We might not all be aware of this, but small animals play a very important role in our lives. There were multiple studies conducted throughout time which showed that having a pet in your home can be good for your health and it’s associated with greater longevity and a lower risk of heart disease.
Our little furry friends not only offer us companionship and many adorable moments but they also actively contribute to our wellbeing. However, it’s very important to make sure that you have everything you need in order to ensure a pet’s proper care because otherwise, things such as animals getting abandoned can happen, and that’s never a good nor responsible approach.
With this being said, let’s see what are the most popular types of small pets in order to determine which one is the most suitable for your family. As you already know, these furry creatures come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, and they also have particular needs, so it’s good to get a better understanding before welcoming your next pet.
Gerbils
Gerbils are great pets and they are also fun to watch. Given that they are burrowing animals, they tend to spend a lot of time digging around, which also means that you get your fair share of entertainment. What you should know about these little creatures is that they are very agile and quick, so don’t be fooled in case you are taking them out of the cage.
Children can also learn how to take care of gerbils and they usually find them quite fascinating. However, it’s good to keep an eye on them playing together, as kids might tend to squeeze them too hard given that the small rodents move very fast.
If you have young children in your family, make sure that they interact with the gerbil under supervision, to prevent any accidents. This might not be the best type of pet to get for a kid who needs to learn more about responsibility.
Hamsters
A very popular representative of the small pets category, hamsters are active and fun animals. They are also nocturnal, which means that they are most active during a kid’s sleeping hours. This can prove to be quite disappointing, as during the day they are less active and thus might provide a lot less entertainment.
Another important aspect is that their eyesight is not that great, so they tend to be startled by sudden movements. Also, in case they are disturbed during their sleep, they can also bite, so that’s something that any kid should know before interacting with a hamster. There are several types of hamsters, and each one comes with some particularities.
For example, dwarf hamsters are very sociable and like having company, which means that they can be kept in groups or pairs. Syrian hamsters, on the other hand, are solitary, so they are most comfortable living alone. However, they do need toys to stay entertained, such as the ones found on https://petsinuniform.com/10-best-hamster-tubes-compared-reviewed/.
Mice
Mice are what we call natural explorers. They can provide hours of fun for any family member, given that they love to climb on things and ropes, as well as dash through complex tunnel systems. They are friendly pets and rarely bite, which means that they don’t really pose a threat to children.
On the other hand, they are very small and quick, so kids might have difficulties holding them. They should never be picked up from their tails, especially from the tip, as this hurts and it’s also potentially dangerous for the little guy. Just like any other small pets, mice should be handled with care but, if given the proper care and attention, they can be very nice companions.
Rats
We know that many people don’t even like hearing the word “rat”, let alone having one as a pet in their homes. However, despite the bad publicity that rats got throughout time, they are highly intelligent and social creatures that can become ideal pets for many families. Rats are really into social interactions, which is something that can provide hours of fun for both adults and kids.
Moreover, if they are left alone and don’t get enough attention, they can get depressed. Another important aspect you should know is that rats need more space than other small pets, such as hamsters or gerbils. They also love having levels they can climb, so the cage should be adapted to these needs. Contrary to some beliefs, aquariums are not suitable homes for these little guys.
Guinea pigs
Guinea pigs are great companions for both adults and kids, thanks to their friendly personality. They are fun to watch and play with, also being quite vocal. It’s easy to tell when a guinea pig is excited, happy, angry or sad. The one thing you do need to pay attention to is the cage’s location.
These tiny friends need to be protected from extreme weather, changing temperatures, and even predators if you want to keep them in the garden for a part of the day.
