11 Pets With a 5-Year Lifespan (or Less)

Pets With Short Lifespans

There are many reasons why people might seek short-lived pets. There are a surprisingly small number of pets with a five-year life expectancy or less, but this trait is in high demand from first-time pet owners who aren’t interested in making a long-term commitment, as well as from parents seeking a temporary source of enrichment for children.

Short-lived pets can also be used as starter animals for kids hoping to prove themselves—by providing exemplary care for these shorter-term pets that don't live long, higher-maintenance animals like dogs could be in their future.

Make Sure Your Pet Is Naturally Short-Lived

As long as the animal is well provided for, there is nothing inherently wrong with seeking animals for the above purposes. Many animals can live surprisingly long lives with good care. For example, it's common for many species of parrots and tortoises to outlive their owners, so opting for animals with limited longevity is not only beneficial but essential for those who cannot make such big commitments.

However, you should be aware of the unfortunate misconceptions that many people have about certain animals, such as goldfish. They do not naturally have short lifespans but instead are often poorly cared for and die prematurely.

Here, you'll find 11 great pets with naturally short lifespans, along with species information, care advice, and more.

In This Article

• 11 Short-Lifespan Pets
• Other Pets That Live for Five Years on Average
• Pets That Live Longer Than Five Years

11 Short-Lifespan Pets

1. Hamsters
2. Betta Fish
3. Guinea Pigs
4. Chameleons
5. Mice
6. Rats
7. Zebra Finches
8. Hedgehogs
9. Short-Tailed Opossums
10. Octopuses
11. Gerbils

1. Hamsters

Hamsters are among America’s most popular small pets. Unfortunately, they are bought too often for small children who can't give them the proper care.

Hamsters are generally very short-lived animals, with a lifespan that doesn’t exceed four years. Hamster longevity varies by species, but on average, three years is what most well-cared-for hamsters can hope to achieve.

All hamsters are nocturnal, so while they are popular pets to buy for small children, they may become irritable from excessive handling during their sleep-time hours. They make a lot of noise at night, which can be counteracted with silent spinners.

Hamster Lifespan Info

• Average: 2–3 years
• Well-cared-for + luck: 5 years
• Max age reported: 7 years

Hamster Species

• Syrian Hamster: 2–2.5 years
• Campbell Dwarf Hamster: 1.5–2 years
• Winter White Dwarf Hamster: 1.5–2 years
• Roborovskii Dwarf Hamster: 3 years (2 years in the wild, longest-lived)
• Chinese Dwarf Hamster: 1.5–2 years

Hamster Care Advice

1. Provide a large cage: Even for dwarfs, it is common for pet dealers to sell cages that are under the recommended size for active rodents. Remember that in the wild, hamsters are highly active animals that can cover miles in one night. While an exercise wheel can satisfy these needs, hamsters shouldn’t be kept in cramp conditions, like what is provided by the standard CritterTrail cage.
2. Feed a varied diet: Remember that dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes, so they require diets low in sugar. One commercial diet that is recommended as a base is Hazel Hamsters. Good vegetables include broccoli, carrots, and turnips.
3. Create a complex environment: Add ramps, levels, tunnels, and anything else that keeps the enclosure from being a barren square. Hamsters love to tunnel, so material supporting this is essential. Also, consider the many enrichment choices offered in pet stores, like attachments to your pet’s cage. Multiple chewing toys are also a must, and occasional treats help to keep things interesting. You can read more about ideal hamster housing here.
4. Go on Youtube: Search through the numerous videos addressing hamster products, hamster care, and creative ideas to make the pet experience more interesting for both hamster and owner. Be sure to research beyond this article as well.

2. Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish)

Bettas are extremely popular fish that are often kept in horrendous conditions in chain pet stores and Walmarts. On average, they will likely not survive a few months in captivity. With the proper care, however, they can live around three years, and some individuals can exceed this number.

Betta Fish Lifespan Info

• Average: 3–4 years
• Well-cared-for + luck: 5 years
• Max age reported: 9 years

Betta Fish Care Advice

1. Tank size: Do not keep these fish in the small bowls that they are typically sold and marketed in. Planted jars are also unsuitable for them. Bettas might survive in this size for a short period of time, but that is not an optimal quality of life for these fish. They should be housed in at least a 2-gallon aquarium, but at least 5 gallons is ideal.
2. Feed proper fish food: Frozen blood worms, daphnia, and brine shrimp are recommended.
3. Water quality: The quality of the water is the main reason fish die in captivity, so proper filtration and water changes must be carried out. This is more imperative for the small tanks that bettas are generally kept in. It is recommended to change out the water twice a week. Temperature must be adequate and maintained as well. They prefer warmer water, so a temperature of around 74 degrees is recommended.

