The five most unpretentious pets for busy people. The smallest pets What are the list of pets

Keeping a pet is a gigantic responsibility that requires a huge amount of hard work and dedication, which, frankly, is not available to everyone. On the other hand, choosing a pet is a breeze, because it usually comes down to choosing between a dog and a cat (or a fish, if you're as mundane as tattered wallpaper). But don't you think it's wrong in some way? After all, the choice of pets should be more than the number of sides of the coin, and if you think so too, you are absolutely right, because it is. In fact, there are dozens of wonderful and completely legal alternative pets that you can go out and buy right now:

10. Mini pigs

After all the ways to make bacon flavored ice cream, perfumes and candles, it's finally time for people to want to have it as a pet. Thus, mini-pigs appeared, hitting the eardrums of men or women everywhere in the world.

Mini gilts are also known as mini gilts, micro gilts and tick-up gilts, but the name is not as important. The important thing is that they are cuter than five puppies hugging a teddy bear at the same time, and are also one of the strongest arguments in favor of switching to a vegetarian diet. However, not only are they charmingly cute faces, they are just as smart, if not smarter than dogs, and develop affection for humans just as easily.

The only negative is that less scrupulous breeders often pass ordinary pigs off as miniatures, which, unfortunately, only becomes apparent when your pink micro miracle turns into a 200-kilogram pig that takes up half your living room. Also, the micro pig mania seems to have been started by Paris Hilton, which lessens the enjoyment of micro pigs a bit.

9. Starling


The common or European starling is a small bird with black and speckled feathers that some people sometimes keep as a pet. In addition, starlings can talk.

Well, not really, to be precise. Starlings actually only have the ability to imitate the frequently repeated phrases and natural sounds of their own environment, which parrots essentially do. But to be honest, if you ever see or hear a talking bird that doesn't look like an immigrant from the Brazilian forest, your first thought probably won't be "Oh my God, what a beautiful example of bird mimicry", but rather "This bird just spoke ? Bring the holy water!”
But the ability to scare your friends and family is not the only reason to keep a starling, as they are very playful creatures and quickly bond with their owners, combining dog-like adoration with the ability to fly and repeat your favorite mats. However, it is worth taking into account the fact that these birds poop a lot, for about 20 years.

8 Imperial Scorpion


The Emperor Scorpion (Pendinus imperator) is the closest creature to a real Pokémon: a 10cm armored arachnid with giant claws and a comically exaggerated stinger at the end of its tail. And you can buy one for yourself today ... and for good reason.

In fairness, emperor scorpions are actually very gentle creatures, which (given their intimidating appearance) practically makes them the Michael Clarke Duncan of the animal kingdom. They don't require extremely much care, and their stings aren't fatal to humans (unless you're allergic to venom), so if you've ever had the urge to own Mother Nature's own miniature embodiment of fear, the emperor scorpion - this is the best variant.

Also, if you put it in the same aquarium as the action figures and turn on the heavy metal, you can recreate the entire plot of the Clash of the Titans remake.

7. Eared hedgehog


Long-eared (or Egyptian) hedgehogs are not only one of the cutest alternative pets, but they are also candidates for the "Easiest Animal to Photoshop" title. But while they may look like the result of a pair of bunny ears hastily placed on everyone's favorite prickly mouse, these prickly bunnies are actually quite real and perfectly legal to keep as pets in most countries.

Hedgehogs are generally considered timid and peaceful creatures, and their big-eared variant is no exception. However, they are considered to be quite difficult pets because they are not as easy to tame as regular pets and you will need to put in a lot of effort to properly acclimate them to an apartment and a person. However, once you do that, hedgehogs are said by many of their breeders to be very interactive and easy to handle, and their only downside is that hedgehogs don't really like to curl up into balls and roll around collecting gold coins. or fighting armies of animal robots.

6. Skunk

Unlike hedgehogs, it turns out that pop culture didn't lie to us about skunk behavior, because pet skunks, like Pepe le Pew, are curious, stubborn, and require a ton of affection. Despite this, they are less harmful, making them a great alternative to dogs and cats. In addition, it is important to note that their scent glands are surgically removed at an early age.

There are many places in North America where you can buy a pet skunk, you just need to make sure that their keeping is legal in your country. In fact, there is no reason not to want to have such a miracle. Skunks are not only incredibly smart, they also love petting so much that they can even turn into "couch skunks" (according to professional breeders), constantly asking to be in your lap. You probably didn’t suspect this about skunks, live forever, learn forever.

