Most people prefer common pets like cats, dogs, parrots, and goldfish. However, some pet owners have unusual preferences and see the world differently, appreciating things that others overlook. These owners keep pets that are hard to believe. Regardless of your opinion on unusual pets, it can be interesting to learn about them. This article explores some of these strange animals.
Spiders
Across the globe, individuals keep spiders as pets inside their households. These arachnids serve several purposes, including acting as a pest deterrent and producing venom for medicinal use. The commonly preferred species of pet spiders are orb-weaver and garden spiders.
When these spiders are kept indoors, they can typically be seen hanging on their webs from the ceiling during the night. For those who choose to keep garden spiders as pets, they commonly provide them with crickets as a source of food. They make for an interesting pet option, especially for those who are usually frightened by spiders.
Snakes
To put it mildly, keeping an African rock python as a pet can be intriguing. Just like any other pet, this python requires regular meals and rest. However, it has a specific preference when it comes to its food. It particularly enjoys consuming unfrozen food containing minuscule meat bits.
When it comes to sleeping, snakes have different temperature preferences from humans, which poses a challenge in ensuring their comfort without incurring expenses on additional cooling or heating systems. However, one of the advantages of owning an African rock python is that they enjoy sunbathing on rocks and logs as well as feeding on small animals such as mice.
Crocodiles
The idea of having a crocodile as a pet might seem like a humorous notion, but it seems that it’s actually quite simple and trouble-free to take care of- as long as you don’t mind a certain level of danger. Crocodiles have a great fondness for water and can spend lengthy periods of time in their spacious pool at your residence, giving you ample opportunity to tackle your other tasks.
Crocodiles can be peaceful, but their behavior can turn hostile when provoked. They enjoy meat in their diet and require a spacious enclosure. Nonetheless, they are suitable for individuals who want an unusual pet that can provide an element of excitement.
Owls
It is true that owls make an unusual choice of pets. While dogs and cats can wander outside independently, raising an owl requires a great deal of attention and instruction before they can be allowed to fly on their own. Additionally, taking care of owls requires specific instructions, as they feed on rodents or chicks, need their water refrigerated daily, and spend most of their time sleeping.
The expression “night owl” is believed to have originated from the behavior of these birds which are active during nighttime and require 12 hours of rest during the day. This implies that owning an owl requires a significant level of responsibility and commitment, so it’s advisable to avoid it if you’re not prepared for the task.
Hippopotamuses
Hippos need a large area for their survival along with abundant food supply. To maintain their health, a plot of land covering five acres and an ample amount of fresh water is necessary. Although hippos are known to be solitary creatures who prefer being alone, it also signifies that they are not suitable as pets if you seek a companion who is socially or interactively active.
Most of their time is spent in water, making it challenging to provide a suitable habitat at home. Furthermore, their weight exceeds 3,000 pounds, imposing a significant responsibility on animal lovers. Once they reach maturity, they require an enclosure that is twice as long as a city bus and almost three times as tall.
Giant Beetles
The big beetle is an atypical choice for a pet. Generally, it remains tranquil, but in the event it becomes restless, it has the capacity to bite which can result in severe discomfort. Its typical source of sustenance comes from potatoes, however, when kept indoors, it consumes less nutritious foods; it compensates by incorporating calcium-enriched breadcrumbs in order to prevent malnutrition-related health issues.
Various species of beetles such as Hercules beetles, stag beetles, leaf beetles, and flower beetles can be domesticated as pets by people. While some of these beetles such as the giant beetles can grow up to 2 inches, the majority of adult beetles are typically around 1 inch in size. They usually seek shelter in dark places like burrows to rest.
Kangaroos
There are individuals who have successfully incorporated kangaroos into their household. However, as these animals require ample room, and are difficult to train, they necessitate more attention and care compared to other pets.
If you choose to adopt a kangaroo as a pet and raise it alongside humans, it’s important to provide the same level of care you would offer any other domestic animal – this entails making sure they have access to food, water, medical attention, playthings, and affection. Kangaroos typically have a lifespan of 12-14 years when kept in captivity, and this is a factor you should consider while deciding to adopt one.
