What Animal Can You Keep In A Cage

Melissa cares for a diversity of exotic animals and has completed a document in veterinary assisting and a available's degree in biology.

Exotic Pets With Easy Care Requirements

Which exotic animals make the best pets? Practice low-maintenance, unique animals exist? These are all common questions that don't really have objectively 'true' answers. All pets require the owner to provide some degree of care, and there are no pets that are for everyone.

Effectively addressing this question strictly depends on what the owner is willing to provide for the animate being, what the owner expects of the animal, and what they are willing to spend. The more uncommon your pet is, the more y'all will likely spend on vet care from a veterinarian that specializes in exotics and 'wildlife.'

First off, what IS an exotic pet?

• Most animals that are not domesticated or are uncommon are considered exotic.
• Some animals that are technically exotic (not domesticated or little change from their wild ancestors) are non viewed as such, like many birds and fish.
• Ferrets, pygmy hedgehogs, and chinchillas are sometimes considered exotic pets, but they are domesticated, which differentiates them physically and mentally from their wild ancestors.

For the sake of avoiding recommending less 'exciting' animal species, 'semi-domesticated' animals (different from wild ancestors but not to the extent of dogs), parrots, and reptiles won't exist listed hither, notwithstanding many common pet species are popular yet demand higher care than they are typically given, such as parrots. Exotic pets listed here will be considered easier due to:

• Lower house destruction potential (or lack of need to free roam in the business firm)
• Non-excessive social needs (most birds and mammals will need some)
• Reasonable housing needs
• Piece of cake to meet nutritional needs
• Small-scale size
• Many other qualities that arrive simpler to provide them sufficient well-being

Commonly Desired Pet Qualities

• Reasonable caging requirements (no outdoor or large cage requirements)
• Little or no aroma
• Niggling or no destructive tendencies (business firm manners)
• Low aggression
• Enrichment needs are easier to provide

Hedgehog in a Hay Bale

Andrew via Flickr

1. Hedgehog

A hedgehog is not a rodent, nor are they related to porcupines. They are in a subfamily known as Erinaceinae (originally known as insectivores.) Hedgehogs deserve the number ane spot on this list for being the easiest to care for while beingness 'exotic' (although the forms you lot'll notice in pet stores are somewhat changed from the wild forms, making them domesticated).

• Hedgehogs are not social, and so only one should exist housed per enclosure. This makes them pets that are not bailiwick to separation anxiety, and they are fitting for people who travel.
• They are suitable for those who do not desire a long-lived pet since their lifespan is an accommodating 5–7 years.
• Hedgehogs have a simplistic diet that tin be composed of a high-grade prepared food and/or fruits and insects. They are common plenty that many pet stores sell nutrient for them.
• Hedgehogs can exist somewhat temperamental, only they tame down with the right handling and habituation.
• The proper quarters for a 'hedgie' need only consist of a properly-sized terrestrial enclosure.

Hedgehogs can even exist the pets of children considering of their ease of care. Just exist sure to be prepared for the cleaning involved with their frequent defecation.

Pet hedgehog getting a bath.

Justin Snowfall via Flickr

2. Rodents: Chipmunks, Degu, Spiny Mice, and Prairie Dogs

There are many rodents that are too exotic pets—some more than interesting and unusual than others. These include:

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• Degus. These await like large gerbils but are actually more closely related to chinchillas and guinea pigs. Degus are highly social, and information technology is recommended that they exist housed with more than one private. They should have sufficient space to run into their practise needs.
• Flying squirrels. They are easier than sugar gliders, have reasonable caging requirements, and are highly affectionate with their owners.
• Prairie dogs. Prairie dogs are typically only born in the spring. They are affectionate pets that can exist harness-trained. They are social, so the owner must spend some time with them. The muzzle should be adequately-sized. The prairie canis familiaris's diet is simple and includes fresh hay, grasses, pellets, fruits, and vegetables. The Oxbow brand of prairie dog food is good. In terms of aggressive tendencies, this species may take the most bug in that area when information technology comes to strangers (people the animal hasn't been raised with). Be enlightened of their strong territorial instincts.
• Chipmunks. As an active squirrel species, chipmunks will crave the near space relative to their size. A taller bird flight cage is recommended, and they must have many opportunities for enrichment that encourages foraging. They aren't the all-time pets for handling, but they are more than interesting than the typical hamster. Some breeders take produced white Siberian chipmunks.
• Spiny mice. These small piffling pets are not the domesticated mice ordinarily sold in stores, but they demand similar care. An omnivorous nutrition, spacious glass aquarium, and an do wheel are essentials.
• Patagonian cavies. Patagonian cavies too deserve a mention hither. They are best suited equally outdoor pets, which is doable if you take a farm-blazon domicile or a large backyard. These rodents are very large.

