Small pets for small houses

Dogs and cats are the most popular pets in the United States. However, for those who live in small houses or condos or who travel a lot, smaller pets may be a better option. Some condominiums also have restrictions that prohibit dogs and cats on the property. Small pets can offer companionship and affection and generally require less space and exercise than larger animals. Understanding the needs and temperaments of small pets is essential to finding the right animal friend to share your home with.

chinchillas

For those who prefer a calm and relaxed pet, chinchillas are clean and odorless. Native to the Andes in South America, chinchillas can be shy and reserved, but they warm up to gentle handling and careful handling. Chinchillas have extremely soft fur and tend to sleep during the day, so they are often awake at night and eager to spend time with their owner. These little rodents communicate by chirping and barking, and may greet you with happy little sounds when you return home. Chinchillas enjoy wooden chew toys and exercise wheels, but they still require some floor time to explore and satisfy their curious nature. Since chinchillas typically live for about fifteen years, they will be a long-term part of your life; make sure you can make a commitment of that length before adding a chinchilla to your family.

sugar gliders

For those interested in a more social pet, sugar gliders enjoy contact with their owners and require constant attention and companionship; for this reason, sugar gliders are often purchased in pairs. Solitary gliders require at least an hour or two of human contact each day to thrive; As a couple, they often keep each other company, but in this case they will not be as sociable and affectionate with people. These intelligent and affectionate marsupials have a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, and vegetables. Sugar gliders are not squirrels, but they do have many traits in common with them; in their natural habitats, they glide in roughly the same way as flying squirrels. Sugar gliders often form deep lifelong bonds with their owners, recognizing them by scent. These playful marsupials live for about fifteen years.

Asparagus

For those who want an active and playful pet, ferrets are intelligent, curious, and require plenty of exercise to stay healthy. They often make up games, stealing a particular item and putting it away in a favorite hiding place, repeating the process when you get it back. Ferrets combine the instincts of a packrat with the playful nature of a small dog and often enjoy playing games of chase and hide and seek with their owners. Ferrets can be trained to use one litter box, but they may require multiple boxes to “remember” to use them consistently. Ferrets should always be spayed or neutered and deodorized so that they remain a docile and pleasant company. Although ferrets will occasionally bite in the same way that kittens do, they can be trained to be gentle with firm and consistent discipline. Ferrets are carnivores and should be fed only specially formulated ferret food to maintain optimal health; Chew toys are also welcome, as ferrets chew compulsively, especially when they are young. Ferrets generally live between seven and ten years.

For those who want a small pet or can’t have a larger pet for various reasons, any of these pets can provide warmth, affection, and companionship. Getting a pet is a serious commitment of time and money, and should not be taken lightly. If you’re ready to accept the responsibility of pet ownership, these pets can offer you unconditional love and a lifetime of happy interactions.