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3. Guinea Pigs

Another widely popular small pet is the guinea pig. These animals make good pets for people unsure about their long-term pet-keeping abilities and for young children, provided they are willing to clean cages at least every other day.

Guinea pigs require a simple diet and enclosure. These animals generally live for five years, but it is not uncommon for well-cared-for individuals to exceed this number.

If you must have an animal that won't be around after five years, this isn't the animal for you, though long-haired varieties of guinea pigs do tend to have shorter lives.

Guinea Pig Lifespan Info

• Average: Roughly 4–5 years
• Well-cared-for + luck: 5–8 years
• Max age reported: 14 years

Guinea Pig Care Advice

1. Feed a healthy diet: As with all animals, guinea pigs will generally live longer if consideration is given to what they eat. Guinea pigs should have a high-quality pelleted diet as well as Timothy hay or orchard grass (not alfalfa hay). The diet should contain or be supplemented with vitamin C in the form of oranges, kiwi, parsley beet greens, and other sources.
2. Guinea pigs are social: It might help to have more than one animal. Be sure to pair animals properly according to gender and the personality of the pet. Males fight sometimes, so monitor the situation and be aware. They should also consistently have some cuddle time with their owners.
3. Caging should be appropriately sized: C&C cages are popular choices that provide ample room and are the easiest to clean. Many owners add attractive ledges that lead to secondary levels for even more exploration room.

4. Chameleons

There are two species of commonly kept chameleons that have expected lifespans of five years and under: the panther chameleon and the veiled chameleon. Female panther chameleons have an even shorter lifespan (three years) if they are used as breeders (most owners buy males for their colors).

These animals require advanced care in comparison to the other animals on this list. They are specialized lizards that are prone to stress.

Unfortunately for chameleons, they live high-stress lives that eventually take a toll on them. In the wild, their lifespans are reduced to around three years for males and two for females.

Chameleon Lifespan Info

• Average: 5 years
• Well-cared-for + luck: 6–8 years
• Max age reported: 13 years for veiled and around 8 years for panther

Chameleon Care Advice

1. Make preparations: Research these animals thoroughly before considering them. Also, be sure to set up their cage in advance before bringing the animal home. They are not inexpensive, depending on how much you're willing to spend for a short-lived pet ($200–$400 range).
2. Diet: Chameleons require a varied diet of insects. This includes crickets, mealworms, wax moths, and roaches.
3. Vet care: Visits to a veterinarian are recommended since chameleons are prone to developing metabolic bone disease.
4. Get a proper living environment: Babies require smaller housing before being moved to a specialized tall and vertical screen cage, around 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Other aspects of husbandry that require research include lighting (they need exposure to UVA rays), humidity, live plants (for climbing), and potential health problems.

5. Mice

It's not really a shocker that mice are short-lived, being small and high-strung. If you want a temporary pet, mice seem to fit the bill. There are no worries about the possibility that they might live past three years—this is extremely rare.

There are many varieties of mice, but for the most part, they will not live longer than a mere two years. Non-domesticated mice might live longer, possibly up to five years.

Many strains of domesticated mice are prone to health conditions such as tumors and immune deficiencies. Mice are the model organism of choice used by scientists to explore these conditions in the laboratory, so there is a wealth of longevity studies that mouse keepers can explore.

As with the other species on this list, diet, stress reduction, and a healthy environment are paramount to reaching a three-year lifespan for your pet mouse. Mice, like other small rodents, are very active, so do not underestimate how much space they need for their enclosure.

Mice Lifespan Info

• Average: 2 years
• Well-cared-for + luck: 3 years
• Max age reported: 7 years

Mice Care Advice

• Housing: Multi-level housing is recommended since mice like to climb. A wire cage works best. Aspen shavings work well as bedding.
• Diet: Pellets are readily available at pet stores. You could supplement this with small amounts of fruits and vegetables.
• Watch for swelling: Tumors are fairly common in mice. Unfortunately, they are often malignant. Most tumors can be surgically removed, but they often come back.

6. Rats

Rats are the second most popular model organism in research, and they, too, have plenty of longevity studies committed to them.

Rats possess an unappreciated intelligence and make wonderful pets. They form emotional bonds with their owners and are quite playful. They can even be trained to use a litter box and perform tricks. Do not short them on the best care just because of their unfair reputation.

Rat longevity is determined mainly by genetics, but their quality of life and nutrition also play important roles.