At that place are a few different species of exotic rodent species, just some are hard to acquire in the United States due to a recently imposed embargo on species from Africa. Such species include bushy-tailed jirds, jerboas, and Gambian pouched rats.

Brusque-tailed Opossum

Used with permission by Irmo Bos.

3. Short-Tailed Opossum

It may look like a rodent, but the curt-tailed opossum is actually a marsupial like sugar gliders, koalas, and wallabies. Unlike sugar gliders, which take more involved care, opossums are solitary and must exist housed lonely. Their housing requirements are very similar to that of a nice, spacious gerbil enclosure (with levels), with do wheels, hamster water bottles, and typical rodent bedding that come across their physical requirements.

They need an omnivorous diet that is college in beast protein. This can exist a mix of prepared diets for hedgehogs, ferrets, and dogs with the add-on of insects, vegetables, and fruits.

4. Non-Domestic Canines: Fennec Fox and Domesticated Play a joke on

Both the fennec trick along with specifically Russian domesticated silver foxes appear on this list, just with a notation of caution. Their non-domesticated traits might brand them a claiming for a person expecting tame dog and true cat behavior.

The fennec and argent fox are canids, meaning they are active predators. Then they will need space but like a domesticated dog. If caged, it should exist sizable, and they should be allowed out of the cage frequently. The smallest recommended cage for fennecs is a multi-level ferret nation muzzle. Their behavior is more than 'true cat-similar,' in that they are more independent. They can also be noisy and play rambunctiously.

• half-dozen Exotic Wild Dogs (Not-domesticated) That Are Kept as Pets | PetHelpful
  All about pet exotic canines, wolves, coyotes, foxes, and more.

One of the biggest issues with domesticated foxes is finding one—they are rarely offered at present. If you do find one, be prepared to spend upward of $2000–$7000. Foxes that are non silver, such as the white arctic play a joke on or the red pull a fast one on, are not domesticated and are much cheaper ($200–$400), only they accept undergone trivial or no selective breeding. Some silver foxes that are referred to as domesticated take actually been domesticated for the fur merchandise, and not for companionship.

Many owners report that non-domesticated foxes have an extremely strong odour, thus only making them suitable for the outdoors. True domesticated foxes do not have an offensive aroma, accept a tamer personality, and more easily accept humans every bit companions (reportedly).

Pet skunk getting a tickle.

xinem via Flickr

v. Skunks

Skunks surprisingly make good pets, when de-scented of course. Skunks should have a proper omnivorous diet (typically canis familiaris food, fruits, and vegetables) and exercise time outside of their cage. Like ferrets, they are playful and should not be cooped upward all the time. Provide toys and make sure they don't mistake your property as such! Unfortunately, male person skunks may be prone to aggression upon maturity, so be sure to take them neutered.

Being an exotic mammal, the skunk as a pet is not legal in every state because they are rabies vectors. Notwithstanding, they do non inherently carry rabies and can merely contract the virus from another rabid animal.

Hissing cockroach on my mitt

half dozen. Arthropods: Hissing Roach, Tarantula, Scorpion, Millipede, and Land Crab

They are not cuddly, but pet bugs volition often fascinate the immature and old.

• Cockroaches. Fifty-fifty animals like cockroaches tin can require more demanding care, but Madagascar hissing cockroaches, which are often the species you see utilized in movies, are very simple to care for and will alive around 3–5 years.
• Tarantulas. Non all tarantula species are suitable for beginners—the all-time species for the novice include the Mexican red knee joint, Chilean rose, and curly pilus tarantulas. These are not ambitious, have living requirements that are easier to accommodate, and have simple diets (supplemented insects.) Small aquariums around three–5 gallons work well for these species. These pets are besides wonderful for scaring conventional people.

