What kind of pets are there. Interesting facts about pets

On the pages of our site, we have repeatedly talked about small breeds of dogs. However, there are other small pets besides them. For example, decorative rabbits follow in popularity right after dogs and cats, and then there are chinchillas, hamsters, parrots, etc. Below we will tell you in order about decorative pets, giving their names and photos.

List of decorative pets:

In addition to these, there are other pets, but they are less common. First, let's get acquainted with the most popular pets.

Decorative dogs

Yorkshire Terrier is an ornamental dog breed.

There are dozens of different breeds in the world decorative dogs... They are all characterized a common feature - small size, making it suitable for keeping even in a small apartment.

These dogs are often much smaller than a normal cat. For example, we will give the maximum weight of popular breeds: Yorkshire Terrier - 3.1 kg, Chihuahua - 3.5 kg, Russian Toy - 3 kg.

Decorative cats

Skif-toy-bob is a decorative breed of cats. Photo of the Smallcats kennel.

Even ordinary cat breeds can be called decorative, because they weigh 6-8 kg on average. Although there are those that grow to the size of a small dog and weigh 15 kg.

But there are also small cats, such as the Singaporean and the Scythian-toy-bob. The latter is considered the smallest breed of cats in the world, usually its adult representatives weigh from 1 to 2.5 kg and are no more than a 4-month-old kitten of an ordinary breed.

Decorative rabbits

Dwarf Rex is a decorative breed of rabbits. Photo of the Dolina Vetrov kennel.

In recent decades, decorative rabbits have become more and more popular. Due to their small size (usually they weigh from 1.5 to 3 kg), beautiful appearance and lower maintenance costs, many choose these pets.

Domestic dwarf rabbits are different - some are lop-eared, others are sharp-eared, the third has a lion's mane on its head, etc. In general, there is plenty to choose from. Among other things, rabbits are usually cheaper than kittens and puppies.

  • Breeds of decorative rabbits - photos, names and descriptions.

Decorative chinchillas

Decorative chinchilla (photo by Fine_plan).

The chinchilla is a rodent that looks like either a rabbit or a huge mouse. These animals come with a long and short tail, have a beautiful fur coat with various colors, are unpretentious to keeping conditions, and also get used to people well.

Thanks to these factors, chinchillas are liked by many pet lovers. They are comparable in size to many decorative rabbits - the body length can reach 35 cm.

Decorative ferrets

Domestic ferret, photo by Selbe Lynn.

Initially, they were tamed for fighting rats in the house, because ferrets can reach them where the cat cannot reach. Now they are used simply as pets, which, by the way, respond to the name and learn various tricks well.

Ferrets have a body length of 33 to 40 cm and a weight of 0.6 to 2 kg. On average, their lifespan, like that of decorative rabbits, is about 7 years. Among other things, ferrets, like dogs, can be walked on a leash.

Decorative fox Fenech

Domestic fox Fenech.

Such an unusual pet came to our homes from the deserts of North Africa, so it can only be kept in a warm apartment and cannot be taken outside in winter. At the moment, the Fennec fox is not very common as a pet, primarily because of the price.

In spite of big ears the overall dimensions of this fox are small - from 30 to 40 cm long, up to 22 cm in height and no more than 1.5 kg of weight. You can read in more detail and Fenech at the link below.

Prices for decorative animals

Many would like to get themselves, for example, a Fenech fox, and not a decorative dog. However, such an exotic pet is quite expensive. Here are the approximate prices for some decorative pets:

  • Decorative breed puppies - price from $ 150.
  • Rabbits of decorative breeds - price from $ 30;
  • Fennec fox - price from $ 2000.

The indicated prices are relevant for nurseries, if you buy a pet on the market it will be cheaper However, then there is no guarantee that you will get exactly what you buy (a dog or rabbit can grow large and not at all decorative).