Rat Lifespan Info

• Average: 2–3.5 years
• Well-cared-for + luck: 4 years
• Max age reported: 7 years and 4 months

Rat Care Advice

• They are social: You may consider getting a pair of rats. They are very social animals and do better if they have a buddy. Two males will get along if they are litter mates or were introduced at a young age. You shouldn't get a male and female together unless you want a lot of rats very quickly.
• Diet: Ready-made pellets are available. You can also give them some fruits, vegetables, and mealworms.
• Exercise: Rats need a considerable amount of exercise. Large cages and a wheel are recommended.

7. Zebra Finches

Zebra finches are among the shortest-lived bird species that are commonly kept as pets. They barely make this list, however, as their minimum expected lifespan with good care starts at five years. They could live as long as 10 years or more.

They are generally low-maintenance pets, as they feed on seeds (other birds, such as cockatiels, should not be fed diets like this).

These birds are not interactive pets, so their permanent caging must allow for plenty of flight room so the birds can get exercise. There should be one pair per cage.

Zebra Finch Lifespan Info

• Average: 5 years
• Well-cared-for + luck: 6–8 years
• Max age reported: 12 years

Zebra Finch Care Advice

• Cage dimensions: These birds prefer to move horizontally, so their cage should ideally be longer; a tall cage is not vital. Thirty inches long and 18 inches high is a good size. Be sure to include swings and ladders.
• Where to place them: These birds will do well in a quiet corner of your home. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near the AC. They don't crave social interaction, so an isolated corner will do well.
• Diet: The ideal feed is a good-quality seed mix and some greens, such as Romaine lettuce, kale, and spinach.

8. Domesticated Hedgehogs

Despite their appearance, hedgehogs are not rodents. They are also not related to porcupines. The white and grey species that are normally seen in the pet trade are referred to as African pygmy hedgehogs, and they are actually hybrids.

Despite extensive breeding in captivity, this species maintains strong similarities with their wild cousins. This should be taken into consideration when deciding on an enclosure, methods of handling, and exercise requirements.

Cancer is a common cause of death in older hedgehogs. Keep in mind that some states ban owning hedgehogs, so check your local laws if you are interested in having one as a pet.

Hedgehog Lifespan Info

• Average: 3–5 years
• Well-cared-for + luck: 6–10 years
• Max age reported: 10 years

Hedgehog Care Advice

1. Exercise: Weight gain due to lack of exercise can shorten a hedgehog's lifespan and promote fatty liver disease. A means of exercise must be provided, and the cage must be large. Not all hedgehogs will use hamster wheels. Here is some great info on hedgehog housing recommendations.
2. Stress: Do not handle often. When handling, be gentle and aware of the stress this might cause.
3. Diet: Feed the hedgehog a balanced diet to promote longevity. Food can include fruit, insects, cooked meats, and vegetables. Commercial hedgehog food is available.

9. Short-Tailed Opossums

Short-tailed opossums also look like rodents, but they are actually marsupials like kangaroos. They possess a prehensile tail. These solitary animals are insectivorous, but in captivity, they eat prepared foods supplemented with various animal protein sources.

Their dispositions vary, and they require a patient owner who can tame them. They can exercise with a correctly sized hamster wheel.

Short-tailed Opossum Lifespan info

• Average: 4 years
• Well-cared-for + luck: 5–6 years
• Max age reported: 8 years

Short-tailed Opossum Care Advice

• Legality: These animals are considered exotic pets, so check your local laws before you consider owning one.
• Housing: A secure enclosure is strongly recommended, as these animals are quite good at escaping. A wire cage may work best, along with some type of perch for them to climb. Corncob sheddings are the ideal bedding.
• Diet: Manufactured feed is now available for these animals. You could also provide mealworms, fruits, and vegetables.

10. Octopuses

As one would guess, this is a very uncommon pet. They are not for beginners to marine invertebrates. By the time most octopuses reach adulthood (which is when people keep them as pets), they have, at best, a year left to live.

Unfortunately, despite the considerable effort one must make to successfully care for an octopus, they are short-lived creatures. However, they are perfect for the adventurous, advanced aquarium enthusiast who doesn't want to make a long-term commitment.

Octopuses are famous for being intelligent. They require escape-proof tanks.

Octopus Lifespan Info

• Average: 6 months to 5 years, depending on the species
• Well-cared-for + luck: 2–5 years

Octopus Care Advice

• Be knowledgeable: Different species have different needs. They grow to different sizes, and each species needs different water temperatures. The California two-spot octopus is the most common species kept as a pet.
• Tank size: The ideal tank size for a California two-spot octopus is 50 gallons minimum. Bigger is always better, and it may be a necessity for larger species. The tank should have lots of hiding places and caves.
• Diet: Octopuses are hunters. Many owners report that they prefer to be given live food, which can include crabs, shrimp, snails, and small fish.

