Top 10 Exotic Pets

Script written by Aaron Cameron

Top 10 Exotic Pets

Find cats boring? Think dogs are all played out? Is there something fishy about aquariums? Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Exotic Pets.

For this list, we will only be looking at weird, strange, unusual, or uncommon pets, but we will be drawing the line at livestock because those animals are a list for another day. Remember, we’re not saying you should have any of these animals as pets, but in a perfect world they’d be fun or at least interesting companions. And note: as with all animals, there are potential risks and dangers so be sure to do your research well beforehand if you decide you might wanna adopt one of these for yourself!

#10: Tarantula

Who wouldn’t want to come home after a hard day to cuddle with their spider? Found on every continent except Antarctica and loved in (some) homes worldwide, tarantulas can be a basic pet of simple needs, once you get past your blatant species-ism. All you need’s a small terrarium and a shallow water dish and you’re good to go. As a bonus, tarantulas love to eat live crickets so that’s dozens of extra, friendly little pets! Males normally only live a few years, but female tarantulas can live up to 30 years if properly treated. Also, don’t really cuddle them – they might get hurt.

#9: Kinkajou

Also known as the honey bear, kinkajous are native to Central and South America. Despite their appearance, kinkajous are not related to the ferret, although they are cousins to the friendly neighborhood raccoon. Kinkajous typically live into their early 20s and usually weigh in at around eight pounds. Nocturnal, tame, fairly quiet and mostly un-smelly, these little guys can be aggressive and protective of their food. Kinkajous mostly eat fruit, especially figs, and love them some honey -however, many are allergic to strawberries. Life with a kinkajou also means needing a fairly large cage packed with plenty of jumping and climbing based fitness options.

#8: Capybara

If you’ve ever wanted a hamster the size of a small pig - and you know you have - capybaras are the pet for you. Found in large packs, it’s probably best to adopt at least two of these rodents of unusual size to make them feel at home. Likewise, you should invest in a good fence and, as they’re semi-aquatic creatures, a pool to keep them happy and fit. Capybaras eat fruit, corn, and leafy veggies, but mostly they eat grass - up to eight pounds of it a day. While they can learn tricks and commands, capybaras do tend to mark their territory... the only way they know how.

#7: Fennec Fox

Sometimes called the “desert fox,” fennecs are known for being the tiniest member of the canine family and for having big, big, big ears. And being adorable of course. Weighing in at less than four pounds, fennecs usually have a white belly, a reddish or cream-colored topcoat and tiny-whiny yelp. Busy, avid diggers, and sunbathing pros, the little foxes are also fetch playing champs. Naturally nocturnal fennecs will sync up with their owner’s schedule and can get by on cat or dog food. However, while generally doglike, they are not yet fully domesticated, meaning owners may be pilgrims in an uncharted land.

#6: Chinchilla

A pet as fun to own as it is to say! Coming originally from South America, chinchillas are sort of a real life Mogwai in that they’re mostly nocturnal and you shouldn’t get them wet. Chinchillas can also be emotionally needy so while a full batch might be silly, having a pair of the little fuzz balls to keep each other company might not be a bad idea. Curious and tame chinchillas aren’t always so keen about being handled. However, if properly handled, a chinchilla should live around 15 years and provide plenty of love and cutesy appeal throughout their lifespan.

#5: Serval

If you’re a true feline fancier, this is the kitty cat for you, especially if you live on a large estate... or a zoo. Known for their cheetah-like good looks, servals are intelligent and affectionate cats from Sub-Saharan Africa. As hunters, servals have a 50/50 kill rate, meaning they don’t exactly play well with children or other pets. Likewise, servals may not be the best pet for apartment dwellers as they have a number of habits bound to cost you your safety deposit, namely eating so quickly they up-chuck and needing to mark their territory. All of their territory…

#4: Tiger

We’re just going to say this straight up: don’t buy a tiger. Buy a poster, buy a plush toy, or even a box of cereal but just don’t buy a tiger. It’s impossible to argue that baby tigers aren’t among the cutest things with a face, but after about 12 weeks, it’ll get too big to cuddle on the couch. Still, if you insist, get ready to spend upwards of $10,000 a year on your new friend with most of that going towards his 15 pounds a day meat habit.

#3: Chimpanzee

Fact: chimps in toddler clothes are adorable, but with their intelligence, which can include using tools, dressing themselves, using sign language and eating with utensils, they can be more than a handful to live with. Several times stronger than humans, chimps can be surly and even downright dangerous, which is not so cute. With that said, chimps are fascinating, long-lived, and agile creatures. However, if you want a pet that will do what you do, eat what you eat, is susceptible to heart disease and diabetes, and looks like a little old man, why not just let grandpa move in?

#2: Wallaby

Our next potential pet looks like a kangaroo, but mate, it ain’t a kangaroo... although they are related. Coming from Australia, unsurprisingly, wallabies can be loyal and friendly companions and will bond well with their human roommates. They do have some odd habits, however, such as licking their paws to cool down, and vomiting. Smaller than their lookalike cousins, wallabies can be kept as indoor pets, but need a bit of space for exercise and grazing. Living off sweet grass in the wild, the Jack or Jill in your home may enjoy some green vegetables, apples, or grapes, but shouldn’t have anything too sweet.

Before we unveil our top pick here are a few honorable mentions.
- Cheetah
- Bearded Dragon / Pogona
- Common Genet
- Squirrel Monkey
- Hyacinth Macaw

#1: Sugar Glider

Coming from Australia and surrounding areas, these tiny marsupials love sweet foods and can glide - hence the name. Weighing less than half a pound, sugar gliders should have a cage of at least two feet by two feet to really let them do their thing. Living as old as 15, these little guys can learn tricks, respond to their name, and can even make friends with the cat. Unlike tigers, gliders can get by on just $4 a month with a 3:1 protein and fruit diet. Best yet, they love people and will be pleased as punch to ride around in your coat pocket.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite exotic pet? For more omg-it’s-so-adorbs! Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.