Many people say captive exotic animals are "not pets" because most are much less affectionate with their owners than domestic animals, but this not always the case. Increasingly, Canadians are choosing to adopt cute and cuddly exotic animals because they, too, can make friendly and fun additions to your life. Like larger deer, muntjacs can be flighty. Ferrets ~ These pets can be smelly because of their glands. Most domestic cats and dogs love to be around their owners. This applies to other animals. It might surprise some to learn that North Carolina does not have laws to prevent people from keeping exotic animals as pets. Budgerigars are among the most commonly kept as pets… The more popular small pets, such as rabbits, ferrets, rats, and guinea pigs also display a high degree of affection. But if you want an … Here's a quick breakdown of the most friendly and affectionate animals that make great friends for your journey through life: This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Sure, all animals are awesome. Everyone is familiar with kangaroos and most with wallabies. Learn about the best choices for children. 17 Rare And Exotic Dogs Breeds You May Not Have Heard Of. Can these animals, often called "wild animals," form a similar bond with humans? So, keep on reading and find out about all of the cuddly pets that are easy to take care of from our list! Cute and Cuddly Exotic Pet #2: Bengal Cat Despite its name, the Bengal cat is not related to the Bengal tiger in any way. Just like wallabies, these cute, little pocket pets require a bonding period where you will carry them around in a pouch for several hours per day for a few weeks, starting when they are a few weeks old. You should interact with your pet during the start of its waking hours around 7 pm, and it should have plenty of space and enrichment to explore when you go to bed. For owners who are willing to invest time and care into an exotic pet and can arrange for spacious outdoor housing, a wallaby is an excellent pet and 'surrogate child'. In the wild, male coatis are solitary while females live in groups called bands, but in captivity, both sexes are inquisitive and playful with humans, seeking out and requiring their company. If you are looking for an exotic pet that's easier to care for than most exotic mammals, skunks fit the bill, although most people will find them more difficult than standard traditional pets. For example, we consider cats as domestic pets. Still, this pet … If you bottle-feed a wallaby and raise it attentively, they will become extremely affectionate pets. Aside from these issues, they are affectionate pets, although not very cuddly. These animals can be very friendly and even extend their human interest to strangers, which is uncommon for exotics. On the exotic side of things, the Kinkajou is a rare and special kind of mammal in the world today. Learn more about Cuddly Creatures Inc. Indoors, they require carpeting, otherwise, they will have trouble walking and resemble Bambi from the famous "ice-skating" scene. Even though the chances of a pet skunk that is kept indoors will contract rabies is close to zero, they will still be confiscated and euthanized for rabies testing if they bite or scratch someone and that incident is reported. Also called honey bears due to their diet that includes nectar and honey, these animals will be found to be adorable by most people. They also require a large cage with lots of ledges & ramps to play on. Cute and Cuddly Exotic Pet #1: Kinkajou Kinkajous are naturally found in the rain forest and are listed as being at "lower risk" by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Skunks can be mischievous and energetic, so rooms will need to be 'skunk-proofed' before they can free-roam. It gets confusing because most 'carnivores' eat plant material anyway. Rather, they are hybrid cats that are the result of cross-breeding between house cats and exotic cats. As they are nocturnal, the cage for your kinkajou should be a very large walk-in dog kennel or some other similar enclosure. “Pocket pets” are what people call small domestic animals such as gerbils, hamsters, ferrets and rabbits. These tiny rodents will snuggle with you as well. Exotic pets might seem appealing, but the reality is often smelly, difficult, and sometimes dangerous. Many people opt to adopt a pocket pet as opposed to a dog or cat because they … ), but exotic animals that are legal.And while some exotic pets, such as monkeys or llamas, are high maintenance, there are a host of exotic animals … Sometimes people misjudge these exotic pets as wild animals as they seldom miss interpret their signals. Despite the animal’s soft-sounding name, this was not a particularly cuddly murder. Log in, This error message is only visible to WordPress admins, 10 Cutest Babies of Exotic Animals Living in The Desert, Animal Cuteness Battle – Slow Loris vs Sugar Glider. There are many videos showing how muntjacs love to give their owners "kisses". And yet insects are fascinating nonetheless. No, we’re not talking lions and tigers and bears (oh, my! Like exotic animals, cats often have their signals misinterpreted. Kinkajous are very sociable in captivity and rely on you for their mental well-being, particularly when kept alone. A bit expensive & it is an exotic