11. Gerbils

Just like with rats, mice, and hedgehogs, the longevity of a gerbil depends on its genetics and quality of care. Gerbils require similar environments to hamsters, but they are primarily diurnal, meaning they will likely synch better with your schedule. Here is a great guide for tips on caring for a gerbil.

Gerbil Lifespan Info

• Average: 3–4 years
• Well-cared-for + luck: 5 years
• Max age reported: 8 years

Gerbil Care Advice

• Housing: Keep gerbils in at least a 20-gallon cage or tank with plenty of the recommended bedding. They love to burrow and tunnel, so provide inches of the material.
• Diet: Feed them premium gerbil food and supplement them with fresh vegetables.
• Daily care: Handle carefully and make sure they get plenty of exercise.

Other Pets That Live for Five Years on Average

A few other pets have lifespan averages of a little over five years, including:

• Rabbits
• Prairie dogs
• Anole lizards
• Flying squirrels
• Chipmunks
• Ferrets

Pets That Live Longer Than Five Years

Here is a list of pets that live longer than most people think:

• Goldfish: 10–15 years
• Hermit Crabs: 30 years
• Small parrots (budgies, cockatiels, parakeets): 15+ years
• Small snakes: 15+ years
• Turtles and tortoises: 40+
• Iguanas: 20–25 years
• Common pet frogs: 15+ years

Sources and Further Reading

• Choosing and Keeping a Pet Octopus | TFH Magazine
  
• Hedgehog Care Sheet | PetMD
  
• How Long Do Betta Fish Live? Lifespan and How to Help Your Pet Live Longer
  
• How Long Do Gerbils Live? | PetMD
  
• How Long Do Guinea Pigs Live? Lifespan and How to Help Your Pet Live Longer
  
• How Long Do Hamsters Live? | PetMD
  
• How Long Do Pet Mice Live? | PetMD
  
• How Long Do Rats Live? | PetMD
  
• Should You Keep a Short-Tailed Opossum as a Pet?
  
• Veiled Chameleon Care Sheet | PetMD
  
• The Zebra Finch: Size, Personality, Diet, Lifespan, and More
  

© 2014 Melissa A Smith

Comments

Bleu on July 15, 2020:

@Emma

Most places that give out information on hermit crabs are giving out wrong information. Like the larger pet store chains, they will say they can go in tiny cages with a wet sponge for water and fish gravel. In that case yes they only live 1 - 2 years...

With proper care, a 10 - 20 gallon tank, longs and bushes for them to explore, a nice most (but not soaking) dig-able substrate (Such as coco fiber or echo earth), two water dishes of salt and fresh water (NO SPONGE! It spreds germs an fungus and can kill them.) then they can certainly live a very long time in captivity to 20 or 30 years, or even a little past that.

Emma on July 03, 2020:

Do hermit crabs really live for 30 years in captivity? I’ve heard from numerous sources saying that they don’t live that long in captivity and only live 30 years in their natural habitat. I may be wrong but I think that that isn’t quite correct. Great article though!!

lulu on June 03, 2019:

is there a way to keep your pets from stinking up your bedroom? if anyone has an answer please tell me.

me on January 10, 2019:

Any pet can be 2-4 life

if u are bad at taking care of the pet

Melissa Sowers on October 26, 2018:

I have 2 bettas that are 10. They do not have short life spans if you take care of them properly.

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on August 26, 2018:

Thank you Zoe.

Zoe Krichec from USA on August 20, 2018:

Great article! Had a lot of great information in a very easy and fun to read layout.

Uglyiest human being ever on July 23, 2018:

No hamsters are at Max 100 I got my hamster her cage and all her food plus all her tubes for about $80

Kiwi on July 17, 2018:

the cost of a hamster can be 100 to 300 dollars so... yeah and you have to get them 40 gallon...

Ro on December 02, 2017:

One of my ginuea piggys lived till it was about 4. The other one lived till it was almost 10.

We've had 4 pet rats, and my sisters also had many. They actually seem o only live about 2 years. We all had females, they almost all got mammary or brain cancers by about 2, one had to be put down she was in so much pain. Basically, they make absolutely lovely pets, they're smart, friendly ect. but not for the faint of heart. Towards the end of their lives you can be dealing with blood, tumours, and near constant care... it's quite upsetting, so I definitly wouldn't reccomend them for kids who might not understand or know how to deal with such specific issues in older age or get upset easily.

sarah on December 22, 2016:

I wouldn't do guinea pigs mine lived to be 8

Kate Bowles on August 24, 2015:

Great article, full of good information. My daughter is a sophomore in high school, and wants a pet, so short lifespan will be ideal for us.