A few thousand years ago ancient man took the first steps to tame wild animals in order to use them for their own purposes. And today it is already difficult to imagine our life without pets, as if they have always been faithful companions of people. Initially, man sought to obtain something valuable from animals, providing them with shelter and food. However, according to anthropology, in ancient times they also served as a source of aesthetic pleasure.


Pets are animals that a person has tamed by caring for them and providing them with food. All domesticated species and artificial breeds bred on their basis were used for the purpose of obtaining material gain or pleasure. They became good companions for a person, brightening up his life. The breeding process of animals is easy even outside natural conditions. By controlling it, people create breeds with the desired properties.

Interesting! Alternative medicine has long recognized the ability of animals to heal humans. Cats are the most successful at this. Scientists explain the effectiveness of cat therapy by the ability of this animal to create a unique electromagnetic field with low-frequency currents thanks to its fine and soft wool. This allows the cat to act on the source of inflammation and pain, to destroy germs.

Scientists have proven that stroking an animal is not only pleasant, but also useful. In the course of bioenergetic contact arising in this case, the central nervous system of people receives special impulses that cause positive emotions and improve mood. Therefore, communication with cats is especially important when psychological disorders and stress.

Types of pets

Pets are conventionally divided into two groups.

  1. The first includes agricultural species used in everyday life and allowing you to get natural products and materials. For example, goats and cows provide a person with food: milk and meat, as well as wool and skin. But horses, despite the appearance of various mechanisms, are still used as a labor force for transporting goods and a means of transportation.
  2. The second group unites all animals that people bring in primarily for communication and leisure. Cats, fish, rodents and dogs are just a few of the household pets. Like agricultural species, they can also be used for material gain. For example, many breeds of cats and dogs are highly valued in the market, so some owners are engaged in breeding and selling offspring. But most often such pets, first of all, become full-fledged family members and a friend of a person. They help to cope with bad mood, fight loneliness and stress.

The most devoted friend of a man living at home is a dog. There is an opinion that, unlike cats, she is more attached to humans. Cases are widely known when, after the death of the owner, the dogs did not find a place for themselves, yearning, and even died, unable to endure separation. Likewise, many people have a hard time losing a pet to become a full family member. On average, dogs live about 10 years, so you need to be prepared for the fact that the animal cannot always stay close.

When deciding to get a dog, you should also know that it needs constant care. Regular walking and feeding are just a small part of grooming. It is important to immediately decide on the breed, because each has its own characteristics. The nature of the animal and what kind of care is required depends on them.

Dogs of decorative breeds are brought up exclusively as pets: for the sake of pleasure and communication. They don't do any work in a person's life. These include, for example, lapdogs, Yorkshire terriers, miniature pinschers, and Pomeranian. Some of them were bred from large dogs as a result of reproduction with a decrease in size. With proper upbringing, representatives of decorative breeds are non-aggressive, pleasant to talk to, and easily come into contact with people and other animals. They are also very trainable.
One more large group breeds are formed by dogs that were originally used as hunting and guard dogs: shepherds, spaniels, cops, poodles, greyhounds, dachshunds, bull terriers. Gradually, many of them began to play exclusively the role of pets, like decorative species.

Interesting! The smallest dog in the world is the Chihuahua, whose weight can be only half a kilogram. At the withers, it reaches 10 cm. But the most major representative the English Mastiff was recognized among the dogs. The weight of males of this breed exceeds 100 kg. With their impressive size, English mastiffs have a rather peaceful character and get along well with children.

Along with dogs, cats are also referred to as "companion animals." She is appreciated both for her sociability and for her ability to catch rodents. The life expectancy of cats, like that of dogs, averages 10-15 years. But unique cases are also known.

Interesting! There are also long-livers among animals. So, one cat in the UK is already about 40, which by human standards is more than 170 years old! Her predecessor, also listed in the Guinness Book of Records, lived to be 38 years old.

