Top 10 Weirdly Cute Pets You Should Own

You’re probably wondering how anyone could keep a skunk in their house with the constant risk of startling them and getting sprayed. Well, don't you worry, domesticated skunks usually have their scent glands surgically removed when they’re young, meaning you get all the cute and none of the stink. Skunks need to be socialized at a young age in order to make for affectionate pets, so it’s best to get them when they’re babies or “kits”. Also, check your local laws before taking the leap and adopting a baby skunk, as they’re only legal to own in about a third of US States, with rules differing elsewhere in the world.

The world’s largest rodent actually makes for a great pet. These water-loving animals need a home where they have access to a pool or pond to swim in, and you may want a fence as well. Capybaras also have the ability to be aggressive so it’s best to show caution until they’re fully trained. What do these cuties like to eat, you ask? Well sir or madam, they like corn, fruit, and leafy greens, but they love grass – lots and lots of grass. Common in abundance in the wilds of South America, a domesticated capybara can live up to 10 years if properly cared for.

A member of the anteater family native to Central and South America, the tamandua is actually seen as a bit of a nuisance by its human neighbors... but as a pet? Adorable. If you’re thinking about using one of these guys for pest control, however, think again. Tamanduas only eat ants from the area they are native to, and will be disinterested in North American ones. Tipping the scales between seven and nineteen pounds, this exotic pet is still relatively rare, so there isn’t a lot of information on caring for them. Crafting a meal plan, therefore, can be tricky, as tamanduas are omnivores who require a variety of foods to be happy and healthy.

Possibly the least exotic pet on this list, the hedgehog has become a relatively common species for humans to care for. They’re pretty low maintenance, only needing weekly cage cleanings and they don’t carry the unpleasant odor that some rodents do- which is because they’re not actually rodents like the unrelated porcupines! Like any pet, social interaction is key from a young age so that they are acclimatized to spending time with humans. Hedgehogs are naturally nocturnal, so it’s probably best to keep their cages far away from your bedroom so that their night-time activity doesn’t keep you up.

The spotted genet is a unique animal of African origin that is hard to categorize. It’s related to both felines and mongooses and is a member of the suborder feliformia. Genets have a personality that is sort of like an extreme version of a cat’s- even more independent and aloof, but also skittish if they’re not used to a human presence. Sadly, no matter how much socialization they get, they are not naturally cuddly creatures. They do however form a strong bond with their owners, and it is inadvisable for a genet to go from home to home as they will have a very tough time adjusting.

Did you know that Abraham Lincoln actually kept pet goats with him during his presidency? Unlike many of the other animals on this list, pygmy goats definitely cannot be kept as exclusively indoor pets, even in the White House. It is also recommended to keep more than one pygmy goat at a time because otherwise they tend to get a little lonely. If youalready have other barnyard animals however, pygmy goats also enjoy the company of cows, horses or regular sized goats. Plus, because of their small stature, they only need a short fence to keep them contained.

This tiny Australian marsupial is almost impossibly adorable, making them one of the more popular exotic pets. They have membraneous skin between their arms and legs that allows them to soar through the air, giving them the “glider” moniker. Sugar gliders are also very social, pack animals, so it’s considered best to own more than one as they have been known to suffer from severe loneliness and even depression. As well, these little cuties are one of the most widely traded animals in the exotic pet black market, so be sure yours is coming from a respectable source.

We’ve all fallen for a tiny little piggy at some point, but unfortunately most of the teeny tiny pigs you’ve seen are actually just piglets, and not some sort of special micro breed. Mini pigs, however, are a class of pig that has been bred to be significantly smaller than the average pig. Any pig that weighs less than 150 pounds as an adult is considered to be a “mini” pig, but that can be deceptive since pigs are much more dense than dogs, meaning a 150 pound pig will typically be much smaller than a 150 pound dog. These smaller pigs make great pets as they’re very intelligent and enjoy the company of humans – plus... cute!

The Fennec Fox is the smallest breed in the fox family, and normally calls the Sahara desert home. They have a lifespan similar to a domesticated dog, at around 12 to 16 years. Fennec foxes don’t have a musk gland, which means that unlike many foxes, they hardly have any natural odor. Fennecs need room to play, so if they aren’t given the entire run of the house, they should at least have a whole bedroom of their own. The little dudes are also quite high energy and need a lot of stimulation, so be sure you’re really ready for the commitment before you decide to buy one of these critters.