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Your family wants a pet but you want something besides the conventional dog or cat? Actually, some other animal species make good pets. It’s just up to you to research them and see if there is a type of animal that is a pet fitting for your family. There are indeed animals that have been proven to be good pets. Let’s look at some animals (non-dog and cats) that make great family pets.
Skunk
Skunks, with the scent glands removed, of course, make great pets. (wikipedia)
Most people will raise an eyebrow about having a skunk as a pet. Of course, we’re not taking about wild skunks. Skunks raised as pets have their scent glands removed. Actually, skunks do make nice pets, as they are playful, adorable and don’t require much care.
Muntjac Deer
Muntjac deers are said to smell like newborn human babies. (wikipedia)
Having a deer as a pet sounds strange but muntjac deers make really nice, affectionate pets. They grow up to be the size of a large cat. It’s said that muntjac deers smell like newborn human babies. They are also playful, quiet, and gentle.
Potbellied Pig
Potbellied pigs are intelligent and can be walked on a leash like a dog. (flickr)
Many people have heard about keeping potbellied pigs as pets. These animals are very intelligent and can be trained like a dog. Actually, the can be walk on a leash like dogs. They tend to need lots of attention, and they have an instinct to dig up things like your carpet and green lawn.
Miniature Donkey
Miniature donkeys can grow up to 300 pounds but are docile and good around kids. (wikipedia)
Having a miniature donkey as a pet sounds quite exotic. These animals are indeed cute, although they do grow up to be about 300 pounds in weight. They are gentle and docile, so they pose no threats to children. It’s highly recommended that you have a pair as pets, since they need constant companionship.
Chinchilla
Chinchillas are like furry, cute puffballs. (wikipedia)
Chinchillas, or specifically long-tailed chinchilas, are another exotic sounding pets. They are actually rodents originally from the Andes Mountains in Chile. They are furry, soft, adorable and have a playful personality. Chinchilas also recommended to have a playmate, since they are very active and require companionship. They also need several dust baths a week.
Sugar Gliders
Sugar gliders are irresistibly cute. (wikipedia)
These are irresistibly cute animals (originally from Australia and New Guinea) that will provide your family with endless hours of enjoyment. They are intelligent and can be taught tricks. Who can resist those big bulging eyes? They are nocturnal, though, so they will be active during the night. They get their name because they can glide through the air like flying squirrels, and they love feeding on sweet, sugary nectar.
Hedgehog
Hedgehogs are spiny balls of cuteness and fun. (pixabay)
These are another exotic pet that are too cute to resist. They are small, friendly, affectionate and playful. They do need more attention, though, especially cleaning them. Like sugar gliders, hedgehogs are nocturnal, so you’ll need to spend some time at night playing with them.
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