pet so they require some extra care. If you’re looking for a child-friendly small pet, guinea pigs are ideal. by Kaelin Tully. In fact, they demand similar time and attention that newborn infants require when young. These animals might strike fear in most people for their smelly reputation, but in captivity, they are de-scented and make for intelligent and cuddly pets when raised properly from youth. Green aracaris are said to be the easiest toucan species to raise and they literally like to snuggle with their owners. “Carolina northern flying squirrel” by U.S. Before you consider buying a kinkajou, like most exotics, their pet quality will positively correlate with how well they are cared for. In captivity, skunks have been so prolifically produced that they come in different color morphs. Featured Image via DooDoo. These alternative animals just have their own sets of traits that humans might be less likely to recognize as affection. However, there is a catch. CUDDLY lets you help Rescue Animals by giving donations or much-needed wishlist items like food, supplements, and toys. But do you know that cats have many similarities with wild animals even more than domestic animals? thinkstockphotos.com. Animals that form that extra bond with their owners and enjoy cuddling and interacting with them are distinguished by the term companion animal. Just be sure that flying squirrels are not purchased with the expectation that they can be left alone a lot like hamsters and gerbils. Some variations of Bengal cats include kitties called the toyger, the Serengeti, and the … We've all seen those headlines about people's pet … Eric Farmer from Rockford Illinois on February 16, 2018: I never heard of Muntjac Deer or would have thought of keeping them as pets. Hi Melissa I liked your list but the coati is an omnivore, both in the wild and in an enclosure. homepage. Dr Mark from The Atlantic Rain Forest, Brazil on February 07, 2018: Yes, there is a lot of argument about that because most carnivores are also plant eaters, and a lot of "herbivores" will not turn down meat if they find it. If the owner does not have ample time for them, they should have at least two squirrels or choose another species. If you’re not a dog or a cat person, but if you truly love animals, an exotic pet may be right up your alley. For more, check out these related articles! As far as pets go, most of us will opt for fluffy puppies and kitties; oddly enough though, Florida animal laws allow you to have some pretty exotic animals as your cuddly companions. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Hand-raised aracaris will seek out this comfort from you, but they will also happily sleep in a soft hanging ferret tent. Marco Zanferrari (CC BY-SA 2.0) Via Flickr. Some states may require a permit, though. ... Sugar gliders are cute AND super cuddly. These are the ultimate in low maintenance pets… Coatimundis are somewhat large, 10-pound carnivores that will require a decent-sized enclosure and constant attention before they can become what most would consider 'cuddly' and affectionate, but when raised right, these animals are very much so. Here at some Pets, we do not condone owning any of these animals … They have an affinity for human companionship, especially if they are kept alone, and will seek you out for playtime. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Ferrets love to cuddle … Melissa cares for a variety of exotic animals and has completed a certificate in veterinary assisting and a bachelor's degree in biology. 15 Dogs And Their Exotic … There are many other wonderful types of pets that you can adopt which are great for entry-level pet ownership and make cuddly pets for an apartment. Hedgehogs can be very nervous around people and will curl up tightly in a ball in self defense. Still, there are some exotic pets that exhibit a clear reciprocal bond with their human owners that everyone will understand. Exotic pets can be beautiful, unique, and some can be trained to do tricks, talk, or retrieve items for you. Kinkajous are active and nocturnal animals that need an outlet for their energy. They also serve as lovely companions! Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on February 07, 2018: OK, I'll change it. A possible choice for a small cuddly pet is the hedgehog if properly socialized and tamed. Many owners of kinkajous find them to be very interactive and affectionate pets when they are raised by humans from a young age. In 2009, a pet black bear named Teddy killed one of its owners. ManNewt--if she was referring to the taxonomy of the coati she would have said "they are of the order Carnivora". landingpages … “The issue is they’re cute and cuddly when they’re small, and … If these needs are not met, they can be prone to "spontaneous" aggression. Inappropriate behavior should be met with a verbal command and immediate ending of the play session. Some people keep these animals as house pets, although this can be a challenge. Kelly Ann and Michael Walz lived in Pennsylvania, and Michael had previously held a license as an exotic pet … Certain Exotic pets are unfortunately endangered species and others are illegal to own. Kinkajous have been reported to "attack" their owners. If you are looking for an exotic pet that's easier to care for than most