Episodes > 105 > Paws Button

The Perfect Match

Dogs and Cats aren’t the only answer… Ferret’s, Guinea pigs and Cockatiels make good pets too!

If you would ask a Dog or Cat they would tell you that they make the best pet… but there are many other animals, reptiles and birds that would beg to differ. Before you take the plunge and get a more unconventional pet, ask yourself the following questions;

• How much time and space do I have to give my pet?
• What kind of pet fits my lifestyle?
• Do I want a pet to “cuddle” or “play” with?
• Do I want a pet to “entertain me” or just sit back and watch?
• Do I want a pet that always wants my attention or one that will give me my space?

Unique pets can be exciting and intriguing but they may have unique responsibilities as well. For example;

• Birds usually don’t do well in loud noisy homes.
• Ferrets, rabbits, chinchilla’s and hamsters can die if exposed to extreme heat – so turn on the air-conditioning.
• Snakes, turtles, frogs & lizards make better pets if they are born in captivity.

So ask yourself the right questions, find out the correct answers, and know what you’re getting into. Knowledge is power! Oh, and a word of advise…don’t put your new snake and mouse in the same cage, and stay away from the Savanhanna monitor lizards - they make good pets, but can eat anything from a dog to a teenager… on second thought…