Owning a pet can be a childhood dream for many of us, but sadly it is not always possible to own a dog or cat. This could be many reasons such as space, allergies or money. However, this does not mean that you have to go without! There are many small and easy to look after pets that are perfect for a smaller home, and they are much easier on the finances than a larger animal. Another great thing about a small pet is the easy task of cleaning up after them. I would much rather clean up after a Hamster than a Great Dane!
Here are some of the nation’s favorite small pet options.
Goldfish
A fairground classic, the goldfish is the ultimate in low maintenance animal pals. A basic bowl can cost under ten pounds and once you have got food you are pretty much set. There are lots of different options when it comes to goldfish bowls. There are the traditional round ones, which look cool and display your fish clearly. If you fancy something a bit bigger, you could opt for the fish tank style. These are larger and rectangular. Their shape means it can be easier to for them comfortably on shelves or worktops and desks. You can choose to decorate the tank with colored stones, or the well loved deep sea diver figurine. A little treasure chest is a personal favorite for many!
Terrapins
Keeping with the nautical theme, we now look at terrapins. These exotic-looking creatures are related to turtles and have colorful markings on their bodies. This makes them fascinating to watch as they play around. Terrapins are also kept in tanks, so if you feel like upgrading your goldfish, you won’t have to buy a new home. For the terrapin, that is, not yourself! Even though they look similar, there is a big difference between turtles and terrapins. Turtles swim in oceans, whereas terrapins are found in fresh water so try not to get confused at the pet shop!
Hamsters
Another well known domestic pet is the ubiquitous hamster. This furry little guy will be found in thousands of homes from Lands End to John O’Groats. Again, a simple home is required, usually a cage. Your hamster will need fresh bedding and a sawdust style floor covering. This makes it easy to clean his house as you simply dump the old sawdust and put some new stuff in. They are more lively than fish and terrapins and require a bit more stimulation. This could be in the form of a wheel or a hamster ball. For food, you can buy prepared mixtures and they also eat small amounts of fruit or vegetables. They are fun to be around and would make a great and easy addition to any house or apartment.
Hopefully this guide has helped you make your mind up about which little pet is best for you. Whichever you choose, your kids will be delighted and you can enjoy being a pet parent with not a lot of effort!