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on June 19, 2015:

Dez that's an excellent suggestion, wish I thought of that.

Penny Leigh Sebring from Fort Collins on June 18, 2015:

Also excellent advice! Older pets need great homes too.

dez on June 18, 2015:

remember if you want a pet that wont live more then 5 years, you can also adopt an old cat or dog. Older pets make great pets and are usually easier as they come pre-potty trained. :)

Penny Leigh Sebring from Fort Collins on June 04, 2014:

Yes they can, and live albino rats can be used for food everywhere by Anchorage itself. There really aren't any wild or feral populations of reptiles other than turtles. Not only does the cold winter get to them, but the fact that there is very little sunlight during the winter months also causes problems for their survival.

ZookeeperByNature on June 04, 2014:

But now this begs the question - can frozen rats still be shipped and used as reptile food in Alaska?

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on June 02, 2014:

Breck123-- Now that's funny. Large snakes are legal, but their FOOD isn't. Good, maybe that will make people unable to feed rats live. On a more serious note, those reptiles would never survive a New York winter, so they certainly wouldn't last in an Alaskan winter, but I don't think domesticated rats would either.

Breck123 on June 02, 2014:

Just checked Alaska's regulations on exotics. Your right, rats are banned! Yet, they allow large pythons, alligators, and crocodiles..... Now don't get me wrong, I believe that anyone has the right to own whatever they want, but I mean, if your going to allow large reptiles, why ban rats?

Rozalyn Winters on June 02, 2014:

Wow. Who knew? They do make awesome pets. I'd have to agree, I don't think the docile fancy rat would stand a chance against the wild black rats.

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on June 02, 2014:

Penny Sebring-- My goodness, how silly. Not to try to make light of exotic pets and their relationship with the ecosystem, but if we haven't seen any outbreaks within the continental U.S. with domesticated rats despite IMMENSE popularity as pets, including in the warm regions (Florida, Texas, Louisiana), how do rats have a snowball's chance of proliferating in Alaska? I doubt any domesticated rat would stand a chance against the real invader, Rattus rattus (the black rat). I'm betting you have domesticated cats running around outdoors though, right Penny? This stuff drives me mad.

Penny Leigh Sebring from Fort Collins on June 02, 2014:

Only albino pet rats are allowed anywhere in Alaska, and no rats at all allowed in Anchorage. The government up here is concerned about them escaping and becoming a danger to the ecosystem.

Rozalyn Winters on June 01, 2014:

Yes--the cleaning was a real pain--but it was worth it. :-) I think the hamsters really enjoyed all the different rooms. They'd specify places to store their food throughout and every single one loved to sleep in the smallest box that was perched out of the top of the unit. I think it made them feel safe and cozy.

I was wondering about the illegal rats as well. That is really a bummer, Penny. We had fancy rats growing up and they were awesome pets--so intelligent, you could train some of them to come to their names! I'm thinking of getting my son a couple of them soon. I hope the laws change there--I never knew there were places that rats were illegal as pets. :-)

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on June 01, 2014:

Penny Sebring-- Rats are illegal where you are? Wow.

Rozalyn Winters-- Yes, I remember the gunk that would get trapped in Habitrail products. We kept a few hamsters in my childhood.

Penny Leigh Sebring from Fort Collins on May 31, 2014:

My favorites of this group were always the fancy rats. They are so friendly and smart. I enjoyed training them when I lived where I was allowed to have them. If they ever become legal in my town, I'll be one of the first people to bring them home!

Rozalyn Winters on May 31, 2014:

This is really well written and informative. I grew up with hamsters and the Habitrail tube system. It was so much fun to make cool quarters for my furry friends (love that pic!!) but the cleaning of those systems was quite a lot of work--lots of nooks and crannies. :-)

I agree that you need to be careful about the age you start kids with these critters, not only for care-taking reasons, but also to be sure the child can cope with their shorter life-span. I recall being very upset having coming home from school one day, and finding out that my most favorite pet had passed away.

Parents need to handle these situations gently and with care. Keeping small pets is one way to help children learn about the circle of life, especially for city-kids who aren't exposed to farms, etc.

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 30, 2014:

Thanks marieloves

Marie from Canada on May 30, 2014:

Great hub, Melissa! I always wanted a hedgehog because they are so cute.

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 27, 2014:

Thanks TrudyVan

TrudyVan Curre from South Africa on May 27, 2014:

Hello there. wow what an awesome hub.