Today there are a large number of cat breeds. The main feature in their classification is usually the length of the coat. Many breeds have their own unique characteristics. So, the Scottish Fold cats are characterized by their characteristic bent ears, the Canadian and Don Sphynxes are completely devoid of hair, but the representatives of the Cornish Rex have it curling. Crossbreeding between wild and domesticated species has allowed for such interesting breeds as Savannah and Bengal cat.

Farm animals

The greatest benefits in everyday life are brought to a person by farm animals. Most of them are able to live not only in favorable conditionscreated by humans, but also adapt to different changes, thanks to which they are bred almost everywhere. These types include sheep, horses, cows, pigs... Some farm animals such as camel or llamaon the contrary, they can only live in certain geographic areas. For this reason, keeping them in other areas is more difficult, as it is required to create conditions close to natural.

Farm animals provide people with natural products: milk, eggs, meat. Leather and wool, down and feathers are highly valued. The most consumed meat is pork. It is also often considered the most delicious, as compared to beef, for example, it is more fatty and softer. Pigs are quite unpretentious in terms of keeping and feeding, they give large offspring, therefore they are most often bred for slaughter. In addition to meat, bristles and skin are obtained.

The cow is the breadwinner of the family, as the Russian peasants said. Every day she is able to give several liters of milk, from which fermented milk products, butter, and cheese are then obtained. Man has achieved success even in the domestication of insects - bees, thanks to which he was able to obtain honey, propolis, wax.

Interesting! More and more people, for various reasons, have recently given up meat, becoming vegetarians. However, blindly following this fashion trend is extremely dangerous to health. Meat is a source of essential amino acids. They are needed for the construction of antibodies that provide protection against pathogens of various diseases, including cancer. When you refuse meat, the body stops receiving essential amino acids, immunity decreases, which causes the development of infections.

On the farm, animals also participate in agricultural work, transport weights and people. Horses are commonly used for this purpose. At stud farms, they are kept and bred to participate in horse races and equestrian sports. Horse lovers just communicate with them is a great pleasure.

Domestication of animals


To this day, little information has come down about the domestication of wild animals, but it is known that a dog is considered the first tamed pet living in a house. In ancient times, she played the role of a companion for humans. Thanks to its excellent learning and training abilities, the dog eventually began to guard the house, participate in hunting and grazing. In some countries, attempts have been made to tame the weasel to combat rats and mice. However, she did not get used to life in captivity, and over time, she was replaced by cats.

Interesting! Whether cats are fully domesticated remains an open question. They still retain the habits of their wild relatives, although for many thousands of years they have already lived next to humans. Unlike dogs, they do not attach so much to a person, remaining independent. According to one point of view, for cats, coexistence next to humans is only an opportunity to live in good conditionscontinuing to hunt birds and rodents. But it is believed that this proud animal, like a dog, is able to establish emotional contact with the owner and feel a sense of affection.

It is believed that most domestic animals originated from representatives of those living in the wild. The ancestor of cattle was the tour. But it is not known exactly who the dog came from. It could be a wolf, jackal, or even a coyote. The wild sheep, mouflon and mountain sheep are considered the ancestors of the sheep. The exact time of domestication of animals has not been established either. The rock carvings testify to the fact that in ancient times man had domesticated pets. However, when exactly this happened is still a mystery.

Breeding pets


Domesticated animals breed well in captivity. Their offspring do not need to be tamed again. From birth, pets adopt the habits of the mother and easily make contact with humans. In the case of farm animals, reproduction is an opportunity to get more valuable products. But the appearance of offspring in cats and dogs is often undesirable for the owners. Therefore, many owners castrate and neuter their pets.

Breeders have long enjoyed the ability of pets to reproduce easily through crossbreeding. It allows you to breed new breeds with the desired properties. Work with farm animals is mainly carried out to increase their fertility, food potential, and weight. For example, in the middle of the last century, the goal was set to obtain a dairy-meat breed of cows that would quickly gain weight. This is how the Kostroma breed appeared. The goal was achieved: cows give a record amount of milk (about 10,000 kg per year) and meat.

