What is the Friendliest Small Pet?
What is the friendliest small pet? If you ask just about any small pet owner the answer will almost always be a guinea pig. Small animals such as hamsters, rabbits, and chinchillas have been growing in popularity as fun, entertaining pets to have as companions. Children absolutely love these small, furry friends, but many parents do not want much persuading either.
The fact is, regardless of what size animal you have, it is hard to resist the charms of a gentle and cuddly small pet. Most people love dogs for their gentle qualities, but there are also many who love cats for their affectionate behavior and their ability to play with children. Cats tend to run around and get into trouble, but then return to being friends with their owners when they feel like playing again. Dogs on the other hand, can either be very quiet or very boisterous. Most of the time they are either calm or hyperactive.
Most people tend to think of hamsters as gentle and cute, but it has actually taken scientists decades to fully understand this tiny creature. They are actually considered to be one of the most sociable and happy pets around. There are actually two main types of hamster which are African or Asian hamsters and Roborovski hamsters. They are both very different in behavior and size. It is important to note that despite their size, most hamsters do not actually weigh more than five ounces.
Rats are another social and unique small pet and can make great pets as well as good watchdogs. They tend to live in cages for about a year and can be kept as house pets if properly cared for. They are highly intelligent and alert, and can become a real handful. However, they have a short lifespan of only about a year or so.
Guinea pigs are also popular and well-liked small pets. They are usually bred as house pets and can be quite docile. They have a very short lifespan and are very social creatures, being comfortable in up to three groups of up to ten humans at once. This makes them easy to care for, although they may require some human interaction during their formative years, usually becoming bored with the other animals. Like many other rodents, guinea pigs tend to be highly allergic to dust and will need to be kept indoors at all times.
Although most guinea pigs and rats are extremely friendly animals, it is not uncommon for them to be a bit possessive. This is especially true of the more timid breeds. As a result, many owners of such pet prefer to keep them in cages to prevent them from getting too friendly. Owners should also be wary of keeping guinea pigs or rats in cramped spaces since they tend to be somewhat sensitive to cold and are likely to contract illnesses such as mange, mites, hair balls, respiratory infections or other diseases brought on by low temperatures.
Another characteristic, unique to these small pets is that they are highly susceptible to inherited disorders. This makes them vulnerable to diseases such as hemophilia and cancer at an early age, although some breeds of animals are more susceptible than others. It is also possible for these animals to suffer from genetic deformities that affect the appearance of their fur, legs or other parts of their bodies.
Small pets hamsters also need much attention, including plenty of room to move around, regular grooming and plenty of time spent playing. They are usually housed in cages just like other hamster pets, with multiple wire mesh surfaces to provide exercise and a place to hide. Since hamsters are solitary animals, they also tend to be house-breakers and will need to go outdoors to enjoy time spent exploring and playing. The only difference between a hamster and other small pets is that they tend to be a bit smaller than most, so they will need extra space to play.