Emperor scorpion with claws.

ictheostega via Flickr

• African millipedes. These are piece of cake to keep, requiring effectually a 5-gallon aquarium, forest substrate, and vegetables to consume. Since they prefer to eat decayed vegetation, it is fifty-fifty OK to leave it alone for a while. The substrate must be kept moist by spraying occasionally.
• Scorpions. These may announced intimidating, but the emperor scorpion is a not-ambitious species that tin exist held and enjoyed, unlike other scorpions. They should be housed in a 10-gallon aquarium that is heated properly. They feed on supplemented insects.
• Giant land venereal. Giant land crabs, such every bit the cute Halloween crab (also called moon crabs), are interesting and uncommon. They are scavengers, cleaning upwardly vegetable and animate being matter. They are a peachy pet to discard your kitchen scraps with and feed erstwhile pet food to.

Savannah cat getting a walk.

Volition Wade via Flickr

7. Hybrid Cats: Savannahs and Bengals

Savannah cats are a hybrid of the serval and the domesticated cat. The generations of these animals vary from F1 (53–75% servals) to F6:

• F1 volition be a challenging animal, possibly a lilliputian easier than a full-blooded serval; however, they are but as tall. They are also horrendously expensive. The lower generations of these animals provide a great substitute for the cheetah look in the package of a mostly domesticated but interesting true cat.
• F3 (12.v % serval) and downwardly may make good pets. They are generally domesticated cats just with a more dog-similar, exciting personality. They tin can exist trained to walk on harnesses and do not demand to exist housed outside.
• Note: The higher the serval per centum, the more than likely potential challenges may ascend.

Bengal cats are basically domesticated cats, merely with a more interesting personality as well. They have been produced with the genes of the Asian leopard cat. However, they are more commonly sold with lower wild gene heritage, which makes them domesticated equally pets. They are perfect for people who desire the look of an exotic animal merely not the destructive tendencies of one. They will, however, have higher energy needs that should be met.

Difficult Exotic Pets

In dissimilarity, in that location are plenty of exotic pets that are difficult to intendance for. By the standards of most, there are a few animals that can be alleged not piece of cake to intendance for:

• Not-domesticated felines (with the exception of some hybrids) often spray indoors and destroy piece of furniture, requiring an escape-proof enclosure.
• Large non-domesticated canines and other big carnivores require experience, outdoor enclosures, and other special accommodations.
• Not-man primates are extremely loftier-maintenance socially and psychologically.
• Other smaller exotics like porcupines, genets, sloths, wallabies, kinkajous, tamanduas, and coatimundis require large caging relative to their sizes and may be harder to promote the well-being of under traditional animal care standards.

These animals often stress more easily and are hard to re-home. One should steer clear of these more difficult but undeniably interesting animals if they are not willing to put upwardly with the undesirable instincts of wild species.

A Closing Notation Well-nigh Exotic Pets

Exotic pets aren't for everyone. Before any animal is obtained, the potential owners should extensively inquiry the care of the species from multiple sources.

• Some zoos publish detailed intendance manuals on some of the 'more exotic' species.
• Exotic pet forums are an excellent resources for reading the experiences of seasoned pet owners and you may even be able to antipodal with them and inquire questions.

These are imperative steps to take to ensure that y'all know what you're getting into and so yous tin care for your animal for the duration of its life.

• Exotic Pet Care: The Spotted Genet
  
• Exotic Pet Intendance: Bobcats as Pets
  
• How to Intendance for a Pet Tiger
  
• Everything You lot Need To Know About Pet Cheetahs
  

This commodity is accurate and true to the best of the author'south cognition. It is non meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, handling, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional person. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should exist seen past a veterinary immediately.

Questions & Answers

Question: Why are hedgehogs illegal in California?

Answer: Hedgehogs are illegal in California mainly considering of ignorance and lack of public pressure level for our rights. Outdated and completely imitation data that hedgehogs will become invasive in the state besides contribute to their illegal status.

Question: What is the best exotic pet?

Respond: That depends on you. About snakes are like shooting fish in a barrel to care for, don't need a lot of infinite, eat once a week and aren't demanding socially. Of course, if you like pets that care well-nigh y'all, they are awful.

