pets?
• Are Goats Good Pets?
• Do Snakes Actually Make Good Pets?
• Top 10 Cheapest Dogs

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Not all dogs appreciate being kissed

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About the Author

Heather Hall

I am a freelance writer with 22 years of experience. I live in the Pacific Northwest and am surrounded by nature. When I go for my daily runs I often see herds of elk, deer, and bald eagles. I am owned by two dogs who take me on hikes in the mountains where we see coyotes, black bears, and wild turkeys.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

These Are the Best Pets for Kids at Each Age

As many adults know, caring for a pet is a rewarding and satisfying experience. And, adopting a pet that a child can also help take care of can be an enriching experience for your kid.  

“It teaches empathy and responsibility. Being responsible for another animal … understanding that other things are relying on you to stay healthy and survive,” says Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM and owner of the Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics in Bedford Hills, New York. She adds, “Many of these animals are very smart and will give that unconditional love back to you.”

Make Sure Your Kids are on Board With the Type of Pet and Work Involved

As with any pet, when you are looking for the best pets for kids, you want to have a very clear idea of the pet care requirements.

“You have to be educated,” says Dr. Hess. Particularly with exotic pets, you need to know what you are getting into and what to expect from them. Dr. Hess explains, “Often people get frustrated and very disappointed in these animals because [the experience] isn’t what they expected.”

When it comes to choosing the best pets for the kids in your family, it is important that everyone is on the same page. Everyone in the family needs to be willing to actively help with the care of the pet.

Dr. Elizabeth Mackey, veterinarian and owner of Mackey Exotic Animal Clinic in Watkinsville, Georgia, explains that it is important that your children are on board with the pet you decide to get. They need to be just as invested in the well-being and happiness of the pet as you are.

And most importantly, you need to be comfortable with whichever pet you decide to get. So if you are deathly afraid of snakes, they probably are not the best pets for your kids, even if the kids have their heart set on one.

What to Consider When Choosing Pets for Kids

So, how should you go about finding a good match? Both Dr. Mackey and Dr. Hess recommend booking a consultation appointment with a veterinarian who is experienced in the care of the species you are considering.

Consider bringing a list of animals you’re interested in so you can discuss each one and determine what the best pet for your family would be. Some factors to take into consideration include:

1. Life span of the pet. Kids can get very attached to their pets, so you will need to consider your child’s emotional attachment when choosing pets for kids. However, by a choosing a pet with a longer life span, you will also need to keep in mind that once your child leaves for college or work, you may have to become the sole provider for your family pet.

2. Space needs. Do you have adequate room (e.g., living space, yard space, etc.) for your chosen pet? You will also need to consider how a pet will grow and if you can accommodate them at their largest adult size.

3. Care requirements and needs. Talk with your veterinarian about the care requirements for each pet you are considering. Can your family share pet care tasks in a manageable way? Are you financially prepared to take good care of the pet?

4. Health care costs. All pets require veterinary care. You will need to make sure there is a veterinarian in your area that can help with your chosen pet. If you choose an exotic pet, you can start by looking at the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians. You will also need to make sure that you are financially ready to take on a pet’s health care costs.

5. What does your child want when it comes to interactions with their pet? “Some of them want [a pet] that they can play with. And, most children want that hands-on interaction,” says Dr. Mackey. “There are some children who would rather have the cool, unique [pet] and not so much the hands-on.”

6. Is your potential new pet nocturnal or diurnal? This could influence where you want to your pet’s enclosure to reside.

7. Consider your child’s personality. Is your child calm enough to handle a more fragile creature? You have to consider the pet’s needs and your child’s ability to respect those needs.

8. What are you going to do if your child loses interest in the pet? It is never acceptable to let an animal suffer because a child cannot or will not take care of it anymore. Are you going to be able to take on all responsibility for the pet’s care (including their emotional needs) or will you find the pet a new, loving home?

You’ll also want to meet your pet in person so you can get a feel for each other. Dr. Mackey cautions that while some pet store employees are highly knowledgeable, others are not, so your veterinarian is the best resource when it comes to determining care requirements for your pet.

After you bring your pet home, you’ll want to book an appointment with your veterinarian immediately so they can assess your pet and then provide you with recommendations on how to best care for them.