Tortoise
An atypical pet choice, tortoises can make a suitable addition to a compassionate household that is willing to provide the necessary attention. Proper care is essential for their well-being, which includes unique dietary requirements beyond what typical pets would consume. Additionally, certain varieties of turtles rely on sand or dirt to serve as body filters, making it crucial to offer this element in their habitat.
For an appropriate habitat for these reptiles, it is necessary to have a container that contains water, food, a place to hide, a space to climb and protection from the direct rays of the sun. Although Tortoises can live longer than other pets at home, some perish before the age of 40, while others have a lifespan of over 100 years.
Apes
Certain primates have a tendency to become quickly provoked and may resort to biting or scratching. They call for specific attention, which includes the construction of a customized habitat. However, it’s also essential to teach them how to be self-sufficient without becoming overly dependent on human assistance.
Due to their potential aggression, it is advised to avoid allowing children to interact with them as they may receive bites or scratches. Furthermore, an experienced owner who is familiar with primates is required to care for them properly.
Reindeer
Reindeer, which share a general appearance and horn style with deer, are categorized as ungulates in the animal kingdom. They have a close relation to North American Elk. If one happens to be your pet, it may indicate its agreement by nodding or shaking its head in a gentle side-to-side motion.
Despite being categorized as domestic animals, they need a greater amount of space than what a regular household can accommodate. To illustrate, if you were to keep your reindeer indoors similar to a cat or dog, you would have to provide it with a spacious enclosure where it can move freely, graze on outdoor plants and escape through fences if required to exhibit its natural behaviors.
Foxes
Converting! Wait…
Although foxes may appear to be a perfect combination of cat and dog, they are actually quite intricate animals and require specific care.
Raccoons
Raccoons have a playful and inquisitive nature that requires ample room to frolic and play. While they are quick to adapt to new environments, caring for them requires significant effort and upkeep.
Although raccoons cannot tolerate extreme temperatures and are highly susceptible to respiratory infections, they cannot live outdoors. If you want a raccoon as your pet, it is important to have adequate knowledge of how to care for them.
Hyenas
When a hyena is trained, it can be gentle and playful with people. One must have a large enough enclosure to keep a hyena as a pet since they can’t be restrained like domesticated animals. If not properly trained, they will tear up the house with anything and everything in their path. However, when handled by an experienced handler or trainer, hyenas make for excellent companions.
They are loyal pets and will always greet you at the door like a dog. Hyenas are also good watchdogs, alerting you of strangers near your home without fail. They have some drawbacks, though: hyenas emit a very foul smell and can harm humans unpredictably, so it is not recommended that you get one as a pet if you have children or other small mammals around your home.
Lions
A lion is one of the many unusual pets people own. In Saudi Arabia, Humaid AlbuQaish bought a pet lion. It is fond of its meals, which include honey, chicken, and beef. The owner likes to flaunt how unusual he is for owning a pet lion. He loves to show people videos of a lion at home and drinking tea with him as an ordinary house cat would do.
The videos also include his lion licking ice cream off the cone as if it was nothing but an ordinary day! Sometimes, the lion walks around the neighborhood with its owner, so it can look around and get used to its environment. The lion definitely attracts attention.
Alligators
The alligator Rambo is owned by Mary, who has trained it to be docile. Besides being allowed inside the house, Rambo is allowed free rein of Mary’s one-acre yard for sunning and exploring purposes. As a result, this unique pet has been an entertaining source of interaction with the curious public for many years.
Though she admits that it’s not always easy to raise a scaly animal, she says that it is possible to live comfortably with an alligator as a pet with patience and understandingly
Bobcats
Rocky the Bobcat is not your typical pet. Ginny, his owner, faces complaints every day because of Rocky’s mischief. However, she has had him for five years, and he has never caused any harm to her or anyone else in that time span.
Although she could have lost her job over this, Ginny consciously decided to stand by her beliefs and take responsibility for her decisions. Ginny does not want to be judged by society for owning a bobcat, but rather judged on the quality of care she provides for him.
Polar Bears
One of the most impressive pets on this list is a polar bear. As you might imagine, owning a polar bear is not to be taken lightly, and many people are against the idea of keeping one as a pet. This is because their food needs dramatically differ from winter to summer. In addition, they are huge and require a lot of space, so they can’t be kept in typical enclosures or small apartments.