Question: Are you allowed to keep a red-shouldered hawk or a red-tailed hawk in Vermont?

Answer: Native birds of prey are Federally illegal unless you obtain a falconer's license, which is hard to get.

© 2013 Melissa A Smith

Amelia on Apr 14, 2020:

I really want a Hedgehog (never gonna happen) (T_T)

blash i ca on January xiii, 2020:

I am confuzzled cause I don't take a wild pet.

biscut on December 29, 2019:

Can u practise somthing on reptiles? thx!

Animal Lover Hiiiii! on September 12, 2019:

Are monkeys good pets and are they Northward Carolina? =) ? =/ =o Respond? Thanks ! :))))

Bamboo smoker on July 28, 2019:

I wish aquariums had more than insects. In that location are infinite possibilities because they mutate so fast, and and so many new domesticated forms could be made. Like, dragonfly larvae, or water scorpio. I merely haven't seen whatever other insects y'all can use in aquariums.

Umesh Chandra Bhatt from Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India on February 16, 2019:

Very informative. Thanks.

Gabby on January 22, 2019:

Yah i want a skunk merely it is not legal in Cali

Drizzy on Baronial 15, 2018:

i wish exotic animals were legal in California :-(

Madison Gariepy on July 22, 2018:

I have ever wanted to get a caracal merely they aren't allowed article of clothing I live, when my sister and I am older we will movement somewhere with a reserve or somewhere y'all can ain ane, information technology's my dream to own hundreds of exotic felines and canines. I might even start my own reserve or sanctuary

Lauren Eaton on July 15, 2018:

I really want a hedgehog. I recently learned that hedgehogs are illegal in some states. One of which is California, where I live. I don't understand why information technology is illegal, for it is legal in other states. There isn't actually a reason for hedgehogs to be illegal in California. Hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and rats are acceptable pets, so why aren't hedgehogs? California's warm climate is the perfect environment for a hedgehog to alive. Hedgehogs are quiet, friendly, low-maintenance animals that would make great pets. Dissimilar the other small animals that are legal hither, hedgehogs do non take dander and are actually hypoallergenic and would make peachy pets for people that want a small fauna merely suffer from allergies. Hedgehogs are already legal in numerous states and should be legal pets in California also. Overall, there are no downsides to letting Californians own hedgehogs.

Aleesia on Feb 04, 2018:

Foxes practice NOT make like shooting fish in a barrel pets at all. They need a lot of attending. A hyper kitten and a teething puppy brand up an adult domesticated fox. I'k certain if yous asked a fox owner, they would say that they are a lot of piece of work.

Anonymous on January sixteen, 2018:

Actually, felicity, vulpes is the genus of foxes, which branches off of the family unit canidae, or canines.

X on Dec 19, 2017:

Some are dangerous ,some are practiced simply they all have their good and bad.

Sky on October 15, 2017:

Are wallabies good pets?

anonomous on September 29, 2017:

would the cost exist decent though

ve90ra on July 13, 2017:

I dearest cats

Amy Morgan on July 11, 2017:

A fennec play tricks or a wild cat

This 1 on June 01, 2017:

Awright! One of my favorites fabricated information technology onto the list! Flying squirrels for the win!

Chelsea on February nineteen, 2017:

Where can I buy one of these pets?

Felicity on January 31, 2017:

Really, Fennec foxes are not canine (related to dogs/wolves), they are vulpine, which refers to foxes.

Panela on November 12, 2016:

I take and take had many of the species listed here. My skunks are one of my most favorite pets ever. I actually do domestic skunk rescue now. They are NOT for everyone! They CAN destroy things in your dwelling. Those of us that tin see past the nuances of skunks go lifetime owners and dearest them deeply! If anyone is interested in pet skunks, I have a Facebook group for skunk owners and those interested in them called U.S.A. Pet Skunks. PLEASE do a lot of research earlier getting i.

Elehanna on Apr ten, 2016:

I wanted to say that I really liked this list. I once thought that I would have been one of those people who wanted an 'exotic' pet. For years I really wanted a pet that I could play with, but wouldn't need a ton of care, that likes to snuggle and play and make me laugh, endeavor to accept care of me, and be able to play or take care of themselves also.