Breeding work is also carried out to obtain breeds that can live in specific conditions. In the desert steppes of Kazakhstan, sheep gained weight poorly due to poor food. Therefore, it became necessary to get a new breed that would be able to adapt to such difficult conditions, to fatten fat well in them. As a result, Edilbaev's sheep were bred.

Interesting! Dwarf animals are often not a mutation, but the result of painstaking work of scientists. A miniature cow breed bred in India requires much less housing and feeding space. At the same time, the animals retained their productivity. In terms of quality, their milk and meat are no worse than products obtained from ordinary cows. But mini-pigs are a decorative breed of pigs. Their mass does not exceed several tens of kilograms, while ordinary pigs can weigh several hundred! The small dwarf pig is shy and requires special care. But if you tame him, then he becomes affectionate and obedient. The mini pig can be fondled like a cat or dog. Unlike these animals, it is unpretentious in food, does not shed, and its short coat does not cause allergies. This is the ideal pet for those who choose an active lifestyle, because daily walks are a must for the pygmy pig.

When taming your pets, it is important to remember that you should be responsible for them, provide them with proper care and surround them with care. Then pets will become reliable friends and helpers of their owner.

If you have children, sooner or later they will start asking for a pet. Which one to choose so that it is good for both people and pets?

If your child already understands that birds, dogs, cats, fish, mice can live in a house or apartment, then, naturally, the question will be asked: why do not we have a bird, dog or cat? Well, the question will be followed by such familiar words for parents as "mom, buy!" or "I want, I want, I want!" What pets are the most attractive, useful and safe for children? Let's get to know everyone.

What is important to consider when choosing a pet

In this case, first of all, parents should focus on the age of the child. Doctors and psychologists do not recommend having a pet for children under 6 years old, since only by this age a child begins to understand that an animal is not an insensitive toy, it, like a person, feels pain, needs care, nutrition, rest, etc. ...

If the child's age allows you to have a pet, then further attention should be paid to the choice of a pet. You should not make a decision in a hurry or buy that little animal at the pet store that the child pokes his finger at. Take enough time to choose an animal, study information about pets for children from different sources, consult with your pediatrician so that you do not have to give the animal back or unexpected troubles arise.

When choosing an animal for a child, consider the gender, age, temperament, health of the baby, as well as your physical capabilities and the size of the living space. The most common types of pets may not always suit one particular child, so look for exotic species as well.

Who needs a kitten

In the descriptions of pets for children, there is no division among pets into women and men, only cats are worth special attention here. No, cats are not contraindicated for girls or boys, but for girls they are more useful. If a girl grows up in a city and never spends time in the house where the cat lives, then it makes sense to have a kitten.

The secret lies in the strange and rare, but dangerous disease of toxoplasmosis. It is dangerous mainly for unborn children, that is, for the fetus of a pregnant woman. And precisely in order for the fetus not to die from toxoplasmosis, a woman in childhood should at least spend some time with a cat or a cat, play, stroke, live in the same room. In this case, Toxoplasma, once it enters the child's body, stimulates the production of antibodies, which in the future will protect this girl's infant from a rare disease. We have already written about the other.

If you are thinking about getting a cat, then you need to consider several factors. Allergies are the first thing that can make you give your kitten back to the store or, God forbid, leave it on the street. Also, the aggressive temperament of the child will not allow the cat to take root in your home. If you understand that a son or daughter will most likely pull the unfortunate kitten by the tail, tie rattles to it or cause inconvenience in other ways, then it is better to refrain from purchasing.

Yet, for the most part, cats are independent and proud animals that are not used to tolerating anything. In the event of a bad attitude towards themselves, they will be able to stand up for themselves, or they will live in constant fear. But there are also cat breeds that are suitable for an active child, it can be patient Scottish Fold or playful Abyssinians. At the same time, cats different breeds will be an ideal option for a child prone to tantrums, such children need animals in the first place, since they have a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system.