Best Pets for Kids Ages 4-7

Parakeet

Parakeets (also called budgies) can be a good option when it comes to pets for kids. “They’re fairly low-maintenance, not super messy and don’t take up a lot of space,” says Dr. Hess. She explains that by the age of 7, children start to understand how to be gentle with pets and can actively engage in their bird’s care.

Parakeets are known to be very affectionate, and they respond well to regular, gentle handling. With training, a parakeet can learn dozens or more words, so your child can actively engage with them in a fun and unique way.

A parakeet is a great pet for kids who are able to respect the small bird’s size. They will not do well with children who handle them roughly or act unpredictably and startle them frequently.

However, if you are willing to work with your child to help them learn how to positively interact with their pet parakeet, Dr. Hess says that these birds can help teach children how to be calm and patient.

When it comes to the everyday care of a parakeet, the parents should take care of the daily cage cleanings, but children can help out with other tasks like washing and filling up the food and water dish and feeding vegetables as a treat.

It is important to remember that parakeets can live into their teens, so this pet would be a long-term commitment.

Crested Gecko

If you are comfortable with lizards in your home, then a fun and unique pet to consider is the crested gecko.

“Little kids love the gecko because he just sits there in your hand,” says Dr. Mackey. “They’re a cool, cool lizard. They’re the softest animal you will ever touch. Feet stick to the glass on the container. But, they’re nocturnal. You can see them during the daytime, but the evening/early morning is the best time to see them.”

While these little guys can be handled and have some quirky characteristics, you will need to work with your child to be gentle with them. A young crested gecko will need time to adapt to their living situations before you can start conditioning them to be handled, which can take three to four weeks.

Once you do start handling them, you must teach your child to be very gentle, because crested geckos will “drop” (lose) their tails if startled or made to feel threatened.

The care of the crested gecko can be split up between family members. Children can help with mixing a crested gecko’s powdered food with water and how to measure it out. Dr. Mackey says that a child can also help with setting up their terrarium.

Keep in mind that you will need to teach your children to wash their hands after handling their gecko because reptiles tend to carry Salmonella bacteria more frequently than some other species of pets.

Best Pets for Kids Ages 8-11

Rats

They may not be your immediate thought when it comes to pets, but rats can be great pets for kids. “Rats are phenomenal animals,” says Dr. Hess. “Rats are generally very loving and bonded to their owners. They’re gentle. They’re a little tougher.” Dr. Hess explains that once kids have a longer attention span, rats can be an ideal pet.

A pet rat can help an older child to “understand that there’s some kind of schedule to their day,” says Dr. Hess. They can add structure and responsibilities that can help children grow to be more thoughtful. For instance, they might have a morning task to feed the rat before going to school.

Pet rats are also affectionate pets that, when socialized, love interactions with their humans. They can show excitement when they sense (sight, smell and sound) their human’s presence, and some will even cuddle. But they also like to have a cage mate, so you should be prepared to have more than one.

When it comes to caring for pet rats, there are many activities that kids can get involved with. Besides helping feed their pet rats pellets and small veggies, kids can replenish water, clean the water bottle and spot-clean the cage.

Kids can help with the mental and physical enrichment of pet rats by setting up mazes for them to explore. They can also create foraging toys and places to hide using toilet paper tubes, which the rats can also chew on.

Rats are very intelligent and can be trained, so your child can actively bond with their pet rat and try to teach them a whole host of tricks.

Dr. Mackey does caution that rats tend to eat everything you give them and can easily become overweight, so you will have to work with your child to ensure you find the right balance between food and exercise.

However, rats tend to only live for about three years, so you will have to be prepared to have a tough conversation with your child if you choose to have a pet rat while they are still very young.

Canaries and Finches

Canaries and finches are ideal pets for kids because they don’t have to be handled a lot. However, they usually prefer the company of others, so you will need to be prepared to have multiple birds. These birds are flock animals and tend to do better when they’re in a group, says Dr. Mackey.

Canaries “can be a little skittish. But if they’re kept happy, they’ll sing, and it’s beautiful,” says Dr. Hess. “Many people appreciate small birds for their beauty.” She explains, “Finches are fun to watch. They’re very active.” But finches will not sing, like the canary, so if you are looking for a quiet bird, finches may be a good option.

Canaries and finches can be great options for kids who would like to observe more than interact with their pets. While, with patience, canaries can be taught to perch on a finger, most finches prefer not to be handled, so your child will have limited opportunities to physically interact with their finches.

