S T E P T E K C O P R A POPUL Coming home to a loving, snuggly pet is so comforting after a long stressful day. With many of us working long hours, it is not always feasible to take on the responsibility of having a dog or cat at home. Thankfully, there are still a variety of pocket pets that may be the perfect fit for those of us that desire pet companionship but have limited time to spend with them. If you are considering a small pet, briefly reviewing the types and requirements of a few may be helpful.
Mice and Rats
Domestic mice and rats are very clean animals that make great pets. They are both intelligent and interesting animals that are fun to watch and interact with. Mice are extremely playful little creatures that enjoy running through tunnels, climbing ropes, and putting on a show. They can be difficult to hold onto because of their small size and quick escape tactics. Rats, on the other hand, are much easier to handle and are especially fond of human interaction. They can actually become depressed without ample attention and handling. Since both mice and rats are very social animals, it is best to have more than one. Pairs of females are typically recommended.
Gerbils and Hamsters
While these two animals are similar in size and daily care, they are actually quite different in terms of personality and handling. Gerbils are active throughout the day and rarely bite. They like to play and interact with people, but can be difficult to find if they escape. Gerbils are very social animals and prefer the company of another gerbil. Female gerbil pairs are recommended. Unlike gerbils, hamsters can be primarily nocturnal or crepuscular. (Crepuscular means that they are most active during the twilight hours.) They will spend most of the day sleeping and will spend the early morning hours and evenings playing with toys or running on their hamster wheel. Most Syrian hamsters (known as the Golden hamster) are very friendly and love to interact and explore. Depending on the individual personality of your hamster, they may or may not enjoy being handled. They do tend to bite if they feel restrained or irritated. While gerbils prefer the company of other gerbils, hamsters are best kept in a solitary cage to avoid territorial fighting.
Guinea Pigs and Rabbits
Guinea pigs and rabbits are often chosen as a first pet for children. Guinea pigs tend to be very active and have expressive personalities that provide an abundance of entertainment and companionship. Once you get to know them, you will be able to tell when they are excited, happy or sad. They typically enjoy the company of humans and particularly love being taken out of their cage into a larger area where they can run around and play freely. Similar to guinea pigs, rabbits can be very charming, affectionate, and interactive with their owners. Both guinea pigs and rabbits require some playtime outside of their cages in either a safe room of the house or a supervised, enclosed area of the yard. Predators like hawks, cats, and dogs are always a threat to such small, defenseless animals. Unless you have a fully enclosed area for them outdoors, it is important to stay with them for their protection. They both also need to have at least one buddy of the same species housed with them. If housed alone, loneliness and depression can affect their health and longevity. Pairs of females or males tend to get along with each other if they have been together since birth or a young age. A neutered male with a female is usually a safe choice as well.
Deciding on the best small pet to meet your needs and desires is not an easy task. While we have briefly reviewed a few possibilities, there are still many more small pets to consider. Ferrets, chinchillas, birds, reptiles, and fish are also small entertaining animals you may enjoy. Determining the amount of time you have to care for a pet will help you narrow down the possibilities. Researching the specific needs of a potential pet will help you determine which little companion is the best choice for you. 24
Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • May/June 2021