Since I live in an apartment with a secure entrance door, and have a knee that is prone to dislocation, a pet that I had to bring outside all the time was not a proficient thought. (for the tape, I love both dogs and cats, have had many growing up.) So I looked and looked and looked, trying to discover something that would requite me companionship, and a relationship that would be amazing for both me and the fauna I didn't have at that point.

It wasn't until I had my daughter that I saw an animal that I had idea initially would not be the greatest pet, since at the time I was living lonely. I saw a lovebird playing, and had such a strong, joyful bond/relationship with her possessor. I loved the relationship I saw between the two. I began researching, and checking things, and cantankerous-comparison the facts betwixt sites, and 'what you need to know virtually lovebirds' from alleged 'professionals'.

I waited for a while to brand certain it wasn't simply a passing stage, or that I just wanted one because information technology was and so cute, and wasn't fix for the responsibilities of an animal. Four years afterwards, I still wanted a lovebird companion, purchased all it would demand, and got one. But I had never had a bird before. I knew information technology's basic needs, and was easily filling them.

I then talked to people who I knew had birds before for a very very long time, and were very successful with them. They showed me how to handle a bird properly, and how to speak to my Lovie, and the torso language a bird displays, and how subtle it was, and what to watch for. This improved mine and my Lovebird Heaven's relationship immensely, and information technology is now the relationship I had wanted, and I don't call back I could always get back to a mutual pet.

Heaven is sugariness, funny, and very snuggly and cuddly. She loves to give affection, and has on occasion tried to preen the inside of my nose and ears. I take a beautiful bird, who loves me as I love her. I have not looked for another pet since.

Turns out I didn't need an exotic pet to brand me happy, or to be cute. For those reading this, and thinking it's boring, I call up you should look at other types of mutual pets earlier you lot attempt a exotic pet, y'all might detect something amazing.

Also for other bird owners out there, or people thinking well-nigh getting a bird, do lots of research on not only muzzle requirements, but also on the kinds of cages bachelor. I highly recommend Hagen's Vision Hybrid cages. They are amazing, and make the upkeep of the birds SOOOOO much simpler.

Seriously, instead of impulse buying, wait for a picayune while, see if yous still desire the animal, I would say give information technology almost iii month's thought. If you still want the pet after that, so you can get it. This mode, the animals arn't abused, or thrown away, as though their lives depended on how amused their owner is with them, which is much more fair to the animals.

abby on March 29, 2016:

cool but weird

Sally Smith1 on February 26, 2016:

NON-Domestic Foxes look gorgeous here, just I love hybrid cats the most since I'm a cat love. Cheers for sharing this.

Lexi on January x, 2016:

I own a hedgehog her named is Pepper.

Melissa A Smith (writer) from New York on May 28, 2015:

"NON-Domestic Foxes DO NOT MAKE Piece of cake pets. In no way shape or form does a US breed fox (Russian domestic silvers are fantastic) make for an piece of cake to care pet."

I'm interested in this. I cannot find whatsoever breeders of Russian foxes and I'm wondering where yous got yours and what other animals yous've had. In order to verify your information I need more info, otherwise you are just a random person. My article specifically mentions Russian foxes so I don't know what you're going on about.

Do you feel that people can 'handle' hermit crabs, beta fish, and small rodents? Guess what, they only die fast, or prematurely. How many people have you known who've had hermits for at least 10 years? Or betas for 5? Those are 'throw away' pets. So just because these animals practice not wreck homes does not technically make them 'easy' either. What makes a prairie dog whatever different? They are not home-roaming pets and big muzzle does not equal hard care. What is and then 'hard' nigh buying or making a cage?

Do y'all think 'piece of cake' pets don't stop upwards in rescues? ALL pop species take a presence in rescues. It doesn't matter how 'easy' they are. Nigh people eventually reproduce, and if they can handle a infant nearly all exotic pets should be a cakewalk. It's not my mistake that people view pets as breathing playthings, simply to be paid attending to on occasion. If i doesn't desire to a buy a cage they might want to look into sessile creatures.

Like I said, many of them don't even brand it that far because they dice. So peradventure I tin charge y'all of promoting the expiry cycle with your recommendations.