Canaries are not the hardiest of pets, either; they “have to be kept safe and away from other pets. They’re fragile,” says Dr. Hess.

Kids can help out with cage cleaning and providing fresh food and water for the bird. Your child can also be responsible for removing the bird cage cover in the mornings, changing the paper at the bottom of the cage and vacuuming around the cage.

Canaries and finches have a long life span—10-15 years in captivity—so you and your child will need to be prepared to provide care for them well into their teen years.

Guinea Pigs

Everyone has heard about guinea pigs as pets, and some even consider them to be good class pets. Guinea pigs are popular pets for kids because of their size and manageable care requirements. “They’re pretty calm. They’re adorable,” says Dr. Hess. “They’re not high maintenance. They’re fairly hardy.”

Guinea pigs generally enjoy being around humans and will actively engage and interact with you. They are willing to sit calmly in a child’s lap and will even vocalize their excitement when their favorite human is around.

There are also a wide variety of guinea pig breeds to choose from, so your family can find one that fits what you are all looking for in a pet.

If your child can handle additional responsibility, you can consider getting a long-haired guinea pig; they can help with brushing the guinea pig and making sure the hair doesn’t get matted, says Dr. Hess. Children can also actively participate in keeping the cage tidy and providing the guinea pig with fresh hay, salad and pellets.

“Guinea pigs are really social animals. They do better when there’s more than one,” says Dr. Mackey. But if you get another guinea pig, that’s twice the cage space and twice the expense.

Guinea pigs tend to live 5-7 years, so they are an option if you are looking for a moderate commitment in terms of life span.

Best Pets for Kids Ages 12-15

Rabbits

Rabbits can be great pets for kids, but you have to be prepared to be very involved in your rabbit’s care.

“They’ve very, very loving,” says Dr. Hess. “They live a long time. They can be very bonded to their owners. They can be gentle.”

Both Dr. Mackey and Dr. Hess point out that rabbits can startle easily and can be very fragile; they can bite and jump and injure themselves, so they should only be handled by a child with a calm demeanor.

Despite their reputation as low-maintenance starter pets, rabbits are actually better suited for older children that understand how to be responsible with the care of their pet. They are very social creatures that crave attention from their owners and will require a significant time and care commitment.

If your family is ready to take on the care of a rabbit, then you will find that they make great companions. They are curious and playful and will provide your child with a loving pet that enjoys their company.

Since these pets are best for older children, your child can be actively involved in their care. They can ensure the litter box is cleaned, provide the rabbit with fresh hay, replace paper-based bedding and clean their cages. They can also help you pick out vegetables for your rabbit.

Rabbits also need to spend time out of their cages, so you can use this as an opportunity to bond with your child as you both watch the rabbit explore his surroundings safely. 

Keep in mind that rabbits could potentially be attacked or harmed by other animals and will probably need to be kept in their own separate space.

Domestic rabbits tend to live 8-12 years, so they will be long-term commitments for your family.

Cats and Dogs

Cats and dogs, while common, are major commitments when it comes to time, money and responsibility.

When children are taught how to properly interact with cats and dogs, they can play a very active role in the care of these pets. “They understand responsibilities and consequences. They have to participate in the care. That’s part of the deal,” says Dr. Hess. “Picking up dog poop isn’t so much fun. It’s something that you have to do.”

Children can take responsibility for a variety of care tasks for a pet dog or cat. Younger kids can give fresh food and water and wash towels and bedding, and tweens and teens can take dogs out on walks, change the cat litter, and even help out with teeth brushing.

Dogs and cats can live to be well over 10 years old (some for 20 years or even more), so they are long-term commitments.

Bearded Dragons

If you have older children who are looking for a more unique pet, consider a bearded dragon. According to Dr. Mackey, bearded dragons are the “world’s greatest lizards… because they’re fairly hardy [and] because they don’t bite often. I won’t say that they won’t, but they don’t, typically.”

Bearded dragons are reptiles that enjoy being handled and held, so if your child is looking for a reptile that they can actively engage with, they are a great option.

In terms of responsibilities, your older child can take an active role in the care of their bearded dragon, from feeding and cleaning to socialization and enrichment. 

One thing to keep in mind is that the housing requirements for a bearded dragon’s well-being are a bit more intricate. They require special UV lighting and temperature controls, and sometimes live feedings.