Agee, the polar bear, was adopted by Mark when he was eight weeks old after being rescued. He was warned about his unusual diet, but decided to take him home anyway — even though he had already outgrown his enclosure! Despite all these challenges, Agee has developed quite a personality — he loves to purr around his owners and will follow them as any other pet cat or dog.
Lemurs
There are some unusual pets, and celebrities are no strangers to them. Kirstie Alley has shared that she owns several beloved lemurs as pets. Kirstie Alley initially resisted having lemurs as pets because she thought it would be too difficult and that her lifestyle was too hectic for them.
However, Kirstie’s idea turned into reality when a friend offered her two lemurs, which she named Buddy and Boo Boo. She soon found herself with 14 lemurs after being told by a vet that they were highly social and could get lonely without company.
Capybaras
Melanie and her husband, Richard, are the owners of a capybara named Gary. Gary has a swimming pool to cool off during the hot summer months. Melanie considers Gary’s pool to be a splash zone for her mischievous pet! Melanie also mentioned that their son wasn’t a fan of capybaras until she brought Gary home and showed him how gentle he is. She explained that capybaras are just like any other animal.
They’ve always been told stories from other people who owned capybaras about them escaping from enclosures or chewing through things when they’re bored. He doesn’t chew on anything unless you give him something yourself. The couple hasn’t had any problems with Gary since bringing him home, which is why they believe that all other stories are made up of former owners who didn’t take good care of their animals.
Scorpions
Yes, owning a scorpion is possible, but only if it’s not dangerous to humans. Unfortunately, these creatures can be very hazardous to people allergic to them. Scorpion owners should be careful, especially when handling the scorpion, and wear thick clothing like gloves that could prevent stings.
The one in the picture, though, looks at ease, resting on the back of the hand of the owner. It undoubtedly looks impressive, but we just hope that the owner is never at the receiving end of a scorpion sting.
Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches
The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach is one of the safest bugs to have as pets because they’re very gentle. They require a large enclosure and lots of humidity, but they can make fantastic pets with minimal effort on the owner’s part.
These roaches need about 60% humidity for optimal comfort, and the temperature should be between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re considering adopting a pet, we recommend looking into these Madagascar hissing cockroaches first because they don’t require much work!
Wolfdogs
There are many things that people don’t know about wolfdogs. Wolfdog’s owner, Kelly, has cared for the pet, Loki, for many years. Kelly shared some information on how to train and own wolfdogs, such as food bowls being moved out of the bedroom and advice on working on their barking.
Loki became Kelly’s family and even changed from being wild to tame after being around his new owners. After raising Loki for many years and working on dealing with his barking, Kelly has advised on what people should expect when owning a wolfdog as a pet.
Kinkajoust
Kinkajous are tough to train; even the best find it hard to contain them. You will need to spend a lot of time with your kinkajou to learn about their specific behaviors and special needs that might go unnoticed by untrained owners. The kinkajou’s diet is also essential, as they need fresh fruits, vegetables, insects, and small animals such as mice or eggs.
One upside to training this unusual pet is that they’re relatively easy to clean up after because they typically use one corner of their cage for waste. But, overall, they demand a lot of patience, time, and energy. Nevertheless, Kinkajous make great pets if you are prepared for the responsibility.
Fennec Foxes
A Fennec Fox is playful, needs exercise, is social, and is perfectly safe to live around. What more could you want in a pet? An owner shared that the famous critter got its name from the North African desert fox because of its huge fennec ears compared to its body size.
However, if you are considering adopting it as a pet, be aware that this animal needs a lot of care and attention, so it doesn’t become lonely or irritable. If properly cared for, Fennec Fox could be an excellent pet.
Miniature Donkeys
Miniature donkeys are pack animals, so they should be with other mini donkeys or at least other donkey friends. They can grow to become as big as mules and are not very heavy. A miniature donkey can live up to 40 years if they’re well cared for. When the miniature donkey is born, it will weigh around seven pounds and grow up to two feet tall!
These animals need their hooves trimmed every six months, but don’t require their nails trimmed as horses do. It’s advised that if someone plans to adopt it as a pet, they should go for a pair, as these animals start feeling lonely quickly on their own.
Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs make good pets. Some pros to owning a hedgehog include the fact that they are affectionate, calm, and low maintenance. This pet requires very little care, and your hedgehog will also love being out in the sunshine.
Keep in mind that due to their sharp quills they do need some extra care and caution when handling. But, as long as you give them lots of love and warmth, that shouldn’t be a problem as they’re usually only dangerous when agitated.
Skunks
Skunks love to play and require little care. Once their scent glands are removed they make for excellent as they love to play and are good company in general.
For people considering a pet skunk, make sure you know the laws of your area before going out and getting one. Once you get a skunk as a pet, you must keep it because with the scent gland removed; they can’t be set free in the wild.
Spotted Genets
The Spotted Genet is tough to adjust to other pets and typically needs to be the only animal in the household. It is very active and strong and can also live in the wild. It can be fiercely independent.
It’s best to have time to spend with these guys every day for about an hour or more because their affection doesn’t come naturally. Also, you need to be careful when picking up food for them because there is no specific diet yet available. Finally, it needs plenty of space since it is a territorial animal. But, majestic and grand pets for sure.
Pygmy Goats
Pygmy Goats love to play and can often feel lonely soon after their owner leaves them. They like to hang out with other goats and play with their horns, making it a chase-and-catch game.
They have been known to chew on blankets or pillows for comfort when bored or alone. They love living with other pygmy goats. So if you decide to get one as a pet, be prepared for them to get lonely and sad when left alone.
Sugar Gliders
Sugar Gliders are very playful, loyal, and cuddly. Sugar Gliders are great for people with allergies because they don’t shed fur, and they don’t emit allergens. It will become a cute bundle of joy for your home and family! They require a large cage and fresh fruits and vegetables to eat.
To properly maintain their environment, they need at least two hours of exercise per day and supervised playtime outside their cage, or else they can become depressed. They also love hugs, kisses, and being talked to constantly, making them ideal for animal lovers who have time on their hands.
Tarantulas
Binx, the Mighty Tarantula, is not a pet for the faint-hearted. It has to be fed live insects. Binx likes to eat crickets and mealworms and sheds its skin in cycles, usually around twice a year or when it grows. It is also territorial and doesn’t like to be crowded or handled.
Binx The Mighty is no ordinary tarantula — he has been de-sensitized by his owner, who found him in a tiny pet shop in Mississippi. They saved Binx, scooping him up, taking him home, and nursing him back to health with drops daily for weeks on end until he could eat solid food again.
Boa Constrictors
A Boa Constrictor is one of the unusual pets that people own. This pet is considered safe and less poisonous than others, but its enormous size is its problem. It needs to be housed in a pen at least ten feet by ten feet, and it needs bedding for its bottom half to be healthy and happy.
It can grow to 8-10 feet long and weigh up to 100 pounds. As the Boa Constrictor grows, it will need a bigger space to live and eat more food.
Mandarin Ducks
A Mandarin duck is an excellent choice if you want a pet that sounds exotic, but isn’t as exotic or expensive in the long run. Of course, it requires an independent place to live.
A six-foot square and six-inch deep personal pond and an enclosure guarded against all sides having similar dimensions should be enough space for them. Mandarin Ducks have brighter colors than other typical domestic ducks. They like a quiet meal and are a sight to behold when they swim elegantly in their pond.
Axolotls
The axolotl is a salamander-like amphibian with a long, spined tail. It is native to Mexico and is often sold as an exotic pet. It is known as the Mexican walking fish or the water monster. It’s an exciting pet because it can survive for months without food or water.
It also has a fantastic ability to regenerate body parts such as fingers and limbs when needed. If this sounds like a pet you might want to adopt, ensure you get your axolotls from responsible breeders who do not take them from their natural habitat.
Muscovy Ducks
If you’re in the market for a pet that won’t require much maintenance, a Muscovy Duck might be just the creature for you. Muscovy Ducks are gentle and easy to raise, making them an excellent first pet for children and people with limited time to devote to caring for an animal.
