If you're an animal lover and want to be a pet dad or mom but aren't exactly in the market to adopt cats and dogs – well, we've got news for you, there are a lot of other types of small and big animal species that you can keep as pets. Exotic pets can be a great way to spend your time with something fascinating, funny, and unusual.
However, it is also important to keep in mind that exotic animals aren't exactly your typical animal companions and may require a lot of care or maintenance – but some aren't that hard to keep as pets. There's a whole range of different animals such as reptiles, birds, insects, and amphibians that you can keep as pets.
While depending on how big or small they are you may have to make some changes in and around your home – from adding space to giving those animals more attention than you would a dog or a cat, there is one thing you can be certain of, such animals are nothing short of extraordinary.
So without further ado, let's explore some of the best uncommon animals that you can keep in your apartment or house.
List of Some Interesting and Cute Exotic Animals You May Consider Keeping as Pets
The Pygmy Goat
The number one on the list is the adorable pygmy goat. These are small versions and gentler species of your average and notoriously moody goats and are very simple to manage. Plus, Pygmy goats are incredibly social animals and can form a fun and lasting bond with humans with considerable ease.
However, to keep a pygmy goat as a pet, you would require a considerably larger space. They can't be kept inside small flats or apartments. So, if you live in a house that has a front lawn or a backyard, a pygmy goat can be a perfect pet.
However, if you do have enough interior space, you will have to set up an enclosure for them to run around and play with their toys. Plus, they love to climb so you're going to have to be extra careful with them so that they don't end up wrecking your furniture. Pygmy goats have very unique personalities akin to cats and dogs, but these goats can be docile and independent.
In addition, it is also important to know that pygmy goats can get lonely, and it is not recommended to keep them as solo pets. You will need to get another companion for them as they may be prone to getting depressed.
Rabbits
You'd be surprised to know that there are up to 50 different types of rabbit breeds found in various parts of the world. However, most breeds are spectacularly friendly and social. An excellent reason to keep one or two rabbits as pets is that they don't necessarily need a bigger space to run around and frolic, which means you can keep them indoors if you live in a flat.
In addition, just like dogs and cats, you can even litter-box train rabbits. Plus, rabbits also like to groom themselves and don't make a lot of noise. They are docile creatures that love to hop around and eat.
However, one consideration you may like to keep in mind is that rabbits like to gnaw on things and are prone to digging. This means you will need to ensure all your electric wires are rabbit-proof. Plus, make sure not to leave your rabbit in a carpeted room or they will dig the heck out of it. Consider getting a standing desk for them to hop and rest on. Place it near a window so that they can get some sunlight.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs have a lot of energy and love to socialize with human beings. Plus, they are not difficult to handle and maintain. In addition, they don't make a lot of noise, all these small, furry creatures do is make soft sounds, which are not going to keep you up all night or disturb your neighbors. Because of their small size, they too can be kept as pets in a flat. Just be sure to get them a cage a bit bigger than them where they can sleep and eat food.
Guinea pigs, like rabbits, also like to run around, which means you will need to ensure all your wires and accessories are kept in a safe position so that they don't get curious and gnaw on them.
Axolotl
One of the cutest aquatic creatures in our opinion, axolotls are a smaller species of traditional salamanders and are mainly found in Mexico. That makes sense because axolotls are also referred to as "Mexican walking fish". Despite their name, these creatures are not fish.
They have a colorful appearance, with unique gills, a smiley mouth, and a cute tail. What is fascinating about axolotls is that they have the innate capability to regenerate their limbs and at times, they can also regenerate different areas of their brain.
These aquatic creatures are very playful and social, and you can, in time, train them to eat from your hand. Plus, if you work from home, you can get a height-adjustable
desk, place an aquarium right next to it, and work while easing your stress by looking at these creatures as they relax and swim around.
The Bengal Cat
Bengals cats aren't your traditional domesticated felines. They are as big as traditional house cats, the Bengal cat is extremely beautiful, which is also why they are a bit on the pricier side when you go to buy one. But what's great about these exotic felines is that they can quickly adapt to living indoors and will also socialize with other animals such as cats and dogs.
Plus, they don't need any special care or attention. However, they are pretty affectionate creatures and may also be smarter than the average house cat. Moreover, this species of cat, unlike so many others, likes water! You can take them along for a swim.