5. Madagascar hissing cockroach


On the list of what makes a good pet, cockroaches sit somewhere between rusty razor blades and Siberian wolves. Add to that the ability to make distinct hissing noises, and the Madagascan hissing cockroach becomes more like devastating proof that there is no god...as you should have guessed by now.

Firstly, there is something incredibly cool about having as a pet a creature that can survive a nuclear strike or having its head removed. In addition, the Madagascan hissing cockroach is also an amazing rock climber, able to climb up smooth glass with no problem, making it the insect love product between Wolverine and Spider-Man. Given its rather peaceful nature, it is not surprising that the Madagascar hissing cockroach is often considered an excellent first pet, although in some states of America they require a special license to keep. Also, if you wake up in the middle of the night to your cockroaches hissing at you from a dark corner of the room, you will most likely never stop screaming.

4. Dwarf goat


Do you have a private yard? Are you tired of dogs but want something like them to ward off the inevitable realization that no one loves you? Then let the dwarf goat or goat fill the sadness center of your brain with pure and sugary tenderness.

As the name implies, pygmy goats are tiny versions of nature's favorite bean-eyed garbage packers, and today they are bred exclusively as pets. Dwarf goats are very curious creatures, constantly demanding tons of love and attention, so if you cannot provide them, you need to check if you have not had your heart removed, you are an insensitive monster. Their advantage is not only that they are very sociable and playful, but also that they can adapt to almost any environment / food, so if you cannot love them for their cuteness, you can at least respect them for their survivability like Rambo.

However, it should be taken into account that in most countries they are considered cattle, so it is worth familiarizing yourself with local laws before deciding to get yourself such a charm.

3 Prairie Dog

Prairie dogs exist because someone once bet God that he couldn't cross a puppy with a rat and get something that looked absolutely adorable. That man apparently lost, and prairie dogs continue to populate the Earth and the living rooms of the happiest pet owners on the planet.

Prairie dogs are technically rodents, but their main characteristic is the affection they quickly develop for humans. If a prairie dog is taken early enough, it will immediately mistake you for a mother and become attached to you forever (which is why the Batmans hire Robins at such an early age). After that, according to their breeders, you will live with a hyper active puppy that never grows up, which is exactly what everyone has been asking scientists for the past few hundred years.

2. Sugar glider


Just look at this incredibly charming creature in the photo. This is not a real animal, but actually Mort (Mort), a character from the Madagascar cartoons, voiced by Andy Richter (Andy Richter). But the main thing is that in fact, the sugar glider exists in real life, and you can get it right now, because it is already clear that you would like to have one for yourself. However, if you have already fallen in love with this Australian opossum and named him Sir Fluffy Tail, get ready to shell out a tidy sum, because sugar gliders are still considered exotic animals, which usually cost much more than ordinary animals (this rule also applies to dancers) .
But while they are quite pricey and will cost even more to maintain, their overall level of fluffiness, cuteness, and playful nature may convince you to skip a few dentist appointments in order to truly enjoy owning your very own sugar glider. . And before you ask: yes, they can actually fly short distances through the air.

1. Fox


Would you like to have a fox? Yes? Good news for you then: you can do it, and it's all thanks to the Soviet Union.

The thing is, we've beaten around the bush about the fact that, in fact, any animal can become a pet if tamed. Even the puny Chihuahuas were once powerful wolves, bred to be the size of a pocket rat dog that knows its place and, for that reason, can be kept as a pet. So the question is, why can't we domesticate foxes? Because it will take “hundreds, maybe thousands of years”? Come on, you clearly underestimate the Soviet people and their ability to spit on all sorts of "facts" or "logic". Just look at the Soviet geneticist Dmitri Belyaev, who has been hard at work trying to breed domestic foxes in Siberia since 1959... and he apparently succeeded.

Here's something to understand about foxes: even if you buy a bag of "tamed" foxes in any other part of the world, they will still be wild animals that will pounce on your face and dignity if you try to dress them up in a Robin Hood costume. So what about Belyaev's domesticated foxes? These foxes are just real pets, whose front paws you can freely take and make them dance with you ... although, of course, you shouldn’t do this, and not because it will scare the poor animals, but because it’s how you treat them with an animal worth about 8 thousand dollars, probably not worth it.

If you have children, sooner or later they will start asking for a pet. Which one to choose, so that it would be 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 don't we have a bird, dog or cat? Well, the question will be followed by such familiar words for parents as “Mom, buy it!” or “I want, I want, I want!” Which 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 getting a pet for children under 6 years old, since only by this age the 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 age of the child allows you to have a pet, then you should pay attention to the choice of a pet. You should not make a decision in a hurry or buy at the pet store the animal that the child pokes his finger at. Take enough time to choose an animal, study information about pets for children from various sources, consult with your pediatrician so that later you do not have to give the animal back or there are no unexpected troubles.