Best loyal friend is a dog

A dog is a friend of man. An old, but very accurate and wise phrase. But by bringing a puppy into the house, you are essentially having another child. After all, a dog needs a lot of attention, this includes vaccinations, and walks, and feeding, and training, and bathing. Therefore, having chosen a dog of a suitable breed, immediately prepare the child for the fact that caring for the animal will be his responsibility.

Safety is also very important, the child should be taught how to handle the puppy so that in the future, when the animal grows up, he does not remember the old grudges. Another disadvantage of keeping a dog is the financial side, since you will have to buy food if you want to raise a healthy animal. And, accordingly, than more dog, the more food she needs, as well as the more expensive the muzzle and collar, that is, the more money it will spend on it, consider this when choosing a breed.

But the advantages of dogs are, of course, invaluable. What are some walks in the fresh air, and even with a four-legged partner, if, of course, your child will participate in this. And also boundless loyalty and readiness to protect their owner are the indisputable advantages of dogs. In a child, the dog will bring up feelings of responsibility, devotion, courage, and teach to be friends. The main thing is to choose the right breed.

Little rodents for babies

For a small child, if he has already persuaded you to buy a pet in his 4-5 years, you can buy a hamster or a mouse. They do not require special care, it is enough just to feed the rodent twice a day and clean the cage a couple of times a week. Perhaps breeding small animals will be training to get a more serious animal.

The downside is that rodents do not live long, 2-4 years, so be prepared to explain to your child what happened to his pet. This will not be a major trauma to your little one at an early age, but it can seriously injure an older child.

A domestic or laboratory rat is perhaps the most unloved creature by mothers, but a suitable animal for children preschool age... But only at first glance. When this animal appears in the house, sooner or later, mother will decide to get to know him, and the rodent will certainly win the favor of even the most strict parent. Like hamsters, rats are picky about grooming, omnivorous, and do not require much attention from humans.

Leaving for a couple of days, you don't have to worry about the rat, it will not get bored too much, you just need to pour it enough food and fill the drinking bowl. Of course, rats have bad smellbut not as strong as, for example, guinea pigs. If you periodically bathe the animal and often clean the cage, then the smell is practically not felt.

The rat is a very intelligent and sociable creature. Having become attached to a person, she will play with him, you can even let her run around the apartment, at the first call she will come running to you, since she easily remembers the sound of her name.

But when buying a rat, you need to check it with a veterinarian, since it is these animals that carry the greatest number of infections that are dangerous to humans. Also, a rat can be aggressive towards other animals, there have been cases when a domestic rat bit to death a guinea pig and even a grown kitten, so you need to be careful.

Home aquarium with fish

Fish are ideal for restless, hyperactive children. On the one hand, it would seem that such a child would be bored with fish. You cannot stroke them, you cannot run with them, you cannot take them out for a walk. But an aquarium with fish will perfectly calm nervous system baby before bed or after school.

It's easy to take care of them, feeding the fish is a matter of two minutes. At first, you can clean the aquarium with mom or dad, until the baby learns to do it himself. In addition, the fish make almost no noise, which is sometimes very important for parents. But keep in mind that interest in fish can quickly fade, so be prepared for new requests to buy a new pet.

For details on where to start breeding fish and how to choose and buy everything you need, read our article.

Feathered friends instead of an alarm clock

The parrot is a great choice for both teenagers and primary school children. Caring for a parrot is generally simple, you just need to add food, monitor the presence of water in the drinker and sometimes clean the cage. A parrot is a good choice if you have a calm, quiet, or even melancholic child.

A beautiful, bright active bird will attract the attention of a bored son and cheer him up. But pay attention not only to parrots, but also to canaries, because these are one of the most domesticated birds. Be prepared for noise and early waking up, as the majority of birds wake up very early, and they certainly will not silently wait for your awakening.