Ellie H on May 28, 2015:

Simply to fix things straight! I take endemic almost all of these animals at 1 fourth dimension or another, so this is coming with personal experience.

NON-Domestic Foxes Do NOT Make EASY pets. In no way shape or grade does a US brood trick (Russian domestic silvers are fantastic) make for an easy to intendance pet. They can climb anything/everything making it necessary to have special outdoor enclosures. They exercise smell (the article mentioned that) like an unbathed/scented ferret. They are mouthy which can be a put off to people. If reared from a pup they can have separation anxiety, and they tend to non exist very social with strangers. They do get forth with about dogs (especially when raised with them), simply are not nearly as easy to train. Potty training is most incommunicable, merely I heard it tin can be washed. They are super spunky and sweetness (to those they like). They are good fun pets if y'all have the fourth dimension/space/free energy/patience. Exist wary they accept a chewy phase just like puppies... except their teeth are a lot sharper!

Other notes: Prarie dogs are super adorable but can wreak havoc if loose (not only of the house, but the surroundings if allowed to breed). They are happy with Big spaces (then again.... non that 'easy') the ones I have owned required much attention.

Honestly.... I would non classify most of these pets as "EASY" to care for. They take fourth dimension/space/understanding/clean-upward. Manufactures like this is why I ran rescues, people think they tin can handle exotics, simply gauge what?! They are not as like shooting fish in a barrel as a hamster (except for about of the smaller mammals listed here).

Easy = Beta fish.... Hermit crab..... Hamster.... Republic of guinea pig (although they are more than social and exercise need more space than a hamster).... Small lizards (admitting first upwards can be expensive).... Arthropods are first-class 'piece of cake' pets, withal they are more than decorative and then 'pets' a tarantula doesn't really care if y'all handle it often or not (merely the owner cares).... I wouldn't fifty-fifty include tortoises on here because rearing a hatchling is hard work! Adult tortoises are little easier but crave space and more food than yous would think..... Adults snakes are easy going (gear up expensive), but again rearing a baby snake has its ups and downs (ordinarily involving shedding).

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on Apr 15, 2015:

That's not bad Samantha, but animals don't go uncomfortable around bugs like humans practice! Grey squirrels, chipmunks, and flight squirrels are possible pets yous can get if y'all have the room for their cage. They are agile and arboreal, different hamsters and gerbils, and then they will need a significant corporeality of space, similar to a bird.

Samantha on April 15, 2015:

I loved this article!!! I had no idea well-nigh half of the animals on hither were thought of as pets! This was such a great read! I'm obsessed with squirrels and accept been researching the possibility of domesticating them but, I haven't gotten anything solid on them yet. I alive in a trailer right now that ofttimes (no matter what i exercise to prevent it) get huge spiders (of many types), palmetto bugs, and large Ants. So I'm actually on the argue nearly even bothering to expect for a fur baby correct at present. In fact, my mother is caring for my dog because I don't want to put my dog in a bad living environment. I live in Florida and would beloved to really look into getting an exotic animal that will thrive even as a pet. I do not remember it is fair or just to get a wild animal based on general marvel so i want to make sure all my ducks are in a row earlier I decide to add together an animal to the family.

person on April 01, 2015:

the fox is then cute if I could I volition probily own one

Tristan Kim on October 19, 2014:

leopard gecko?

Melissa A Smith (writer) from New York on August 07, 2014:

Thank you a lot Lauren.

Lauren Country on August 06, 2014:

This is a smashing commodity! Interesting and informative. The short-tailed opossum is new to me. I would like to look more into that beautiful critter.

Anish Kumar from Mundi Kharar, Mohali, Chandigarh, (Punjab) on Baronial 05, 2014:

" All pets require the owner to provide some degree of care, that of which may non be for everyone." I am suggest with you lot, all pet animals take intendance, and Owner have many responsibility. simply like, health care your pet, diet your pet, something, many resposibilty, Our family unit take an Dog. My Pet name is "Rocky". He is very nice, my pet also take care my house. He is very nice, good look and bonny, If he barks, and then Your barking sound is very loudly and horror for thieves or my enemy. I suggest your think. you are and then grate. thank you to you, for this knowledge. I am happy. Now, I am careful for my pet.