When choosing an animal for a child, consider the gender, age, temperament, health of the baby, as well as your physical abilities and the size of the living space. The most common types of pets may not always be suitable for one particular child, so pay attention to exotic types as well.

Who needs a kitten

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

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

If you are considering getting a cat, there are several factors to consider. Allergy is the first thing that can make you give the 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 is likely to pull the unfortunate kitten by the tail, tie rattles to it, or cause inconvenience in other ways, then it is better to refrain from acquiring.

Yet, for the most part, cats are independent and proud animals who are not used to enduring anything. In case 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, these can be patient Scottish Folds or playful Abyssinians. At the same time, cats of different breeds will be ideal for a child prone to tantrums, such children need animals in the first place, as they have a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system.

The best devoted friend is a dog

The dog is man's best friend. An old but very accurate and wise phrase. But by bringing a puppy into the house, you are essentially having another child. After all, the dog needs a lot of attention, these are 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, you should teach the child to treat the puppy so that in the future, when the little animal grows up, he does not remember the baby's past grievances. 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, the larger the dog, the more food it needs, and the more expensive the muzzle and collar, that is, the more money it will take, consider this when choosing a breed.

But the advantages of dogs, of course, are 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. As well as boundless devotion and readiness to protect their owner - these are the undeniable advantages of dogs. In a child, a dog will bring up a sense of responsibility, devotion, courage, teach you to be friends. The main thing is to choose the right breed.

Little rodents for babies

A small child, if he has already persuaded you to buy a pet at the age of 4-5, you can buy a hamster or a mouse. They do not require special care, just 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 the child what happened to his pet. This will not be a big trauma for 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 preschool children. But only at first glance. When this animal appears in the house, sooner or later the mother decides to get to know him, and the rodent will certainly win the favor of even the most strict parent. Like hamsters, rats are picky in care, omnivores, do not require much attention from humans.

Leaving for a couple of days, you don’t have to worry about the rat, it won’t get bored very much, just give it enough food and fill the drinker. Of course, rats have an unpleasant smell, but 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, as she easily remembers the sound of her name.

But when buying a rat, you need to check it with a veterinarian, since these animals are the carriers of the greatest number of infections that are also dangerous for humans. Also, a rat can be aggressive towards other animals, there were cases when a domestic rat bit a guinea pig and even a grown kitten to death, 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 will be bored with fish. You can’t stroke them, you can’t run with them, you can’t take them out for a walk. But an aquarium with fish will perfectly calm the child's nervous system before bedtime or after a school day.

They are easy to care for, feeding the fish is a matter of two minutes. At first, you can clean the aquarium together with mom or dad until the baby learns to do it himself. In addition, the fish do not make almost any 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 how to start breeding fish and how to choose and buy everything you need, read our article.

Feathered friends instead of an alarm clock

A parrot is a great choice for both a teenager and primary school children. Caring for a parrot is basically 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, silent 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 domestic birds. Be prepared for noise and an early rise, as the majority of birds wake up very early, and they definitely will not silently wait for you to wake up.

Turtle is a calm long-liver

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

Unlike hamsters and mice, you can not 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 he will 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 youngest family member. But, of course, it’s 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, and in the end he will have a friend.

It is especially important to have a pet if you are not yet deciding on. If you are afraid to get a pet because of smells, sounds, or any other factors that are unpleasant at first glance, then think about what is more important for you, whether some rustling or chirping can interfere with making your son and daughter happy.

Very often, people living in apartments want to get a pet for their soul or for their children, but they cannot do this because of too small living space or allergic reactions to their wool. You can always get small pets that do not need a lot of space, but an aquarium or a cage will suffice.

In this article, we will get acquainted with the smallest pets that you can have even in a very tiny apartment.

Ants

Ants are considered the smallest and least space-consuming pets. This hobby is becoming more and more popular, so special ant farms are already mass-produced: from the simplest to entire mini-ecosystems. Bred in such formicaria (houses) only certain types of ants, which can be bought at pet stores.

One of the most popular types of small pets are rodents.