Turtle is a calm long-liver

If you decide to present an animal as a gift to your child, then you can consider a turtle as a pet. Pros: she does not need to be walked, she does not make noise, does not leave hair in the apartment, and cannot injure a child. Turtles easily take root in a new home. Also at proper care you do not have to be afraid that the child will be upset because of the death of his pet, since turtles live for 20-40 years.

Unlike hamsters and mice, you don't have to be afraid that the turtle will run away from the child under the sofa, you can even take it with you for walks. But there is a risk that an active child will quickly get tired of the turtle and start asking for a new pet.

In any case, before finally deciding which animal to choose for a child, all factors must be taken into account, and not just the desire of the younger family member. But, of course, it is better to get at least a small animal, because taking care of it, the baby will gradually become accustomed to responsibility, learn to appreciate and love, in the end he will have a friend.

It is especially important to have a pet if you are hesitant about it. If you are afraid to have a pet because of smells, sounds or some other unpleasant at first glance factors, then think about what is more important to you, whether some rustling or chirping can prevent your son and daughter from making happy.

Useful Tips

Pets not only bring a special atmosphere to the family, but also help the children who care for them, learn responsibility... If you do not want to have a cat or dog, and if you do not have much space in the apartment, then you should think about smaller pets.

There are many cute little animals in the world that can become your pets. But before you bring such an animal home, you should carefully study their character and habits. Not all of these creatures can be hugged and hugged.

Choosing a pet for your child should also be based on how old your offspring is. Surely kids can learn responsibility by caring for and communicating with the animal, however, experiments can end in disaster for both the pet and your child.

That is why we present you with a list of ten furry and not very potential pet candidates for your child. You just have to read the information provided and choose the pet that suits you the most.

Pets

Hedgehogs


© Comstock / Photo Images

Hedgehogs are the cutest little animals that really need the least attention from you. However, it should be borne in mind - if you rarely contact such a pet, then a hedgehog is able to become quite aggressive, bringing a lot of problems.

Hedgehogs are made for you if you like independent animals. They are loners by nature, and usually lead a corresponding lifestyle. It is better to keep a hedgehog in a cage (as for rabbits), but do not forget - they are great at climbing, and why close it with a lid so that the hedgehog does not slip away.

Hedgehogs mainly eat food for cats or dogs, however, periodic addition of eggs, insects, vegetables and fruits, and cooked meat to the diet is necessary. Besides, hedgehogs need to be bathed regularlykeeping them clean.

You should also be aware that hedgehogs are very susceptible to various diseases (at least compared to many other animals), so caution is worth exercising. Hedgehogs are great pets for older children. If you pay more attention to hedgehogs, they become quite obedient and sociable.

Guinea pigs


© Life On White

Guinea pigs are hardly unusual pets. These cute creatures, who are often turned on for their very friendly and sociable characterare at the same time one of the largest rodents.

Adult guinea pigs can grow up to thirty centimeters in length. They are very cute and love to connect with their owners and other guinea pigs. They live on average from five to ten years. These are the best animals to start teaching children of all ages to care and responsibility.

Guinea pigs are much less temperamental than, for example, hamsters, and they are much less likely to bite you. However, they need constant care. The diet of pigs should consist of special pelleted feed, hay, as well as vegetables and fruits.

Pet stores sell portable cages for guinea pigs, in which you can add various accessories (houses) so that your pig has a place to hide. However, wheel fitting is not recommended for guinea pigs, as your pet can easily injure the legs and back.

Hamsters


© DeirdreRusk / Getty Images

Hamsters are extremely popular as pets because of their cute appearance, fluffy fur and relatively low maintenance costs. They usually easy to be picked up, although some of their types small size can be quite restless, especially females.