The gentle duck is usually extremely quiet, in contrast to typical fowls. They never keep up the neighbors or disturb the owner’s sleep by squawking at odd night hours. Most neighbors didn’t even know about them until they saw them waddling around in their backyard!
Tamanduas
It’s rare for people to opt for tamanduas as pets for their aggressive temperament, but some are much more chill and can be found on their hind legs happily feeding on a termite or insect. Tamanduas eat at least once every 24 hours.
They love to eat eggs as well! Here are a few tips to raise tamanduas: allow them plenty of room indoors, don’t let them outside without supervision, and ensure they always have plenty of food available. So, if you are planning to adopt one, follow the instructions.
Alpacas
Pet Alpacas have become social media stars for their cuddly appearance. However, despite the cute and furry appeal, an alpaca isn’t an easy pet to own. They require space to roam and like socializing, so an open field or ranch is ideal.
Owners shared that it was relatively easy to train the animals with a clicker or treat reward system. They are generally peaceful, but they can become territorial and may even enter into fights with other herd members. However, they have a presence and give unmatched company to their owner.
Cormorants
Mostly in Asian and Mediterranean countries, the Cormorant is a popular pet. These birds are more than just cool looking to add color to your living room; they help fishing businesses in a big way. They can catch up to six kilograms of fish per day.
They’re an excellent asset for a fishing business as they save on human resources. They are a great family pet because they are very loyal and committed to the family and are always there through thick and thin. It indeed is a lifetime commitment that everyone cherishes!
Java Finches
Nowadays, where people have more pets than they could count on two hands, some animals might seem a little out of the ordinary. However, one exciting animal is a Java Finch. They’re friendly with others in their species and are not territorial with other pets in the house.
They primarily eat seeds, but it’s essential to have fresh water every day because this keeps them hydrated. They like to drink water and frequently bathe to keep themselves cool and clean.
Wallabys
Most people who get wallabies as pets usually go into it knowing they will have to spend time providing medical care and building a zoo or farm pen to keep the wallaby happy and safe. So, it’s important to research what an owner needs to do to take care of this pet properly before getting them.
Just a big house with lots of rooms is enough for them. However, one thing that is still an issue is socialization, which seems complicated when you have such an unusual animal! They look adorable and are indeed unique pets.
Gambian Pouched Rats
A Gambian Pouched Rat loves patting and cuddles and is social, but is tough to train. These are traits that might make it an unusual pet to most people. They also weigh around five pounds!
It quickly adjusts to new environments. it’s also very neat and doesn’t make much of a mess. It truly is a fantastic pet to have.
Prairie Dogs
Prairie dogs make adorable and perfect pets. They are also much easier to take care of than other pets because they don’t require large amounts of space, grooming, or food. Prairie dogs like being handled and snuggled, making them an excellent pet for someone looking for a happy and friendly animal.
One downside is that prairie dogs can be very vocal animals, so those living in apartments might not find them the best option. They require constant attention and are territorial. The ones in the photo look ready to ponce on anyone who dares to enter their territory.
Domestic Minks
A domestic mink is a good pet, but it needs space. The mink should be kept away from other pets as it can be aggressive. They also do not like to swim, so a deep body of water may not be appropriate for the animal. They originate from North America and Europe.
A domestic Mink can be trained quickly and is fun to play around with. An owner shared that it is an expensive pet and a natural predator. But, with caution, it has been assimilated into the family.
Tigers
Bolt the tiger, from Connecticut, has been loved and cared for by a human for most of his life. He loves eating lamb and is lightning fast. He needs regular exercise, is not camera shy, and is social but risky.
Bolt was abandoned as a cub when he was barely two months old. Bolt is not as playful as other tigers his age, but is a strong animal. One look at him makes us marvel at this big cat’s strength, agility, and might. He’s undoubtedly a pet who attracts a lot of attention.
Bears
Barley, a bear, is a huge blue-eyed grizzly that has grown up with his owner Tracy in Montana. When he was three months old, he met Tracy and started living with her. From then on, they grew up together.
Today, the bear enjoys fishing and eating the delicious treats that his caretaker provides him. He’s a powerful animal who can rip through any wooden fence like it’s nothing. Even though his massive size scares some people away, those who are brave enough will find a very happy bear greeting them at the door.
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