Which pet to choose?
Are you smitten with kittens or fascinated by fish? Deciding on a pet is more than just picking your favorite animal—you have to make sure you are right for each other. Check out these pets, featured in the book Everything Pets by James Speres, and start thinking about which one might be right for you.
Corn Snake
Level of Difficulty: Beginner
Home Sweet Home: Large glass habitat with a wire top that latches
What It Eats: Mice and rats that are dead
Quick Tip: To prevent your snake from biting you, feed it with kitchen tongs, and wear a rubber glove. The glove keeps the snake from associating your scent with its dinner.
Guinea Pig
Level of Difficulty: Beginner, with supervision
Home Sweet Home: Cage with access to food, a toy ball, and soft bedding
What It Eats: Guinea pig pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables, and hay
Quick Tip: Guinea pigs will whistle and squeak when they are happy. Some will squeal delightedly when they see their owners because that means food is coming.
Parakeet
Level of Difficulty: Beginner
Home Sweet Home: A large cage with toys, food, and water
What It Eats: Pellet food and small pieces of fresh fruits and vegetables daily
Quick Tip: Parakeets can live up to about 10 years, so this pet may be the one for you if you want a longtime friend. Parakeets need a lot of interaction and are very social. They are also able to mimic words and noises.
DOG
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
Home Sweet Home: A comfortable spot for sleeping and lots of room for playing
What It Eats: Dog food made mostly from protein, with some grains and vegetables
Quick Tip: No matter what size dog you choose, be prepared to run and have fun! A dog needs lots of activity every day. Training a dog is also a big part of having one as a pet. Tell your pet “Good dog!” as often as possible, and enjoy the dog kisses that come with the job.
LEOPARD WRASSE
Level of Difficulty: Expert
Home Sweet Home: A 50-gallon saltwater aquarium
What It Eats: Frozen shrimp and other organisms growing in the aquarium
Quick Tip: This is a fish that is easily stressed, has a special diet, and is prone to illness in captivity. For aquarists (people who have aquariums), caring for fish with special needs offers a greater challenge.
CAT
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
Home Sweet Home: A soft place to sleep and lots of areas to explore
What It Eats: Cat food made mostly from protein
Quick Tip: The animal shelter is an excellent place to find your new kitty BFF. Once you bring your furry friend home, place it in a small room at first so it can get used to the new house. It might take a while for your cat to warm up, but with patience you'll be best buds in no time!