Larger species, such as the Syrian hamster, are more peaceful and better suited for your kids, who will probably want to babysit them. In addition, large species of hamsters are not as gentle, rather obedient and, if I may say so, more well-mannered.

On the other hand, hamsters are also quite self-sufficient loners, so they need such adaptations in the cage as tunnels, passages and wheel to maintain health. Also, they don't necessarily need partners.

However, the disadvantage is the short life span of hamsters - from two and a half to three years. It means that you have to be mentally prepared to the worries of your child due to the death of a pet. By the way, hamsters are predominantly nocturnal, most dormant for a day.

Our smaller brothers

Rats


© Pakhnyushchyy / Getty Images

Perhaps a rat is not the first thing that comes to your mind when your child suddenly wants to receive a pet as a gift. In vain. The rat is supremely sociable and intelligent animalthat needs minimal maintenance.

In addition, they are very playful and love to tinker with all sorts of toys, balls, strings and can even have fun with a roll of toilet paper to their delight. So rats are the perfect little pets?

It turns out so. In addition to friendliness, intelligence and sociability, they demonstrate great affection for their masters... In other words, be prepared for the fact that your children will also kindle to them in reciprocity.

Rats have a wonderful memory for such little creatures. They are very unpretentious in food, although you can also purchase the most suitable food for them in the appropriate stores. However, like hamsters, rats have a very short life cycle of two to three years.

Gerbils


© Svetlanistaya / Getty Images

Gerbils are collective animals that form colonies in their natural environment. That is why it is recommended to keep them in small groups - from two to four individuals. But don't be alarmed - they are very inexpensive to maintain.

They prefer mixed meals, very often making rather large reserves of food (if the opportunity arises). They can be picked up and stroked, but it is worth doing this very carefully, since gerbils are extremely delicate creatures, they can easily be harmed.

There are a very large number of species of gerbils, but at home they often contain the so-called mongolian gerbil... These animals are big clean and practically do not smell. Unlike hamsters, gerbils are not nocturnal animals.

They are quite independent creatures, so they can well entertain themselves for a long period of time. The life span of gerbils is rather short - from three to four years, for which it is worth preparing mentally in advance.

Ferrets


© bilbot / Getty Images

Ferrets are extremely active, eerily inquisitive and eminently agile animals. At the same time, they are very cute in appearance and have a fluffy coat that is very pleasant to the touch. They live longer than many of their smaller brothers. - from eight to ten years.

As soon as you let the ferret out of the cage, he will immediately begin to rush around the house, studying every nook and cranny, so they should not be left unattended outside the cage. If the ferret is outside, someone must look after him, otherwise you will be tortured to look for him later.

They definitely need more attention than rats or hamsters, as they don't feel very comfortable if they are in a cage all day. It turns out a rather paradoxical situation - ferrets should not be left unattended outside the cage, but keeping them in a cage all day is undesirableeven if you are not at home.

Ferrets willingly walk into arms. They will not bite you, unless, of course, you accidentally harm them. These animals can play with you or your children all day long. They acquire their cute special attractiveness somewhere closer to three years.

Chinchillas


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Of all the fluffy pets on this list, chinchillas are the fluffiest. Their fur is thick and silky. Thanks to this, chinchillas probably the nicest to take in your arms, to stroke.

On the other hand, the chinchilla does not really like being squeezed. Better give her the opportunity to run around your home. An adult chinchilla reaches a length of up to 30 centimeters or even more, and, moreover, females are larger than males.

Chinchillas practically do not emit an unpleasant smell. And even their discharge doesn't smell for several days. These cute animals live from 10 to 15 years old. The colors of the fur of these creatures range from the lightest tones to black as soot.

Chinchillas don't need much attention. They feed on special food, which can be freely purchased at pet stores. It is better to start male chinchillas in pairs. But the females of these animals are loners, so they can be kept one at a time.

Pet for your child

Cancer hermit


© David Clarke / Getty Images

The hermit crab is far from the most common pet on this list of recommended pets. However, they are very well-mannered and very inexpensive to maintain, so they are perfect for this role.

