7 Cuddly and Affectionate Exotic Pets

Which Exotic Pets Like to Cuddle?

What is a pet? Some animals like fish, reptiles, and small birds are not very affectionate but are considered pets just the same. Many people say captive exotic animals shouldn’t be considered pets because they are less affectionate with their owners than domestic animals. But this is not always the case. Animals that form that extra bond with their owners and enjoy cuddling and interacting are distinguished by the term “companion animal.”

Perhaps the most desired type of pet is one that enjoys its human’s company so much that it finds pleasure in snuggling and relaxing in their midst. People want companion pets because their affection and neediness remind us of human babies. Most domestic cats and dogs love to be around their owners. The more popular small pets, such as rabbits, ferrets, rats, and guinea pigs, also display a high degree of affection.

What about the more unusual exotic pets? Can these animals, often called “wild animals,” form a similar bond with humans? There’s no reason why an animal that is considered exotic can’t be just as affectionate, if not more, than the most popular domestic pets.

These alternative animals just have their own sets of traits that humans might be less likely to recognize as affection. Like exotic animals, cats often have their signals misinterpreted. In fact, cats have a lot more in common with many so-called wild animals than they do with other domestic pets.

Still, there are some exotic pets that exhibit a clear reciprocal bond with their human owners that everyone will understand.

The 7 Most Affectionate Exotic Pets

1. Kinkajou
2. Muntjac Deer
3. Skunk
4. Wallaby
5. Toucan
6. Flying Squirrel
7. Coatimundi

1. The Kinkajou

Kinkajous are monkey-like and tree-dwelling relatives of raccoons, and their care requirements are similar. Also called honey bears due to their diet that includes nectar and honey, these animals are adorable for many people. Owners of kinkajous find them to be very interactive and affectionate pets when they are raised by humans from a young age. These animals can be very friendly and even extend their human interest to strangers, which is uncommon for exotics.

However, there is a catch. Before you consider buying a kinkajou, like most exotics, their pet quality will positively correlate with how well they are cared for. Kinkajous are active and nocturnal animals that need an outlet for their energy. If these needs are not met, they can be prone to "spontaneous" aggression.

Tips for Taking Caring of a Kinkajou

• As they are nocturnal, the cage for your kinkajou should be a very large walk-in dog kennel or some other similar enclosure. You should interact with your pet during the start of its waking hours around seven o'clock pm, and it should have plenty of space and enrichment to explore when you go to bed.
• Kinkajous have been reported to "attack" their owners. Improper care and pent-up energy can exasperate these issues, but animals should also be expected to have hormone-induced behavioral changes that will need to be dealt with accordingly. Inappropriate behavior should be met with a verbal command and an immediate ending of the play session. This applies to other animals, too.
• Kinkajous are very sociable in captivity and rely on you for their mental well-being, particularly when kept alone. A properly cared for and socialized kinkajou will be very affectionate and perhaps cuddly.

2. The Muntjac Deer

Muntjac deer are small cervids about the size of a medium dog. Some people keep these animals as house pets, although this can be a challenge. Like larger deer, muntjacs can be flighty. Indoors, they require carpeting; otherwise, they will have trouble walking and resemble Bambi from the famous "ice-skating" scene. Muntjacs can also be destructive, with a need to chew on everything.

Aside from these issues, they are affectionate pets, although not very cuddly. There are many videos showing how muntjacs love to give their owners "kisses". Deer, in general, can be very friendly toward humans, including white-tailed deer.

3. The Skunk

If you are looking for an exotic pet that's easier to care for than most exotic mammals, skunks fit the bill, although most people will find them more difficult than standard traditional pets. These animals might strike fear in most people for their smelly reputation, but in captivity, they are de-scented and make for intelligent and cuddly pets when raised properly from youth.

In captivity, skunks have been so prolifically produced that they come in different color morphs. They have an affinity for human companionship, especially if they are kept alone, and will seek you out for playtime. There are a few major things to consider before buying a skunk:

Skunk Considerations

• Skunks are illegal in most states because they are rabies vectors. Even though the chances of an indoor pet skunk contracting rabies is close to zero, they will still be confiscated and euthanized for rabies testing if they bite or scratch someone and that incident is reported.
• You will need to find a vet with exotic animal experience, and spaying/neutering is highly recommended to avoid unwanted urine marking.
• Skunks can be mischievous and energetic, so rooms will need to be 'skunk-proofed' before they can free-roam.

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4. The Wallaby

Everyone is familiar with kangaroos and most with wallabies. If you bottle-feed a wallaby and raise it attentively, they will become an extremely affectionate pet. Wallaby owners generally carry the young joeys around in a makeshift pouch or sling to truly bond with their babies. For owners who are willing to invest time and care into an exotic pet and can arrange for spacious outdoor housing, a wallaby is an excellent pet and 'surrogate child.' In fact, they demand similar time and attention that newborn infants require when young.

5. The Toucan

Many birds are very affectionate, and most people are familiar with the intelligence and highly social nature of parrots. However, toucans (or, specifically, the smaller aracaris) are particularly cuddly birds. Green aracaris are said to be the easiest toucan species to raise, and they will literally snuggle with their owners. This is due to the fact that they nest with their flock members in the crevices of trees. Hand-raised aracaris will seek out this comfort from you, but they will also happily sleep in a soft-hanging ferret tent.

6. The Flying Squirrel

Just like wallabies, these cute, little pocket pets require a bonding period in which you will carry them around in a pouch for several hours a day for a few weeks, starting when they are a few weeks old. If you successfully raise them this way, expect a highly affectionate pet that will thoroughly enjoy being around you and scampering around your clothing. These tiny rodents will snuggle with you as well. Just be sure that flying squirrels are not purchased with the expectation that they can be left alone a lot like hamsters and gerbils. If the owner does not have ample time for them, they should have at least two squirrels or choose another species.

7. The Coatimundi (Coatis)

Coatimundis are somewhat large, 10-pound carnivores that will require a decent-sized enclosure and constant attention before they can become what most would consider 'cuddly' and affectionate. However, when raised right, these animals are definitely affectionate. In the wild, male coatis and solitary while females live in groups called bands, but in captivity, both sexes are inquisitive and playful with humans, seeking out and requiring their company. Like the other animals on this list, pent-up energy from lack of space or attention will result in a frustrating experience for the owner.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Comments

lane on November 27, 2018:

love your work

Eric Farmer from Rockford Illinois on February 16, 2018:

I never heard of Muntjac Deer or would have thought of keeping them as pets.

Shirl Urso-Farmer on February 08, 2018:

I've always wanted a pet skunk, and I have the patience to train it, but I wonder; has anyone on H.B.'s has ever owned one?

Mark dos Anjos, DVM from The Atlantic Rain Forest, Brazil on February 07, 2018:

Yes, there is a lot of argument about that because most carnivores are also plant eaters, and a lot of "herbivores" will not turn down meat if they find it. I saw a video of a deer eating meat after a forest fire.

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on February 07, 2018:

OK, I'll change it. It gets confusing because most 'carnivores' eat plant material anyway.

Mark dos Anjos, DVM from The Atlantic Rain Forest, Brazil on February 07, 2018:

ManNewt--if she was referring to the taxonomy of the coati she would have said "they are of the order Carnivora".

ManNewt on February 07, 2018:

Dr. Mark I think she meant carnivore as in its taxon

Mark dos Anjos, DVM from The Atlantic Rain Forest, Brazil on February 07, 2018:

Hi Melissa I liked your list but the coati is an omnivore, both in the wild and in an enclosure.