Decorative mice

This is the smallest variant of rodents, since the length of their body (without tail) reaches a maximum of 8 cm. There are two types: pure white and colored. It is recommended to keep mice one by one so that they do not breed, or take two mice of the same sex.

gerbils

This rodent can have a body length of up to 12 cm, differs from most tame rodents in a fluffy tail. It is better to keep them in a cage 30 cm high and measuring 30 cm by 60 cm with a wheel installed in it, but daily they must be allowed to run around the room.

Hamsters

There are several types of hamsters that are commonly kept as pets: the Djungarian (the smallest), the Syrian (golden) and several types of upland. Regardless of the species, all hamsters should be kept in a cage, and the larger the cage, the better for the hamster.

dwarf rabbits

At the moment it has become very fashionable to have rabbits at home, but not all breeds remain as small as sellers promise. Dwarfs include: American Fold (1.6 - 1.8 kg), British Miniature (1.1 kg), Himalayan (1.1 - 2 kg), Dutch Fold (1.8 kg), Jersey Woolly (1, 6 kg), mini rex (1.4 - 2 kg).

From rodents at home, rats, chinchillas and even ferrets are often brought up.

or pygmy pigs

It is becoming more and more popular to have small pigs as a pet, which, even as adults, weigh no more than 12 kg and grow only up to 35 cm in length. Now there are several breeds of mini-pigs: Vietnamese Fold, Bergshtresser Knirt, Mayalino, Göttingen, Wiesenau.

African pygmy hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are a fairly new type of domestic animal. Dwarf hedgehogs specially bred for the home are very small in size: length up to 15-20 cm, weight - 300-500 g. You can keep hedgehogs in terrariums, cardboard boxes or in cages, in which a house, stones, toys and sand must be made, for swimming. You can feed such unusual inhabitants with cat and dog food or dry food, vegetables and fruits, boiled meat, insects, etc.

In addition to the listed small animals, you can also have budgerigars, turtles, lizards and silent fish at home. But the small size of the animal does not mean that it needs less care than a large one.

"Buy a dog!" the child pleads. He promises to always, always obey, not bite his nails, clean up his toys and study well at the same time. You are a reasonable person, so you do not believe a single word. But month after month passes, and the pressure does not weaken. "Well, let's buy someone already!" Finally, one of the adult members of the family gives up. Although we are still not talking about a dog - too much fuss. Then the main dog substitutes come to the rescue - pets, XS size. Choose with your child!

Hamsters
Chinese, Dzungarian, Syrian - there are no such hamsters. But the conditions and food they need are almost the same.

These cheekbones are very independent. They like a separate living space, so that no neighbors. An uninvited guest, settled by the owner, "so that the baby is not bored," the toothy baby can bite to death. Well, or vice versa, a newcomer will kill a new friend. Do you need it? But the feeling of loneliness also does not benefit the hamster. That is, the cage should be spacious, but in moderation, otherwise the poor thing will get lost in it.

How many live: about two or three years, some centenarians up to five.

What do they eat: mainly grains (special mixtures are sold in pet stores), lettuce, vegetables and fruits. They eat carrots, beets, pears, apples, but cabbage and potatoes are harmful to them. Hamsters also need protein - meat, cottage cheese, but not more than twice a week. Offer a hamster a branch of linden or birch, and he will understand you correctly - he needs to grind his teeth.

Attention! Do not bathe the baby in water, he may catch a cold. Place a plastic box with sand in the cage where your pet will clean the fur.

Guinea pigs

The ancient Incas were pragmatic people and tamed these rodents not for the sake of a pretty face, but to be eaten. Well, even to sacrifice to the gods. Until now, in the restaurants of Peru and Ecuador, you can find dishes from guinea pigs. True, the animal received such a name only in our country. They called him a pig because he can squeal like a piglet. And since it was brought to Europe, and then to Russia from South America, the Russians began to call it overseas, or sea. Pigs come in different breeds - both long-haired and completely bald, similar to sphinx cats, and wire-haired.

Your pet prefers to live in a cage with a plastic tray that needs to be cleaned regularly.

How many live: with good care 5-10 years.

What do they eat: Guinea pigs need a lot of hay, greens and vegetables. They also eat cereal mixes from pet stores. No need to give the animals milk, cottage cheese - they do not tolerate lactose. Meat will also give them nothing but an upset stomach.

Attention! Don't let the guinea pigs eat your litter. Vitamins of groups B and K are absorbed from them only after repeated passage through the stomach. So whoever is unpleasant to watch - turn away.

degu

This animal came to us from Chile, it cannot stand the cold. The ideal temperature for him is + 25C, and make sure that the cage is not in a draft. Moreover, if he lives in it alone, he will soon become sad and wither - these animals love communication, they need company.