But luckily, your older child can help with changing the bulbs before they burn out, measuring the temperature of the cage (which needs to be kept at specific levels) and feeding insects to your bearded dragon.

Be aware that bearded dragons tend to be more expensive to care for than other pets, due in part to the insect diet and special lighting, says Dr. Mackey.

Bearded dragons tend to live 5-8 years but can live to be up to 10 years old when provided with optimal care.

Corn Snakes

Both vets praised corn snakes as being easy to handle and a good option for a family prepared to care for a pet snake. “Corn snakes can be very gentle,” says Dr. Hess.

The corn snake can grow to be 2.5-5 feet, so you will need to adjust their terrarium size as they grow. They are great starter reptiles for older children because they do not mind being handled. They do require rodents as food, but they should be freshly deceased or frozen, because live mice can injure your pet snake.

They’re also relatively low-maintenance pets when it comes to daily chores. However, because they have special care requirements, they are best suited for older children.

With all reptiles, you’ll want to check the humidity and temperature of the cage and keep the space clean—all activities your older child can assist with. Your child can also take an active role in the layout of the cage and the accessories it contains.

Corn snakes have a life span of 5-10 years, so they are also long-term commitments.

Greek Tortoises

Dr. Hess prefers Greek tortoises to other types of turtles, tortoises and terrapins because they’re small and eat vegetables.

Greek tortoises will grow to be about 5-8 inches, and they should be kept in a large naturalistic enclosure made of plywood (this helps them to learn their boundaries, whereas glass and plastic will have them constantly trying to escape).

When it comes to the care of your tortoise, you will want to work with your veterinarian to meet their individual needs and discuss their nutritional requirements.

Your kids can help out with checking the temperature, humidity, light and heat inside the enclosure. Kids can also cut vegetables, administer vitamins and replenish water dishes.

“Some of the reptiles are great for kids on the spectrum because they’re slow-moving and they’re quiet and they’re not overstimulating. And, there are plenty of detail-oriented children who can participate in care by keeping track of daily feedings,” says Dr. Hess.

Greek tortoises do not particularly care for being held, so they are a great pet for kids that like to watch and observe their pets go about their business. However, this does not mean they will not interact with you. They are known to be very responsive and interactive. They will approach their caretakers for food and will be friendly and interactive.

Greek tortoises have an extremely long life span—in many cases living for over 20 years—So they will be lifelong commitments.

By: Teresa Traverse

Featured Image: iStock. com/akrp

Pets for those with little time

Health

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Author

Ulyana Smirnova

March 14, 2019

If you disappear for a long time at school or work, choosing a pet is more difficult. Some “animals” do not tolerate loneliness, while others will only need a few hours of your presence a day.

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Ferrets spend most of the day sleeping. These animals can sleep for 18-20 hours a day, so they will not be bored in your absence. At the same time, ferrets are sociable, love affection and are easily tamed. They get along well with cats, dogs and their relatives. To keep a ferret in an apartment, you will need a large, tall cage equipped with a drinking bowl, a tray, a bowl for dry food, a running wheel and other “sports equipment”. Since these animals are very clean, it will be necessary to clean up the cage at least once a week. Try to let the animal “free” every evening for a couple of hours so that it wanders around the apartment. At the same time, it is important to carefully monitor your pet so that it does not chew on your shoes or charging from your phone.

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Hamsters are cute and funny and require minimal maintenance. They are omnivorous, do not create a lot of noise, easily get used to hands, do not require a lot of space and high financial costs. It is only necessary to change their feeder every couple of days and pour fresh sawdust once a week. So that the hamster does not get bored, he will need special simulators. For example, a walking ball. It is sold in almost any pet store. From time to time, the pet will need to be bathed and cut off its overgrown claws. The main disadvantage of these cute rodents is low stress resistance. Therefore, do not shake the cage or often rearrange it from place to place. Try not to talk in their presence in raised tones and not to make sudden movements. Walking on the street is also not good for hamsters. All this reduces the already short life of furry animals: they live no more than three years.

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A goldfish in an aquarium can not only brighten up everyday life, but also effectively complement the interior. It grows up to 15 centimeters in length. And most importantly, you do not need to spend a lot of time with an aquarium animal. Goldfish are suitable even for beginner aquarists. If you buy a container with a volume of at least 40 liters and equip it with a powerful filter, compressor and heater, all the necessary conditions will be created. As a useful vitamin top dressing and decoration of an artificial reservoir, it is recommended to use live plants. To make all the inhabitants of the aquarium comfortable, it is enough to renew about a third of the water in it once a week. Fish should be fed in the morning and evening. If the house runs out of special food, it will be replaced by boiled eggs, finely grated carrots, cucumbers, semolina or buckwheat porridge without salt.