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on July 29, 2014:

Cheers Suhail!

Suhail Zubaid aka Clark Kent from Mississauga, ON on July 29, 2014:

Useful and awesome hub!

Our family friends have an Asian leopard cat that they plan on breeding and making a small business out of it. They are existence truly professional about it, but I do not concur with them. Exotic cats are non for everyone.

I would personally like to have a pet skunk though. Dear those beautiful animals, especially when young pups.

Great hub and voted up!

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on July 23, 2014:

Thanks melbel for commenting. Sounds like a neat pet.

Melanie Palen from Midwest, USA on July 23, 2014:

I have a bengal mix and while she'southward a really beautiful cat (and I honey her spots), she's really loftier maintenance compared to my other cats. Similar other Bengals, she's very song and requires almost constant human attending or she'll go lonely and weep. She'due south a sweetheart, though.

Melissa A Smith (writer) from New York on July 20, 2014:

thranax, I desire a serval someday too. An outdoor enclosure is a must! Thanks.

Andrew from Rep Boston MA on July 19, 2014:

Great hub! There are so many pets around and nearly people would prefer something different from the standard. If I was to ever get a cat I would beloved one of those Savannah cats. While I know they need lots of space and a expert environment, its more of a "1 day" thing oppose to a "mayhap I can get one" thing.

Thanks for sharing!

~thranax~

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on June 26, 2014:

Hi Danelle, thanks for the data. Information technology sounds like Bengals are more similar to dogs. That'due south why they entreatment to me.

Danelle Fellowes on June 26, 2014:

Hi as a Bengal owner I wanted to clarify something yous said. I take twin Bengals now that are merely over a twelvemonth and I would always recommend getting 2 so they accept a constant companion. I have had 1 before and aye he was a high energy Bengal just he could become destructive if not played with and interacted with. All 3 of my Bengals were SBT which is past F3 so they are and in the instance of the 1 I had who died of one-time age at 12 were all domesticated and wonderful pets to own. However this is not a true cat for everyone. Equally stated in your article they are very very active and if that need is not fulfilled they can and volition go subversive. If you lot are interested in purchasing a Bengal for the first time be sure to practice all the research about them to be sure this is the all-time brood for you! Bengals for the most role are not lap cats! They love water and volition play in their water dishes. At that place are people out there who purchase Bengals just for the exotic look and realize considering of their high action that this is not right for them and the poor Bengal cats finish up in shelters. Lastly these cats if brought up properly are wonderful and very loving cats and I would not merchandise my Bengal cats for annihilation. I only recall new or prospective owners need to do research earlier purchasing or adopting a Bengal!

Richard Warren from London, United Kingdom on June 17, 2014:

Skunks is beautiful too.

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on June 09, 2014:

Thanks Kathleen Odenthal!

Kathleen Odenthal from Bridgewater on June 09, 2014:

What a cute and interesting piece! Pinned it to my Hubs to Read board and voted for it!

Melissa A Smith (writer) from New York on May 31, 2014:

MJennifer-- Thank you, I concur with you.

bethperry-- Me too

Beth Perry from Tennesee on May 31, 2014:

Some of those varmints sure are beautiful! I'd dear to have a little fox similar that :)

Marcy J. Miller from Arizona on May 31, 2014:

Splendid overview, as I always expect from your hubs! I'm glad you included scorpions, ane of my own "exotics." (The Arizona Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion, specifically -- very easy for beginners, too!)

Some of the exotics y'all include hither are require levels of care equal to, or even far less, than sure mutual domestic pets -- a scorpion is vastly easier to tend than a dog, and a hedgehog much easier to tend than any of my horses. Information technology's a shame people have such a knee-jerk reaction to the idea of exotics -- merely alas, that's the society we occupy.

Best -- MJ

Ghosty on May 31, 2014:

i Like the idea of having a pet chipmunk

Fawkes Rose on May 13, 2014:

I've always loved foxes and I practise my best to research so I can take one as an add-on to my family. I believe the biggest problem is Fennec Foxes also love to climb.

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 09, 2014:

Thank you Aime F. Fennec foxes are readily bachelor to private owners. Thanks for confirming that hedgehogs are not difficult to treat.

