For years there have been debates on what is the best household pet. Lizards, cats, dogs, hamsters and fish are all popular answers. But out of those pets, what is the best household pet? Owning an animal comes with many responsibilities; some pets need more attention while others may need less. Cats for example are usually able to be left on their own, while some dogs, need attention around the clock. All of these pets have specific needs. But all pets need nutritious food, fresh water, and a comfortable shelter.
There are many types of lizards, over 7,000 species. But the most common lizards that are kept as household pets are the Bearded Dragon, Leopard Gecko, Crested gecko and many more. Lizards can typically live around five to twenty years if taken care of properly. These animals need the following: a proper sized enclosure, specific temperature and humidity levels, appropriate lighting, a balanced diet, and access to fresh water. The overall cost of owning a lizard can vary significantly, but the initial purchase of an enclosure alone typically ranges from $300 to $1000. While basic monthly needs can cost from around $300 or $600. When asked, Former Lizard owner William Walston states “Owning a lizard was very fun, but sometimes very challenging to feed it what it likes”. This quote explains how it was owning a lizard and a struggle of owning a lizard.
Cats are known to be simple animals, sleeping from around 12 to 16 hours a day. Cat’s do this not because they are lazy, but because that is the amount of sleep needed for their health. Some common household cat species are the Domestic short hair and the Domestic long haired cat. Most cat’s life spans range from around 13-20 years. They need nutritious food, water, a clean litter box and some comfortable resting places. Owning a cat can cost from $60 to $240 per month with necessities and toys. Oftentimes,cats will need to scratch things; it is smart to get them items they can scratch so they don’t resort to scratching furniture or even their owners. Cassy Shirritt a cat owner states “I love my cat, She’s the sweetest thing in the world and she comforts me when I’m sad, and whenever I need someone to hug I always have my cat and it makes me feel responsible since I have to take care of her. It makes me feel like a better person”. This illustrates the idea that cats can be an ideal household pet.
Most dogs are very hyper and animals that shed a ton. They love playing with their owners and taking walks outside whenever they get the chance. Some dog species are, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, French Bulldog, German Shepherd, and Poodle. Dogs life spans can average to about ten to thirteen years. Dogs necessities healthy food, water, bed and a cage depending on your preferences. Owning a dog can cost from $120 to $435 per month. Since most dogs are very hyper animals and need ways to use their energy, playing with them or taking them to parks is a good way to do that but, this can also be hard with people with busy schedules. Sylvia Warren owner of two dogs states, “Yes they brighten your day. You can talk to them about anything and they will listen and can’t tell a soul. They pick up on your feelings if you’re feeling down and try to cheer you up. They really are best friends.” This furthermore gives reason as to why dogs could be a good household pet.
Often recognized for their small little paws and soft fur, hamsters are popular household pets. They are very small animals but require daily care and they are considered low maintenance pets. Some common hamsters kept as household pets are the Syrian, also known as golden or teddy bear, and dwarf hamsters. These hamsters life spans can average from two to three years. Although considered low maintenance pets they still need the usual necessities like healthy food, water, a cage and some treats and things to nibble on. Owning a hamster can cost from $30 to $50 per month. For hamsters mental stimulation and exercise they need to be played with or carried often adding a wheel into their cages can be a great way for them to get the exercise they need as well. when asked if hamsters were expensive Madison Torres stated “It depends on the size but other than that, no it wasn’t. You just get an enormous bag of bedding and food and a huge cage. The cage was probably the most expensive part about it.”. This quote explains the reason for the small cost of owning a hamster per month.
Fish are simple creatures they swim around and don’t require much attention. They can be large or small and vary in colors. Some common household species of pets are Goldfish, Betas, Guppies, and tetras. These fish life spans are either one to three for guppies or 10-20 years for other kinds of fish. some necessities that fish need are an aquarium, a filter, a heater (for tropical fish), a light, substrate (gravel or sand), decorations, and water conditioner. Owning a fish can cost from 10- 50 dollars a month. when asked if owning a fish was expensive Sophie Bonilla former fish owner states, “It depends on the size but other than that,no it wasn’t. You just get an enormous bag of bedding and food and a huge cage. The cage was probably the most expensive part about it”. This quote explains the small price of 10-50 dollars monthly.
All these animals have their pros and cons, some are cheap, while some are expensive. Some comfort you, while others sit around in a tank. Based on what your preference is you could enjoy the energetic aspects of dogs or even the calm aspects of fish. After creating a poll at North Canyon High School, the results were as followed, 32% of people preferred cats, 12% of people liked lizards, and 56% of people liked dogs. Fish and hamsters received zero votes. This poll emphasizes that cats and dogs are more popular to keep than other animals. But this doesn’t discredit the fact that fish, lizards, and hamsters still can be great household pets.