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Compared to cats and dogs, the cost of keeping rabbits is much lower. In addition, these animals make almost no noise, easily adapt to living in an apartment and live for about 8–12 years. The rabbit will need a spacious house, hay and chew toys. Otherwise, he will begin to gnaw on furniture and electrical cords. It is better to place a cage with an animal in a quiet and bright place where direct sunlight does not fall. A rabbit needs some fresh vegetables, a weekly cage cleaning and movement. It is enough for a rabbit to spend two to three hours a day in freedom. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to play with it: you can just keep it in sight while you cook dinner or iron clothes. And in the warm season, a rabbit, if vaccinated, can keep you company for a walk.

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Domestic canaries come in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes and even voices. Most often, the softest and most melodic song is in males. They are able to copy the singing of other birds and even memorize simple compositions. You can buy a canary in almost any pet store and at an affordable price. Unlike parrots, they do not need constant communication – they feel comfortable without people and other birds. Canaries are undemanding in care and rarely get sick. The main thing is to provide them with the opportunity to fly. This will require a spacious cage and a warm place without drafts and direct sun. They should also always have water and a fresh mixture of seeds available. Then the canary will be able to live for more than ten years. If you buy a cage with a retractable bottom, the process of cleaning it will become several times easier.

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If loud whistling doesn’t scare you, try getting a guinea pig. It rarely bites, is diurnal, and can purr. In addition, pigs are not as shy as smaller rodents. You can choose between shorthaired, longhaired and even hairless. An amazing feature of guinea pigs is popcorning. This is the name of the state of joy and fun, in which they begin to briskly jump into the air. Like humans, these pets are unable to produce vitamin C on their own. Therefore, their daily diet should include fresh fruits and special supplements with ascorbic acid. Pigs also need fresh water and some hay. So that the animal does not get bored, try to communicate with him at least 10-15 minutes a day. Or buy him a companion: these are social animals that live better together. To avoid uncontrolled breeding, choose same-sex individuals. Subject to these rules, the mumps will be healthy and will be able to please you for ten years.

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Hedgehogs do not require much attention, they are happy to meet the owner and almost do not cause allergies. True, all this applies only to decorative breeds of rodents. The most popular are African pygmy hedgehogs. But wild animals in city apartments quickly die. You can buy a hedgehog adapted to home life in a special nursery or pet store. These are self-sufficient pets that do not need company. It is better to settle them one by one: even fights between females are not uncommon. A decorative hedgehog can live in an apartment almost as freely as a cat or dog. However, his curiosity often gives owners a lot of trouble. In addition, the rhythm of life of hedgehogs does not always coincide with the human. While you are sleeping, the animal is actively moving and making noise. Therefore, it is better to immediately buy a spacious plastic container for him, a multi-storey cage or a small aviary. Animal care is reduced to two meals a day, weekly cleaning of the house and monthly bathing. In food, hedgehogs are unpretentious: their diet may include meat, liver, cottage cheese, eggs, fish, milk and fresh apples.

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There are about 2,000 geckos in the world, but not all of them are suitable for life in captivity. The leopard gecko is most often chosen as a pet. This tropical lizard is safe, unpretentious and quickly gets used to a person. It is enough to feed an adult twice a week, cubs – once a day. Get ready to spoil the animal with crickets, flies and small spiders. In a glass or plastic terrarium, a gecko can live for over 10 years. At the same time, it is important to take care of fluorescent lamps, special heaters, air purifiers and humidifiers in advance. Live plants, branches and pebbles will help to recreate the natural environment for the lizard. And to make her comfortable during the molting period, put a small bath of water in the terrarium.

The ant colony will go about its business without any thought of where you are. They do not need human contact, veterinary care or special nutrition. Insects eat almost everything: seeds, bread, meat, vegetables and fruits. Feeding them only once a week is enough. With the same frequency, a few drops of water should be added to the home anthill. This will help keep insects from dehydrating. The disadvantage of pets is that they cannot be touched. On the other hand, it is very interesting to follow the life of ants. Day after day they build tunnels, grow larvae and collect food. Today in stores you can find both compact formicaria and large models that resemble aquariums. The basic rule of keeping ants is not to mix different types of insects and make sure that the farm is always tightly closed.

what kind of animal to have in the apartment

An animal in the house is a great joy! As the postman Pechkin said, you come home, and the little animal rejoices at you.