Aime from Trudeauland (it's like Disneyland but hotter) on May 08, 2014:

Interesting article! I retrieve reading nearly foxes as pets in National Geographic a few years ago and thinking it was pretty amazing; I didn't realize 'regular' people really had them equally pets, though. I guess I idea it was reserved for royalty or something. ;)

I have a hedgehog and he'south a breeze to await after. Certainly not expensive as the previous poster so politely suggested.

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on Apr fifteen, 2014:

Anon, information technology'due south obvious you lot didn't even read the explicit information I wrote for the introduction of this article where I mentioned vet bills, my reasons for listing certain species, ect. and scrolled right down to view the list. This is definitely a more fitting definition of 'idiot'. I don't consider any of these animals expensive. Maybe your financial state of affairs is unlike, but most people spend as much or more on dogs as they would with fennec foxes, hybrid cats, and skunks. All the rest of the animals are less expensive. So next time, think before spewing impulsive nonsense.

anon on April 15, 2014:

You freaking idiot, about of the animals on this list are very hard to give proper, healthy care and are EXTREMELY expensive, not just in initial cost, but in food, enrichment, housing, and medical bills.

This commodity is dumb.

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on February 01, 2014:

Hi Phyllis, I don't meet why your situation wouldn't exist appropriate for an exotic, you lot just need to know what you lot're in for; high energy, plenty of 'quips' that might be irresolvable, the fact that in that location is a possibility the play tricks may not bond to all members of the household to way you hoped, ect. You need to be ready to adapt to the challenges a non-domesticated pet may come with. A dandy source to read about these animals would exist a group on yahoogroups called FennecFox, just the board is largely dead. It pays to read the old messages and proceeds insight on what owning an fauna similar this may entail. Information technology would help leaps and bounds to accept a spacious muzzle/room for an exotic to play in to expend energy. Here is a beginner's care sail: http://www.juliesjungle.com/documents/Fennec%20Fox... If y'all however think a fennec might be for you contact a breeder and ask plenty of questions up until a kit is available. Good luck.

Phyllis on January 31, 2014:

Trying to find some more in-depth research on having a fennec as a pet. Could you recommend any good sources? I'yard besides curious to know if they are the blazon of pet that would be good for a stay-calm mom homeschooling a few WELL behaved children who know how to respect animals. If not, perhaps a suggestion? I also take an energetic simply well behaved cocker spaniel that loves other animals, be it my husband's chickens, my girl'due south true cat, or the east Texas fox squirrel that thought I was its mommy. Nosotros accept a serious kind of love for our pets around here. :-) I'm hoping to find an "within" animal, and our dog will be the only other beast inside. Am I barking up the wrong tree here?

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on Jan 27, 2014:

Hullo Archa, await harder and you volition meet that spiders are very cute.

Archa from India on January 27, 2014:

This was very useful for my having-a-pet dream.

Merely the idea you mentioned on 6th point is actually scary.

Chelsi Nicole on December 30, 2013:

I dear the idea of having a play a joke on!

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on Oct 04, 2013:

Thank you a lot Carrie.

Carrie Lee Night from Northeast United States on October 04, 2013:

Another interesting hub and voted up as such :) I always said I wanted a skunk (de-scented of course) because I read they have beliefs similar to a cat. Don't know if they are legal in the state I'1000 in and hav'nt done enough research to actually see if information technology would make a practiced pet or pet choice that fits our lifestyle. Thanks again. Have a wonderful week

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on September 27, 2013:

What Pewp? They don't autoplay for me??

Pewp on September 27, 2013:

In the future, don't have 5 youtube videos automobile-play.

Eiddwen from Wales on September 17, 2013:

What a wonderful hub which I vote up and share.

Eddy.

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on September 07, 2013:

Cheers rdsparrowriter.

Rochelle Ann De Zoysa from Moratuwa, Sri Lanka on September 07, 2013:

I like cats, but non the other pets you've mentioned. I find this article interesting.

Melissa A Smith (writer) from New York on August 09, 2013:

Somewhat, yes.

Jef from Philippines on Baronial 09, 2013:

The bengal true cat looks squeamish! Looks like a baby leopard.

Source: https://pethelpful.com/exotic-pets/easy-care-exotic-pets

Posted by: youngwermell.blogspot.com

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