One of the most common assumptions you may have heard if you’ve ever been thinking of a small pet is that they don’t live very long. That’s a fair statement, but it only applies to some of them. There are a few smaller animals that can live nearly as long as a dog or cat, as long as you provide them with the right care, nutrition, and habitat. These animals make wonderful long-term friends for people who desire a unique pet experience. Here are 14 small pets that are surprisingly long-lived.
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Chinchilla
Chinchillas are small pets you should consider if you’re interested in a long-term commitment. These rodents have the potential to live up to twenty years, far outlasting hamsters or gerbils. Their fur is thick and soft, but it cannot get wet. Owners must provide them with dust baths for them to maintain their coats.
Leopard gecko
The leopard gecko comes from the rocky deserts of South Asia. They are peaceful creatures who live to a ripe old age. In fact, many make it into their late teens. Some live well past 20 years old. Leopard geckos are crepuscular which means they are most active around dawn and dusk.
They also like their routine. Since they lack adhesive toe pads, leopard geckos live on the ground. This means they are not great escape artists. If you provide a warm hide, dry hide, humid hide for shedding, and calcium dusted bugs, you’ll have a calm pet for many years to come.
Sugar glider
Tiny, nocturnal, and energetic, sugar gliders make interesting pets for experienced owners. With a lifespan of up to 15 years, these are not “short term” pets. They require companionship, a pair is best, and love to climb, glide, and explore vertical space in their cage. A varied diet of foods such as insects and fruit, and nightly interaction will keep them active and happy.
Axolotl
Axolotls are also called “Peter Pan salamanders.” This is because they never “grow up”. They can live in your home aquarium for 10 to 15 years if you provide the right conditions. Axolotls have feathery gill branches that grow from their heads like magical crowns. Their gills help them breathe underwater as they slowly drift through their tank.
In some ways, these guys are rather fragile. They need clean water and cold temperatures to be happy. But axolotls are tougher than many other exotic pets. They are fascinating to watch, like having a living piece of science and magic in your own living room.
African pygmy hedgehog
Tiny enough to hold in your hand, African Pygmy Hedgehogs can still be surprisingly long-lived pets. Many live 8-10 years with the proper care. As insectivores by nature, crickets, mealworms and other high protein foods are important for their diet.
African Pygmy Hedgehogs are solitary creatures but taming them with frequent handling is possible. Hedgehogs can be very active after dark, so it’s not uncommon for them to spend hours a night exploring their cage or running on their wheel.
Diamond dove
Tiny and pretty, diamond doves are sweet-natured and can live for more than a decade. They are prized for their white-dotted wings, which resemble diamonds in the sunlight. They have a peaceful demeanor and a gentle cooing sound that can be very soothing to many owners.
Finches
Finches may be the ideal birds for you if you like to watch active little birds but don’t like to handle them. Finches are small and very social. They prefer the company of other birds and do best in groups of two or more. On average, finches can live between 5 and 10 years if they are provided with proper food and space.
Pacman frog
A Pacman frog is not your everyday pet. With their large mouths and chubby bodies, they live on average 8–10 years. They are ambush predators and prefer to sit motionless until prey approaches and then strike. They don’t take up much space, just need a tank, moist substrate and regular misting.
Corn snake
The corn snake is a beginner’s pet reptile. Lifespans of 15–20 years make them a long-term pet commitment. Corn snakes reach a size that is easy to handle and provide for. Feeding them is a simple matter of mostly providing frozen-thawed mice. They’re one of the most commonly kept pet snakes in the world.
Cockatiel
These small parrots may be modest in size, but they’re big on personality. A cockatiel often lives 10–15 years in captivity. Their distinctive whistles and crest displays make them endlessly entertaining. They’re friendly and affectionate, often preferring to ride on a shoulder or perch nearby.
Ball python
Ball pythons are often called the gentle giants of the snake world. They grow only a few feet in length and are still fairly easy to manage. Ball pythons are a 30 year commitment so be sure that you are ready for that! They curl up into a ball for protection, which makes them absolutely adorable.
Guinea pig
Guinea pigs are active, sociable pets that can live for 6–8 years. They should always be kept in pairs or larger groups because they are very unhappy if left alone. Guinea pigs have a range of noises, from purring softly to squealing, with which they show us their state of mind.
Rabbit
Rabbits may look delicate, but with good care they can live to be 10 years or more. They require roomy cages and time outside of the cage to run around daily. They are very social, curious, and love to bond with kind humans.
Hermit crab
Hermit crabs are silent, tiny pets that can live well over 10 years. They bring their own portable homes, and they love to climb and explore. Put a few together in the right environment, and you’ll be amazed at how active and entertaining these little critters can be.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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