A pet is a domesticated animal that lives with an individual or family. There are popular, well-known pets like dogs and cats. Alternatively, there are less common Animals, sometimes called exotics, such as snakes, turtles, and iguanas. Whether an Animal is common or exotic, it can offer pleasure and joy to a household. In this article, we will discus all about pets.
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What makes an animal a pet?
For example, we know some snakes live in the wild, and there are snakes kept as pets. Certain characteristics differentiate a pet from an animal living in the wild. Below, we have provided complete guidelines about pets.
- Dependent on Humans to Live – A pet needs to be given food, water, and shelter by its owner. Being domesticated means the animal depends on its owner for all of its care.
- Lives in a Home – A Animals lives in a home. Some pets, such as parakeets and hamsters, live in cages. Alternatively, dogs and cats wander freely around a home and may have their bed to sleep in.
- Needs a Veterinarian’s Care – Pets need care from a veterinarian. The type of healthcare a Animals needs depends on what type of pet it is. An iguana and a beagle need completely different types of vet care!
- Some Pets Can Be Trained – A dog can learn how to sit, stay, and heel in the course of obedience training. Parrots can be taught to talk, and humans can teach some cats to do tricks.
- Devoted to Its Owner – Pets are often devoted to their owners. They can establish trust with their owner over time. In fact, some pets want to be with their owners 24/7!
- Provides Companionship – A pet is meant to be a companion to its owner.
- Pets are Different from a Therapy Animal – A therapy animal receives specific training in order to provide support and care to its owner. As an example, some therapy dogs are trained to recognize the signs of a seizure in their owner. The dog responds by trying to get the person to a safe place. Alternatively, a pet is there strictly as a companion.
- Different from a Farm Animal – A cow or a chicken living on a farm serves a specific purpose. A cow provides milk, while a chicken lays eggs to be eaten or sold. This makes farm animals a little different from traditional pets.
- Can Be Common or Uncommon – When you think of a pet, you probably picture a dog, a cat, a bird, a fish, or a gerbil. Those are common choices for pets. Some people prefer less common or exotic pets such as snakes, iguanas, spiders, and ferrets. As long as an owner can offer appropriate care, many animals can live happily as pets.
- Cannot Survive in the Wild – One of the main characteristics separating pets from other animals is a pet can’t survive in the wild. It has been domesticated or raised under a person’s care. So, releasing a pet snake into the wild doesn’t mean it will know how to find food or shelter. It will likely die.
List of Popular Pets: The Advantages and Disadvantages:
Some pets are particularly popular in the World. Look at some of the advantages and Disadvantages of each one.
Dogs:
When it comes to the most famous pet in the world, especially in the United States, dogs are the clear winner!
Advantages of Having a Dog As A Pet :
- One of the pros of choosing this pet is there are hundreds of breeds of dogs to choose from, so it’s easy to find the right fit for your household.
- Another pro is a dog can be a loyal companion that can guard your property as well.
- Many people appreciate the unconditional love offered by many pet dogs.
Disadvantages of Having a Dog As A Pet:
- The high costs of vet care and food for a dog can put a strain on the household budget. This depends a lot on what breed of dog you choose.
- Another con is some dogs shed more than others and can leave a lot of hair behind on the furniture. Be sure to check the shedding level of the dog breed you’re interested in if this is a concern.
Cats:
A cat is another popular pet in the world. These domesticated creatures are sleek, fast, and always seem to have the wheels turning in their head!
Advantages Of Having A Cat As A Pet:
- Cats are low-maintenance pets in that they don’t need to be walked or taken to the park.
- Cats are quiet animals, so you don’t have to worry about excessive noise in your home.
- The monthly food bill for a cat is usually low because they aren’t known to need a large amount of food.
Disadvantages of Having A Cat As A Pet:
- A cat has sharp claws that can damage upholstery, rugs, and other furniture.
- Male cats can spray urine in an effort to mark their territory. This can happen inside a home, creating a big stink. Cats that are neutered are less likely to spray the environment.
- A cat that’s kept outside should be monitored because these animals can easily be hit by a car if they wander out into the road.
Fish:
Fish are popular pets in the world because they are interesting and beautiful creatures.
Advantages of Having Fish As Pets:
- There are plenty of fish that are easy to care for and make a great first pet for a family
- Setting up and decorating a fish tank can be a fun, creative project for the whole family.
- Whether it’s freshwater fish or a tropical fish, the options are endless!
- Setting up the right lighting for your aquarium can show off the colourful fins of your fish.
Disadvantages Of Having Fish As Pets:
- Some fish get sick very easily and can quickly pass germs to other fish in the tank, causing them to die
- Emptying a large fish tank to clean it can be a hassle, but it is necessary to keep the fish healthy
Birds:
Parakeets are a common choice for families who want to keep pet birds. Parrots, cockatiels, finches, canaries, and doves are other pet birds popular in the world.
Advantages Of Having Birds as Pets:
- Some birds can be taught to talk, sit on your finger, and otherwise interact with family members
- Birds are colourful and fun to watch as they chatter with one another.
- The food costs for a bird are very low.
Disadvantages of Having Birds as Pets:
- Birds can throw around a lot of seed, requiring regular vacuuming and clean-up of the area.
- Some birds squawk very loudly, which can create a noisy household. Parrots can get especially loud if they feel they’re being ignored!
- Birds need to exercise outside of the cage, and it may not be easy to get them back into their habitat. It’s a good idea to train them to return to the cage with a special signal, like shaking their box of food.
- Birds can become sick if they are kept in a place that is exposed to cold drafts. They need special consideration during the cold weather months.
Maisie Bennett