1. Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches
Okay, hear us out! Some people genuinely enjoy keeping these large, calm cockroaches as pets. They’re fascinating creatures, easy to care for, and even make a gentle hissing sound when they’re disturbed or excited. Hissing cockroaches are low-maintenance, unique, and, believe it or not, quite endearing to the right person.
2. Fennec Foxes
With their huge ears and adorable faces, fennec foxes almost look like something out of a fairy tale. These tiny desert foxes are highly energetic and playful, but they’re also nocturnal, so they’re more active at night. They require careful handling, but for those up to the challenge, they can make affectionate (and very cute!) pets.
3. Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs have become more popular as pets, thanks to their unique appearance and relatively easy care. They’re nocturnal and a bit shy, but once they’re comfortable, they can be very endearing. Watching them roll up into a tiny spiky ball is adorable, but be prepared for those spikes!
4. Sugar Gliders
These tiny marsupials from Australia are known for their ability to glide through the air. Sugar gliders bond closely with their humans but require a lot of attention and stimulation to stay happy. Since they’re social animals, they often do best when kept in pairs or groups, and they love hanging out in pouches or even shirt pockets.
5. Pygmy Goats
Yes, goats! Pygmy goats are small, friendly, and full of personality. They’re highly social animals, which means they need companionship (either from another goat or plenty of human attention). If you’ve got the space and the time, a pygmy goat can be an entertaining and loyal friend.
6. Skunks
Believe it or not, some people keep skunks as pets—after they’ve had their scent glands removed, of course! Skunks are surprisingly friendly and affectionate and even enjoy cuddling. They’re curious, playful, and can bond closely with their owners, but they need a lot of socialization from a young age.
7. Wallabies
Wallabies look like smaller versions of kangaroos and can make surprisingly affectionate pets. However, they need a lot of space to hop around and explore, and caring for them requires a real commitment. With their big eyes and playful personalities, they’re undeniably charming—if you’ve got the right setup for them.
8. Pot-Bellied Pigs
Pot-bellied pigs are intelligent, affectionate, and surprisingly trainable. Many people who keep pigs as pets describe them as having dog-like qualities—they can even learn basic commands! However, they can grow quite large, so you need space and the willingness to handle a pet with a big personality (and appetite).
9. Tarantulas
Not for the faint-hearted! Tarantulas are kept as pets by people who appreciate their exotic and low-maintenance qualities. Although they’re not exactly cuddly, they’re fascinating to observe. Different species have different personalities—some are calm, while others are more defensive—so it’s important to choose the right one.
10. Miniature Donkeys
Miniature donkeys are known for their gentle nature and intelligence. They’re affectionate, especially when they have a buddy (they do best with a fellow donkey friend). They can even be trained to follow commands. However, they require a lot of space, so these are definitely pets for people with plenty of room to roam.
11. Servals
Servals are wild cats native to Africa, known for their beautiful coats and long legs. While some people keep them as pets, they require a lot of specialized care and can be challenging to handle. They’re highly active and need large enclosures. While they’re not typical “cuddly” pets, serval owners often enjoy their elegance and wild beauty.
12. Axolotls
Axolotls are adorable little amphibians that look like they’re permanently smiling. Known as “Mexican walking fish,” these unique creatures have the ability to regenerate lost limbs, making them quite fascinating to observe. They require an aquarium setup but are relatively low-maintenance and a great option for people who love exotic aquatic pets.
13. Capybaras
Imagine a giant guinea pig, and you’ve got a capybara! These South American rodents can weigh up to 150 pounds and are known for their social nature. Capybaras are surprisingly affectionate and even get along well with other animals, but they do need a lot of space and access to water for swimming.
14. Slow Lorises
With their big, soulful eyes, slow lorises look incredibly cute. However, they are not ideal pets and require special care due to their nocturnal habits and sensitivity to stress. Despite the challenges, some people keep them as pets and go to great lengths to meet their needs. Slow lorises are endangered, though, so keeping them isn’t widely encouraged.
