Pets are very personal possessions and a person’s choice of pet is often influenced by their preference. So what one person considers the best pets to keep at home may not be the same for another. However, there are certain pets that pet owners often choose over others. This article reveals these top pet choices and why people think they are the best.
Generally, some of the reasons why people own pets include companionship, entertainment, and emotional support. From traditional cats and dogs to more exotic animals like snakes and birds, pets can be a source of joy and love for their owners. It is not enough to own a pet. It is also important to care for them.
When’s National Pet Day?
National pet day is the 11th of April of every year. It’s a good day for pet owners to show love to their pets, especially those who are always busy. Of course, you should show love to your pet every day. But national pet day is a day to celebrate them specially.
10 Best Pets To Keep at Home
If you do not already have a pet already and you are stuck trying to decide, this list of ten best pets to keep at home will guide your buying decision. You will learn almost all about the pets and why you should or shouldn’t keep them. They are arranged in no particular order.
1. Bird
Birds are social and intelligent pets that can offer hours of entertainment with their singing and talking. There are different type of birds for pets. Some birds require a lot of attention while others do well with little human interaction.
Some of the type of bird pets you can get are parrots, doves, cockatiels, canaries, and budgies. They are ideal for people who have a lot of time to devote to their pets in house.
No matter the type of bird you choose, ensure that you provide a cage with enough space for its wings. usually, they do not take up much space.
2. Fish
Fish is one of the best low-maintenance pets you can find out there. They are one of the best pets to keep at home because they are noiseless, cheap and easy to care for.
If you need a pet but feel you may not have enough time to give it attention, you can get the best fish as pets. Just remember to feed it and change the water regularly. Another advantage of owning a little aquarium is that watching your fish can help relieve stress. They are great for relaxation.
If you consider getting any type of fish pets, go for freshwater fish like Betta fish and goldfish. Those that survive only in salt water will be more difficult to maintain due to the nature of their habitat. Other type of fish for pets you can get are tetras, guppies, platies, and molly fish.
3. Rabbit
If you want a pet you can cuddle with aside from a dog or cat, a rabbit is a great option. Rabbits are gentle, intelligent, and playful. they are also good pets for kids. but you will have to teach the kid how to handle them gently.
Also, when well trained, a rabbit can reach for its cage and food without help. Some of the things you can feed it are hay, bread, carrot and apple. Bear in mind that rabbits can be quite messy. So, you should be ready to clean regularly to prevent odour.
Some of the best rabbit breeds pets are Mini Rex, Dutch Lop, Dwarf Hotot, and Mini Lop.
4. Dog
What is a pet list without man’s best friend? Dogs are incredibly loyal and make great companions. They are intelligent, and playful, and can offer you great emotional support. Owners often train their dogs to be good at different things from running errands to providing security. And they also share a strong bond with them.
However, dogs are high-maintenance and you should only get one if you have enough time to care for it. Although pugs (a breed of dog) are relatively easier to care for, they are still high-maintenance compared to some other pet animals. But given the population of dog owners, it seems that the benefits of owning a dog outweigh the hassle of caring for it.
5. Cat
The second most popular pet after dog is cat, and for good reason. They are low-maintenance compared to dogs and are independent. They are also cheaper and feeding them costs lesser.
Like dogs, cats offer plenty of affection to their owners and easily form a bond with them. This makes them one of the best pets to keep at home. Cats can sleep for up to 14 hours a day and their favourite napping spot is often someone’s lap.
The British Shorthair cat is one of the best low-maintenance breeds of cats with a calm and friendly personality.
If you love gardening like you love pets, check out these helpful guides on gardening
6. Reptiles
Some of the most common pet reptiles are bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and snakes. While they have their unique features, one thing they share in common is low-maintenance.
They are also a good choice for new pet owners who are comfortable with reptiles. They are fascinating to watch and are ideal for people who are interested in exotic pets.
However, if you are not comfortable with reptiles, the idea of owning a snake might be scary. Some good pet snake for beginners includes corn snake, California kingsnake, rosy boa, gopher snake, and ball python.
7. Ferret
If you are in need of some energy around you, get a ferret. Ferrets are playful, energetic pets that can offer you plenty of entertainment. Because they play a lot, they may playfully nip you. You have to train them to stop.
They also like to crawl through anything from boxes to hoses and pipes. Ferrets are fragile pocket pets. So you need to handle them with care.
Like cats, they sleep long hours daily—up to 20 hours a day. But whenever they are awake, they are very active. Although little, ferrets need a lot of attention due to their hyperactive nature.
8. Hamsters
This is one of the best pets to keep at home for kids. They are cute, cuddly, cost-effective and easy to care for. Hamsters can do well on their own and they also love to play and interact.
These little nocturnal creatures can be messy so you need to clean their cage often. You can keep your pet occupied by installing a hamster wheel in its cage. Also, do well to supply enough food and water to it.
9. Guinea pigs
Guinea pigs are among the best pets for family and children. They are social, friendly and low-maintenance. Unlike ferrets, they do not bite. And they are not as messy as hamsters.
Guinea pigs need a lot of vitamin C so you need to make provisions for healthy feeding. They also prefer spacious environments and love companionship.
Hence, you may want to get two of them instead of one. make sure to get same-sex guinea pigs as they prefer the company of same-sex.
10. Tortoise
Although not very common, the tortoise is a good choice for a long-term pets for at home. They live up to 50 years. Also, they are noiseless, entertaining, child-friendly and easy to maintain. just make sure you provide enough food as it has a big appetite and eats lots of veggies.
Tortoise also needs enough space to move about. So make a sizeable pen for your pet.
Low-Maintenance Pets
No doubt some pets require more attention than others. If you are a busy person, you probably need a pet that is easy to care for. Some of the low-maintenance pets on this list are:
- Tortoise
- Hamster
- Fish
- Reptiles
- Guinea pig
- British Shorthair cat
What Pets Are Good To Cuddle?
If you prefer cuddly pets, mammals are generally better for such purposes. Some of the pets mentioned above that you can cuddle are:
- Dog
- Cat
- Hamster
- Guinea pig
- Rabbit
Final Words
The best pets to keep at home vary depending on your lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences. Whether it is a cat or a dog, a fish or a bird, or even a snake or a tarantula, having a pet can be a rewarding experience that enhances your life in countless ways.
However, it is also important that you choose a pet to which you can give the attention it needs. Because you will not get the best out of your little friend if you neglect the pets wellness.
Which pet animal will you like to have as a pet? Let us know in the comment section below.