But no one has canceled the responsibility for a pet. Fortunately, any person, based on their temperament and standard of living, can choose a four-legged friend.

Content

• 1 Dogs
• 2 Cats
• 3 Rodents
  • 3.1 Decorative rats
  • 3.2 Hamsters
  • 3.3 Guinea pigs
• 4 Rabbit
• 5 Parrot
• 6 Ant farm

Dogs

Collies will always be Lassie’s best friends for thousands of years – 9002 9002 Perhaps there are no pets in the world, communication with which would bring so much pleasure. You can run with a dog, go to the forest, and go out into the fields. Let’s keep silent about how she rejoices at the owner, who returned home from work.

When getting such a pet, one should take a responsible attitude to the choice of breed, soberly weighing one’s strengths and capabilities.

Breeds are small, medium and large. The most popular small breed dogs include the Chihuahua and the Yorkshire Terrier. Among the medium breeds, the most popular are the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Among the big ones, the leadership is given to the Siberian Huskies, who have displaced show-class German Shepherds from the throne.

How to prepare for a puppy? First of all, choose a cattery that specializes in breeding the desired breed. Communication with the breeder and coming to visit in order to look at the conditions of the dogs are required.

If we are talking about a large service breed, the future owner needs to see the work of the puppy’s parents. The ideal option is to look at the work live, if this is not possible, then it remains to ask the breeder for a fresh video.

The future owner should decide on a cynologist for the pet. By the way, you can and should contact a cynologist to help with the choice of a dog.

And now about what you need to buy for a puppy:

— Bed (for small breeds) or a box/cage where the pet can be alone.

– Food and water bowls . Take iron bowls, they are easy to wash.

– Several toys . At first, these can be soft toys for puppies, as they grow older – balls on a rope, pullers, etc.

– Soft collar and leash , the size of the former is selected depending on the breed of the puppy.

– Shampoo or Soap for puppies. It is advisable to purchase soap at a veterinary pharmacy.

– Nail clipper , combing brush .

– Feed after consulting with the breeder.

Smiling dog or Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The most important advantage of keeping a dog in the house is a daily charge of positive emotions. The owner comes home from work, and the pet rejoices, wags its tail, climbs to kiss. The dog is the only pet that expresses its emotions in this way.

The second moment is daily walks. This part concerns owners of medium and large breeds, whose representatives require serious physical activity. Walking helps the owners to stay in good shape, no gym is needed.

New acquaintances. The environment of dog lovers is special – checked! Training, exhibitions, simple communication with those who share the love for dogs – this is addictive and brings new, bright colors to life.

Alas, but no one has canceled the disadvantages of keeping dogs. The main drawback is the loss of a pet, which is why many dog ​​owners then go into the ranks of ordinary people. When a pet is sick, it’s hard. Even harder when the dog goes to the rainbow. Unfortunately, the life expectancy of large breed dogs is rapidly decreasing.

When getting a dog, a person should be prepared for the fact that a lot of time, effort and money will have to be spent on it. You will have to limit yourself in some way for the sake of your pet. For example, the owner has a great desire to take a walk with friends after work. But he is forced to give up a long walk, because a dog is waiting at home, eager to go about his business.

Cats

Those eyes! how to resist…

Cats are the second most popular pet. For the most part, cats are affectionate, unpretentious, you do not need to walk with them. And the pleasure you get from communicating with the Murks and Barsiks is simply enormous.

A cat, purebred or not, is made for love and tenderness. By the way, thoroughbred cats are more painful than street counterparts. And food allergies in pedigree cats tend to be much more common.

Where to buy a kitten? If we are talking about a thoroughbred baby, then you should contact mono-nurseries. A purebred kitten can be taken from a shelter, for example.

For a four-legged newcomer, you need to prepare the following:

– Tray with filler 9009eight . New owners often have a question: how to accustom a kitten to a tray. To do this, you should ask the breeder for a little used filler, with the smell familiar to the baby. The used filler is poured into a new tray, that’s all the wisdom.