10 Best Animals to Keep as Pets
Thousands of years ago, domesticated animals served practical purposes (food, protection). But some animals became our companions as well. What are the best animals to keep as pets, now that we welcome them into our homes without that emphasis on pragmatism?
These days, few people need cats to hunt rats or dogs to guard livestock, but many still choose to keep animals in our homes. In fact, according to the American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey, 66 percent of U.S. households have a pet.
We’ve listed 10 different common house pets — not limited to the usual suspects like dogs, cats, fish, etc. — but you should always do your research before bringing a furry (or feathery, or scaly) friend home. The best pets become part of your family, and they’re living beings that require regular care and attention.
10. Guinea Pig
The guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) is a small rodent domesticated in Peru 3,000 years ago. Like rabbits, guinea pigs were originally domesticated as a food source and became popular as pets in the 19th century.
The American Cavy Breeders Association recognizes 13 breeds, from the short-coat Abyssinian to the curly-haired Texel.
Guinea pigs weigh 1 to 3 pounds (0.5 to 1.4 kg) and are 8 to 16 inches (20.3 to 40.6 cm) long. Despite their small size, guinea pigs are somewhat messy pets, so you must clean their bedding daily. Guinea pigs are a long-term commitment: They typically live to 7 or 8 years of age.
Before you go out and buy a guinea pig, know that these social animals do best in pairs. According to the Swiss Animal Protection Ordinance, guinea pigs are one of several species that “must be kept in groups of at least two animals.”
The other pets on the list of particularly social animals? Canaries, chinchillas, cockatoos, degus, estrildid finches, gerbils, Japanese quails, lovebirds, macaws, mice, parakeets, parrots and rats.
The animal shelter or pet store where you find your guinea pigs should be able to tell you which two (or three) individuals get along.
9. Betta Fish
A fish is a great low-maintenance pet. Aside from daily feedings and tank cleaning, they don’t need much hands-on care. Betta fish (Betta splendens), with their long, colorful fins, have the look of an exotic pet but are available at most pet stores and eat pellet food.
One of the most enduring betta fish myths is that they must live alone. (They’re also known as Siamese fighting fish.) To clarify, putting two male betta fish together is not a good idea. You can, however, pair betta fish with other aquatic animals or try pairing two female betta fish.
8. Leopard Gecko
According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA) National Pet Owners Survey, 6 million U.S. households own a reptile.
The leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is a charming and fun choice for reptile lovers. Why? First of all, they’re undeniably cute, with leopard-like spots and little pink tongues. They’re small pets, reaching just 7 to 10 inches (17.8 to 25.4 cm) long at maturity.
And unlike other geckos, leopard geckos can’t climb up walls, making escape unlikely. These low-maintenance pets are friendly enough for occasional handling but fine with being left alone, so long as you provide them with a heat lamp, food and water. (Their preferred diet? Meal worms and crickets).
Just don’t pull on their tails — they are one of many lizard species that can drop their tails. If your gecko does drop their tail, it can regrow, but it won’t be as beautiful as the original.
7. Bearded Dragon
A bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is one of the best lizard pets. Not only do they look cool — bearded dragons come in a variety of colors and have little spikes around their “beard” and torso — they’re docile enough for handling and very curious about their environment.
Bearded dragons are omnivorous, so in addition to insects, they eat a daily salad of vegetables like collard greens and bell peppers.
6. Cat
After dogs, cats (Felis catus) are the second most popular pet in the United States. According to the American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey, 46.5 million U.S. households have a cat.
Cats are affectionate animals and make good pets for anyone who doesn’t mind cleaning a litter box. They display a variety of adorable behaviors, like purring, kneading and sitting in squares.
An important consideration when bringing a cat home is whether to keep your cat exclusively indoors. The National Audubon Society encourages cat owners to keep their furry friends inside to protect wild bird populations, and indoor cats live longer than their outdoor counterparts.
If you’re worried about your indoor cat getting bored, why not train your cat to do some tricks? Cats are quick learners and enjoy puzzle games just like dogs.
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