exotic mammals, skunks fit the bill, although most people will find them more difficult than standard traditional pets. Wallaby owners generally carry the young joeys around in a makeshift pouch or sling to truly bond with their babies. These cute little critters are naturally … Improper care and pent-up energy can exasperate these issues but animals should also be expected to have hormone-induced behavioral changes that will need to be dealt with accordingly. Dr. Mark I think she meant carnivore as in its taxon. Exotic pets are animals that can be considered rare or unusual and are kept by humans as pets, but which generally would be thought of as wild species. CUDDLY helps all animals have a healthy life and a loving home. CUDDLY lets you help Rescue Animals by giving donations or much-needed wishlist items like food, supplements, and toys. Cute and Cuddly Exotic Pet #1: Kinkajou Kinkajous are naturally … 11 Cuddly Pets That Are Easy to Take Care Of Budgies (Parakeets) Budgies, aka Parakeets, are excellent and cuddly pets, as they’re fun-loving, exuberant and insightful. Shirley Urso-Farmer from Michigan on February 08, 2018: I've always wanted a pet skunk, and I have the patience to train it, but I wonder; has anyone on H.B. If you successfully raise them this way, expect a highly affectionate pet that will thoroughly enjoy being around you and scampering around your clothing. While some animals like fish, reptiles, and small birds are not meant to be interacted with, they are considered pets just the same. These cuddly mammals are legal to own in most states such as North Dakota, California, Delaware, and Hawaii. Generally, pets that require a large enclosure and outside-of-cage time like … There’s no reason why an animal that is considered exotic can’t be just as affectionate, if not more, than the most popular domestic pets. Step aside, the ferrets and chinchillas have arrived. I saw a video of a deer eating meat after a forest fire. 8. If you are looking for a truly unique pet that is still cute and cuddly, you might want to consider one of these top 5 cute and furry exotic pets. CUDDLY helps all animals have a healthy life and a loving home. However, hedgehog owners who work with their pets … Next on our low maintenance pets that like to cuddle list is another exotic animal: the ferret. For monkey lovers, the Chimpanzee is an awesome exotic pet to own. There are a few major things to consider before buying a skunk: “Wallaby” by vijay chennupati is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Perhaps the most desired type of pet is one that enjoys its human's company so much that it finds pleasure snuggling and relaxing in their midst. Skunks are illegal in most states because they are rabies vectors. What about the more unusual exotic pets? Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region is licensed under CC BY 2.0. But only dogs are pawesome. A properly cared for and socialized kinkajou will be very affectionate and perhaps cuddly. Cats have a lot more in common with many so-called wild animals than they do with other domestic pets. ... Cockroaches are not cute or cuddly, and they are not interactive or responsive like mammals. Muntjacs can also be destructive with a need to chew on everything. 17 Lovable Pets That Aren't Cats Or Dogs. Like the other animals on this list, pent-up energy from lack of space or attention will result in a frustrating experience for the owner. 21 Dogs Groomed Like Exotic Animals And Fictional Characters. 's has ever owned one? Animal Rescue and Adoptions in Manalapan, NJ, and search the available pets they have up for adoption on Petfinder. You will need to find a vet with exotic animal experience and spaying/neutering is highly recommended to avoid unwanted urine marking. The cuddliest small pets are Havana rabbits, Siamese cats, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. 9 Low Maintenance Pets That Like to Cuddle The animals that are the lowest maintenance that is the most affectionate include Bombay cats, golden retrievers, hedgehogs, chinchillas, guinea pigs, hamsters, and Himalayan bunnies… An exotic pet can be a good pick for a family pet if all the pros and cons are considered. READ MORE: Top 15 Most Exotic Animals Owned As Pets … Many birds are very affectionate and most people are familiar with the intelligence and highly social nature of parrots, but toucans, or specifically the smaller aracaris, are quite cuddly birds. Deer, in general, can be very friendly towards humans, including white-tailed deer that are raised by them. Celebrities from Michael Jackson to Salvador Dali have popularized the idea of owning exotic animals as house pets. People want companion pets because their affection and neediness reminds us of human babies. Muntjac deer are small cervids about the size of a medium dog. ... Like many other exotic pets in Canada, … Rather, they are hybrid cats that are the result of cross-breeding between house cats and exotic … And even if your ferret doesn't like to cuddle when they're awake, they sleep up to 18 hours a day … Exotic Pets to Avoid . Kinkajous are monkey-like and tree-dwelling relatives of raccoons, and their care is about as involved as one. This is due to the fact that they nest with their flock members in the crevices of trees. What is a pet?