This is a very peaceful, calm animal, not at all like those pets that you want to take in your arms and pet. The hermit crab is best watched from afar as it moves slowly in its aquariumburrowing into the sand to hide his sophisticated muzzle there.

Many of us or our friends and acquaintances have pets. Most often, these are cats, dogs and aquarium fish.

Who else is in the TOP 10 pets?

1 Cats

This animal rightfully takes first place in this rating. According to various research centers, their number was more than 200 million, as pets. Although some scientists cite figures such as 500 million or more. Regardless of their number, most people can say that the cat is their favorite animal. This is a great achievement for such small animals that have not changed over the centuries.

2 Pisces


Oddly enough, these are not dogs or birds, but aquarium and other types of domestic fish. Their number is roughly comparable to the number of cats. Actually, this is only due to the fact that even in a small home aquarium, dozens of these beautiful waterfowl can be kept. There are over 28 thousand species of fish. Of course, in the assortment of a pet store it is difficult to find at least a tenth of them. But nevertheless, today you can often find the species we like among those who like to breed fish.

3 Dogs


These truly loyal animals, although in third place, are the majority of people who prefer dogs. In 2007, in America alone, there were over 72 million domestic dogs. The popularity of the dogs was due to their loyalty to the owner and a high degree of learning. It is also worth considering that in many countries of the world these animals help people in various social services, rescue and law enforcement organizations.

4 Birds


The most popular in Asian countries, where, unlike other regions, poultry farming has been practiced for many thousands of years. Canaries, peacocks, ostrich parrots, chickens, turkey are just a few of the many different types... Do not forget about such a noble occupation as falconry. Now this event has moved more into the status of sports and is not so widespread, but several centuries ago it was really popular.

5 Horses


For several generations, these beautiful and noble animals have been the most popular in the world. In the Middle Ages, horses were the only means of transportation around the world, were used as helpers in household... Actually, even now, in some villages the horse is still an integral “family member”. Although this is most likely a rarity and a curiosity, horse riding as a hobby and sport has been actively developing in recent decades in many countries of the world.

6 Rabbits


Many people perceive rabbits more as food than as a pet. But this is most likely from ignorance. Today there are about 40 pure breeds and almost as many different hybrids. Decorative rabbits, for example, for keeping in an apartment, have many different shades of wool and come in different sizes. Popular as pets, they have become due to their pleasant character and ease of care.

7 Turtles


Not so popular, most likely it can be attributed to the exoticism of turtles. Although, only in the United States, their number exceeds the figure of 2 million. There are more than 250 species in total around the world, but many are not entirely suitable for home keeping due to their habitat. Also, many species are listed in the Red Book and are endangered. Due to these factors, the sale of turtles to private hands is prohibited in some countries.

8 Hamsters


These small, fluffy, cuddly rodents are very popular with children. Due to their low cost and ease of care, they do not burden their owner. They are mostly nocturnal, so some people associate them with motionless and little active creatures. Although this is far from the case. With the right content and affectionate attitude, they become very tame, some species even lend themselves to training.

9 Ferrets


Also referred to as rodents, like rabbits with hamsters. However, in some countries their content is illegal. The reason for their illegal status is their ability to harm their owner. Thanks extremely sharp teethare often classified as wild animals. Despite this prejudice, many people enjoy having these active animals. There is, however, another factor in their not-so-popular popularity. This is a specific odor of the glands, which not everyone wants to put up with.

10 Guinea pigs


Small fluffy animals native to Peru. By the way, there they are not pets, but are used for food. Their number is approximately equal to the number of ferrets. There are various breeds, the main difference between them is most often the size of the animal itself and the length of its wool. An interesting feature of guinea pigs is that they can adapt to the lifestyle of their owner. To be more precise, they have an active lifestyle just during the waking period of the owner.

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