14 Wild Animals That Make Surprisingly Good Housemates

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Picture your living room with a touch of the wild, not lions or bears, but unusual, utterly lovable animal companions. Dogs and cats are often the poster pets of most households, but other less–typical creatures are growing in popularity for their quirky charm and interesting behavior. These are wild animals, but with the right care they can fit into your home like the missing puzzle piece.

It’s obviously not something to decide at the drop of a hat. Having any animal in your home is a responsibility. However, if you want to put in the extra effort, these wild animals may steal your heart and maybe your couch.

Parrots

Not only are these birds easy on the eyes, they’re also very smart. They can mimic human speech, and will be the chatterbox of your household. They are as intelligent as a child and need mental stimulation and attention. Just remember that they need a lot of interaction to be happy. If you treat them well, you’ll have a lifelong friend that’s never out of things to say.

Sugar Gliders

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These pint sized marsupials are as affectionate as they are adorable. Australia native sugar gliders like bonding with their human caregivers, and often love to snuggle into pockets or sleeves. They’re nocturnal, so you have a late night Netflix buddy. Remember, they are social creatures, so it’s probably best to adopt them in pairs to avoid loneliness.

Pygmy Goats

Pygmy goats are the dogs of the barnyard. They’re playful, social, and trainable, but they do need outdoor space. Many owners swear by their amusing antics and lovable personalities. Just prepare to goat proof your yard, as they’re little escape artists that love to climb and explore.

Hedgehogs

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Hedgehogs are tiny, spiky, and oh so adorable, and make great low maintenance pets. They are quiet and don’t take up much space, so apartment dwellers will be glad to hear about them. They’re not overly social but can bond to their owner over time. It’s nothing but entertaining watching them scurry around and curl into tiny balls.

Fennec Foxes

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Fennec foxes have oversized ears and are as curious as a living thing can be. They are playful and affectionate but are a handful if you are not giving them enough stimulation. These foxes live in warm places, as they are native to the deserts of North Africa. Also, they’re very clean, and can use a litter box, if trained.

Axolotls

If you’re looking for a pet that’s really different than anything you’ve ever had, axolotls might be the way to go. These aquatic salamanders, however, never mature, remaining in their larval stage for their entire life, thus sporting that perpetual baby face. Axolotls are low maintenance and are fun to watch, making them good for people who want a pet they can look at without touch ups.

Rats

Don’t let the bad rap fool you—rats are intelligent, clean, and very friendly when domesticated. Rats are social animals, not frightened by humans, and enjoy being around them. With a little training, they can even learn tricks and they’re perfect for small spaces. Rats laugh when tickled, according to a study, a sign of their fun loving nature.

Tarantulas

Tarantulas are, if you can get past the “creepy crawly” factor, actually quite easy to care for. They require minimal space, are quiet, and low maintenance. Plus, they’re fun to watch, particularly when they feed. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but arachnid enthusiasts will tell you they are calming pets.

Miniature Pigs

Move over, dogs! Miniature Pigs are smart, affectionate, with a lot of personality. They’re fast learners and can be trained to use a litter box or to take basic commands. But they need mental stimulation to avoid boredom. If you ever wanted a pet that serves as its own conversation starter, a mini pig could be the one for you.

Raccoons

While raccoons have a reputation as trash pandas, they’re also smart and curious. Domesticated raccoons can be very close to their owners, being loyal in a dog like fashion. But they require a great deal of stimulation and a safe place to live to prevent their clever paws from getting into trouble.

Cockatoos

A species of bird that’s known for getting close with its owner. Cockatoos are social butterflies and will love to have attention and even show jealousy if ignored. Although they can be a bit demanding, these playful and affectionate little creatures make fun companions.

Skunks

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Yes, skunks! If de-scented, they are surprisingly affectionate and playful pets. By nature skunks are explorers, they like to explore their surroundings. They can be litter-trained and love to snuggle with their owners. Be ready for a pet that loves routine and consistency.

Snakes

Snakes aren’t cuddly but they can be fascinating and relatively low maintenance pets. The popular choices are ball pythons and corn snakes because they are docile. Not much space is needed and they don’t eat often. If you don’t mind reptiles, a snake could be your chill housemate.

Capybaras

One of the gentlest animals you could have as a pet is also the world’s largest rodent. Pairs or other groups of capybaras are highly social. Backyard pond is needed since they love swimming and need access to water. Like with all the Miniature breeds, they have laid back personalities, and they make a great companion for people looking for a mellow, quirky companion.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.