How many live: 5 years.

What do they eat: never feed degus food for other rodents. As a last resort, for chinchillas, but the most proper food for degus is special food sold in pet stores. Also, the animal must be given hay and greens. Keep in mind that all degus are prone to diabetes due to problems with sugar absorption. In no case do not give the animal sweets and even fruits! Delicacy for degu - chokeberry, blueberry, cranberry.

Attention! A degu likes the smell of cigarettes, so when you let the animal out for a walk, make sure that it does not get to the pack.

Chinchillas

These fluffies look like both a squirrel and a rabbit. They have thick beautiful fur, and to keep it that way, the animal needs to bathe in the sand. In his large cage there should also be a special hard stone for grinding teeth, wooden sticks.

How many live: about 10-15 years, some up to 20.

What do they eat: granulate, hay, fruit, bread crusts. In winter, you can give them dried fruits (raisins, dried apricots, prunes).

Attention! With chinchillas, it is better not to walk on the street, where they can easily pick up some kind of infection. Maximum - balcony or loggia. And the animals also shed a lot, the whole room will be in wool, and are subject to the harmful effects of Wi-Fi (they say they even die).

rabbits
It doesn't matter which breed of rabbit you prefer - a lop-eared sheep or an angora, or maybe a lion's head. Recommendations for care are almost the same: if the cage is very spacious, or better - the whole room, if you walk - then on a harness and a leash.

How many live: 5-7 years.

What do they eat: rabbit diet - hay, special grain mixtures, lettuce, cucumbers, carrots. In the spring, include dandelion leaves in your diet. Make sure that the leaves of another grass do not get into the bouquet for the eared, otherwise it will be poisoned. Rabbits should not be given cabbage, nuts.

Attention! Rabbits do not like to be stroked under the chin - they immediately begin to bite.

ferrets

Many years ago, in the homes of Italy and Spain, ferrets were bred instead of cats, they even went hunting rabbits with them. If you decide to buy such a cute little animal, keep in mind that this is a burrowing animal that is constantly trying to climb into any gap, or even better, get stuck in it. Puppies are terribly curious, they try to taste everything. And it doesn’t matter to him that you haven’t even opened this mascara yet, and the owner of the house didn’t have time to print this fresh magazine. And do not forget to hide the wires, otherwise you will be left without a computer with a TV.

A ferret cannot sit in a cage all the time, he needs to move around the whole apartment or at least one room. But the animal will still need a house for shelter. As well as the toilet tray, to which he must be accustomed from childhood.

You can bathe a ferret, but not more than once or twice a month.

How many live: on average 8-10 years.

What do they eat: ferrets are predators, so the basis of their diet is meat (mainly boiled chicken or turkey, pork and lamb are banned). You also need to give vegetables, sometimes cottage cheese, excluding all salty, sweet and milk. The animal will be extremely grateful to you if you treat him with a ferret treat: a frog or worms. Om-Nom-nom!

Attention! Never leave a ferret under an air conditioner or in a car in the sun - they can not stand either hypothermia or overheating.

Alexandra Ulyanova

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

List of decorative pets:

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

decorative dogs

The Yorkshire Terrier is a toy dog ​​breed.

There are dozens of different breeds of toy dogs in the world. All of them are characterized by a common feature - small size, which makes them suitable for keeping even in a small apartment.

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

decorative cats

Scythian-toy-bob is a decorative breed of cats. Photo of the kennel "Smolcats".

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

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

decorative rabbits

Dwarf Rex is a decorative breed of rabbits. Photo of the nursery "Valley of the Winds".

In recent decades, decorative rabbits have become increasingly 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 one has a lion's mane on its head, etc. In general, there are 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 the conditions of detention, and also get used to people well.

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

Decorative ferrets

Domestic ferret, photo by Selbe Lynn.

Initially, they were tamed to fight rats in the house, because ferrets can get them where the cat can't get them. Now they are used simply as pets, which, by the way, respond to the name and are well trained in various tricks.

Ferret sizes: body length from 33 to 40 cm, and weight from 0.6 to 2 kg. On average, their life expectancy, 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, respectively, it can only be kept in a warm apartment and cannot be taken outside in winter. At the moment, the Fenech fox as a pet is not very common, primarily because of the price.

Despite the large 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 in weight. You can read more about Fenech at the link below.

Decorative animal prices

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 of some domestic decorative animals:

• Puppies of decorative breeds - price from $ 150.
• Rabbits of decorative breeds - price from $ 30;
• Fennec fox cub - 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 a rabbit can grow large and not at all decorative).