A pet is a domestic animal that lives with a person or family. There are popular, well-known pets like dogs and cats. Alternatively, there are less common pets sometimes called exotics such as snakes, turtles, and iguanas.
Whether a pet is common or exotic, it can offer pleasure and joy to a household. In this article, we will provide a list of pets and the 10 top characteristics of pets.
List of Popular Pets in the World
1. Dogs
Some pets are particularly popular in the United States.
2. Cats
A cat is another popular pet around the world. These domesticated creatures are sleek, fast and always seem to have the wheels turning in their head.
3. Rodents
This category includes hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, and guinea pigs.
4. Fishes
Fish are popular pets because they are interesting and beautiful creatures.
5. Birds
Parakeets are a common choice for families who want to keep pet birds. Parrots, cockatiels, finches, canaries, and doves are other pet birds that are known and widely accepted.
Exotic Pets
Some pets are considered exotic pets because they need special care to stay healthy. Some examples include:
Turtles
The eastern box turtle, western painted turtle and the Red-Eared Slider are all turtles that are kept as pets in households. A turtle is considered an exotic pet because it needs moisture, light and the right kind of food. In short, you can’t just put it into a cage with bedding like it’s a hamster! Plus, turtles have a long lifespan if you take care of them correctly. Keep that in mind if you plan to get a turtle for a pet. Turtles can live for 30, 40 or more years!
Iguanas
An iguana is a popular exotic pet that requires a specific type of care to keep it healthy. For one, it needs warmth and light to thrive. They can live for 20 years if they receive the proper care.
Snakes
Though snakes aren’t high on the list of common pets, they are kept in many households. Corn snakes, milk snakes and ball pythons are some typical choices. The temperature in a snake’s cage needs to be monitored, and it must receive the right type and amount of food to stay healthy.
Ferrets
Ferrets are growing in popularity as exotic pets because they are playful and intelligent. They can be mischievous but are known to be loyal to their owners. Ferrets do have a strong bite so it’s best to find a young one to socialise it properly.
Tarantulas
A tarantula is another exotic pet that needs a particular kind of care to survive in a home. Some species of tarantula need moisture so misting the habitat is necessary. They like to hide and are really quiet, gentle animals. With the right care they can live up to 20 years.
Top 10 Characteristics of Pets:
- Dependent on Humans to live – A pet needs to be given food, water, and shelter by its owner. Being domesticated means the animal depends on its owner for all of its care.
- Lives in a Home – A pet lives in a home. Some pets, such as parakeets and hamsters, live in cages. Alternatively, dogs and cats wander freely around a home and may have their bed to sleep in.
- Needs a Veterinarian’s Care – Pets need care from a veterinarian. The type of healthcare a pet needs depends on what type of pet it is. An iguana and a beagle need completely different types of vet care!
- Some Pets Can Be Trained – A dog can learn how to sit, stay, and heel in a course of obedience training. Parrots can be taught to talk, and some cats can be taught by humans to do tricks.
- Devoted to Its Owner – Pets are often devoted to their owners. They can establish a trust with their owner over time. Some pets want to be with their owners 24/7!
- Provides Companionship – A pet is meant to be a companion to its owner.
- Pets are Different from a Therapy Animal – A therapy animal receives specific training in order to provide support and care to its owner. As an example, some therapy dogs are trained to recognize the signs of a seizure in their owner. The dog responds by trying to get the person to a safe place. Alternatively, a pet is there strictly as a companion.
- Different from a Farm Animal – A cow or a chicken living on a farm serves a specific purpose. A cow provides milk while a chicken lays eggs to be eaten or sold. This makes farm animals a little different than traditional pets.
- Can Be Common or Uncommon – When you think of a pet, you probably picture a dog, a cat, a bird, a fish, or a gerbil. Those are common choices for pets. Some people prefer less common or exotic pets such as snakes, iguanas, spiders, and ferrets. As long as an owner can offer appropriate care, many animals can live happily as pets.
- Cannot Survive in the Wild – One of the main characteristics separating pets from other animals is that a pet can’t survive in the wild. It has been domesticated or raised under a person’s care. So, releasing a pet snake into the wild doesn’t mean it will know how to find food or shelter. It will likely die.
